Introducing the physico-mechanical parameter for estimating the durability of travertine stones against weathering salt

The durability of stone against environmental degradation factors is one of the most important issues related to stone selection for use in engineering structures, in particular stone stones. The crystallization of soluble salts is one of the most important weathering factors in nature, which can affect the mechanical properties of rock (such as uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength) and, over time, can decay and reduce its durability. In this research, a physico-mechanical parameter has been introduced that can assess the mechanical properties of rocks and thus their durability against salt weathering with accurate accuracy. To achieve the research objectives, 15 travertine samples were selected from different mines in Iran. Travertine samples were prepared to determine the physical properties (water absorption, mean pore diameter) and mechanical properties (uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength). Then, the physico-mechanical parameter was calculated, based on the combination of water absorption, mean diameter of the pores and mechanical properties. By performing bivariate regression analysis, the relationship between physico-mechanical parameter with uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength after the salt weather test was investigated and the most suitable relationships for estimating the durability of the samples using a physico-mechanical parameter against weathering is presented. The results show the correct accuracy of the physico-mechanical parameter for estimating the durability of the studied samples. As a result, the Physico-Mechanical Parameter avoids performing a salt crystallization test, which is time-consuming and expensive.
The durability of stone against environmental degradation factors is one of the most important issues related to stone selection for use in engineering structures, in particular stone stones. The crystallization of soluble salts is one of the most important weathering factors in nature, which can affect the mechanical properties of rock (such as uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength) and, over time, can decay and reduce its durability. In this research, a physico-mechanical parameter has been introduced that can assess the mechanical properties of rocks and thus their durability against salt weathering with accurate accuracy. To achieve the research objectives, 15 travertine samples were selected from different mines in Iran. Travertine samples were prepared to determine the physical properties (water absorption, mean pore diameter) and mechanical properties (uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength). Then, the physico-mechanical parameter was calculated, based on the combination of water absorption, mean diameter of the pores and mechanical properties. By performing bivariate regression analysis, the relationship between physico-mechanical parameter with uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength after the salt weather test was investigated and the most suitable relationships for estimating the durability of the samples using a physico-mechanical parameter against weathering is presented. The results show the correct accuracy of the physico-mechanical parameter for estimating the durability of the studied samples. As a result, the Physico-Mechanical Parameter avoids performing a salt crystallization test, which is time-consuming and expensive