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Non-destructive and on site method to assess the air-permeability in dimension stones and its relationship with other transport-related properties

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Abstract

This work studies the suitability of the “Torrent” air-permeability test method for testing dimension stones. To test its feasibility, measurements were performed on stone slabs with porosities in the range of 0.2–17.2 %. Statistically, accurate and reliable measurements were achieved on stones with open porosities above 2 %. Close relations were found between air-permeability coefficient and other transport-related properties. Therefore, the air-permeability coefficient can be a parameter, on its own, providing useful information about the stone susceptibility to decay. Moreover, a graded classification is suggested with the purpose of providing information for a proper application of stones in constructions.

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Acknowledgments

The authors express their gratitude to Dr. Pedro Cabral from DIMPOMAR, LDA and Eng. Thomas Kleba from MAGRATEX, LDA who generously provided the stones used in this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ICEMS-DEQ, Instituto Superior Técnico, ULisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal

    B. Sena da Fonseca, A. S. Castela, R. G. Duarte & M. F. Montemor

  2. Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, ESTBarreiro, 2839-001, Barreiro, Portugal

    A. S. Castela, R. G. Duarte & R. Neves

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  1. B. Sena da Fonseca
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Correspondence to B. Sena da Fonseca.

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Sena da Fonseca, B., Castela, A.S., Duarte, R.G. et al. Non-destructive and on site method to assess the air-permeability in dimension stones and its relationship with other transport-related properties. Mater Struct 48, 3795–3809 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-014-0440-2

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