Abstract
It is known that foundation problems are caused by the dissolution of gypsum due to both chemical and mechanical processes. In order to investigate the combined effect of physico-chemical agents on the erodability of gypsum, a series of slake durability tests were carried out on eight different types of gypsum using testing solutions with different pH values. XRD, chemical and petrographical analyses, and basic strength tests such as unconfined compression, Brazilian tensile, and point load were performed on the eight rock types. The slake durability results ranged from medium to very high under the different pH conditions but it was concluded that the slake durability of gypsum is independent of the pH of the testing solution. Mineralogical composition and fabric are considered to have a greater influence on the slake durability of gypsum.
Résumé
On sait que différents problèmes de fondation d’ouvrages résultent de processus de dissolution de gypse. Afin de comprendre les effets combinés des agents physico-chimiques sur les processus d’érosion-dissolution du gypse, une série d’essais de durabilité a été mise en oeuvre sur huit types de gypse avec des solutions tests de différents pH. Des analyses chimiques et pétrographiques et des mesures diffractométriques RX ainsi que des essais classiques de résistance mécanique tels que l’essai de compression simple, l’essai de traction brésilien et l’essai entre pointes ont été réalisés sur huit types de roches. Les essais de durabilité ont donné des résultats variables pour les différents pH utilisés, mais il est apparu que les résultats de cet essai ne dépendaient pas du pH de la solution utilisée. La composition minéralogique et la texture de la roche gypseuse ont une plus grande influence sur les résultats de cet essai de durabilité.
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Acknowledgment
The authors wish to thank Dr. Israfil Kayabali for XRD and chemical analyses. Dr. Erdogan Tekin kindly examined the thin sections and provided petrographical determinations. Part of the experimental works was carried in the laboratories of Gazi University Civil Engineering Department. Mr. Hasan Kezer deserves thanks for conducting part of the experiments. Thanks are extended to the directors of ABS and Biltepe companies for supplying blocks of gypsum.
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Kayabali, K., Beyaz, T. & Kolay, E. The effect of the pH of the testing liquid on the slake durability of gypsum. Bull Eng Geol Environ 65, 65–71 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-005-0027-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-005-0027-9