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Relationships Between Petrophysical and Mechanical Properties of Certain Calcarenites Used in Building

Geotechnical and Geological Engineering volume 39, pages 5021–5040 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Mendicino calcarenite was once widely used in traditional constructions by Italy’s foremost stonemasons’ schools. This paper provides a complete physico-mechanical characterization in order to improve understanding of strength and durability properties and so apply that knowledge to conservation and new construction. Stone samples from three lithofacies are taken from the following quarries of Cosenza province: Scannelle in Malito; Cannataro in Carolei; Albanese in San Lucido. Samples are subjected to: X-ray diffraction, mercury intrusion porosimetry, ultrasonic pulse velocity, capillary water absorption, uniaxial compressive, flexural, point load tests with respect to the X, Y, Z axes. Malito samples exhibit creamy colour, better hydric behaviour, low open porosity, reduced water absorption capability, isotropic hydric behaviour, higher fossil abundance (both in number and size) than the lithofacies taken from Carolei and San Lucido, which exhibit whitish colour, greater strength and more homogeneous texture. The greater compactness of Carolei and San Lucido samples can be ascribed to homogeneity and low porosity and their better mechanical properties to textural features. Anisotropy plays an important role. Placing stone samples along the Z axis prevents water intrusion, and improves mechanical strength. Isotropy and compact and heterogeneous fabric in stones result in higher strength and lower water absorption.

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Data availability

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by “Programa Geomateriales 2 (S2013/MIT-2914)” and by “Fondi 5 per mille D.P.C.M. 23/04/2010”. We also acknowledge Top Heritage (P2018/NMT-4372) programme from the Regional Government of Madrid (Spain). The authors wish to acknowledge professional support of the Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform from CSIC Open Heritage: Research and Society (PTI-PAIS).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Energy, Materials, and Environment – GEMA research group, Department of Infrastructure and Mechanical Systems, Universidad de La Sabana, Campus universitario del Puente del Común, km.7 Autopista norte Bogotá, Chía, Cundinamarca, Colombia

    Giulia Forestieri

  2. Instituto de Geociencias IGEO (CSIC-UCM), Spanish Research Council – Complutense University of Madrid, c/ Doctor Severo Ochoa 7, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    Mónica Álvarez de Buergo

Authors
  1. Giulia Forestieri
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  2. Mónica Álvarez de Buergo
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design.

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Correspondence to Giulia Forestieri.

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Forestieri, G., de Buergo, M.Á. Relationships Between Petrophysical and Mechanical Properties of Certain Calcarenites Used in Building . Geotech Geol Eng 39, 5021–5040 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-021-01810-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-021-01810-2

Keywords

  • Building stones
  • Characterization
  • Anisotropy
  • Minero‐petrographical characterization
  • Mechanical properties