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Geotechnical characterization of low-porous limestones (beige–cream marble, Turkey) and evaluation of durability by salt crystallization experiments

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Abstract

Water, which is an important factor considering the decay of building stones, dissolves salts and causes them to move into the pores in stones. Salts are the most important deterioration agents for stones. Three low-porous limestones (beige-cream marble) were examined in this research. The selected limestone samples are characterized by mineralogical-petrographic (optical microscope, SEM), chemical (XRF), and mechanical-physical properties. The durability of the tested limestones was investigated using a salt crystallization test according to TS EN 12,370. These tests were conducted by applying immersion-drying cycles with water containing sodium sulfate or sodium chloride. The weight loss of the samples was determined after 15 cycles. Changes in the structure of the limestones (beige-cream marble) after these salt crystallization tests were determined using SEM, uniaxial compressive strengths, and ultrasonic wave measurements. According to test results of the salt crystallization values, all tested limestones had a dry weight loss of less than 1.0%. The ultrasonic sound velocity and uniaxial compressive strengths were measured before and after the tests. The analysis of the strength test results on samples subjected to salt crystallization showed a decreased resistance for the limestones. This situation is confirmed by decreased P-wave velocity values. The changes reached from 2.12 to 14.67% for sodium sulfate solution. These ratios were in the range of 2.64 to 10.66% at the sodium chloride solution. Results suggested that the beige-cream marbles are fine-grained limestone, characterized by low porosity and, consequently, very notable salt crystallization resistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Marble Technology, Afyon Vocational School, Afyon Kocatepe University, ANS Campus, 03200, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

    Mustafa Yavuz Çelik

  2. Marble and Natural Stone Research and Application Center, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

    Ozhan Ozkan

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  1. Mustafa Yavuz Çelik
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Correspondence to Mustafa Yavuz Çelik.

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Çelik, M.Y., Ozkan, O. Geotechnical characterization of low-porous limestones (beige–cream marble, Turkey) and evaluation of durability by salt crystallization experiments. Bull Eng Geol Environ 81, 56 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-021-02560-4

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