Evaluation of salt weathering in stone using a new test procedure: a comparative laboratory study

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Published: Jun 17, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/monubasin.8213
Keywords:
Salt crystallization Natural stone Micro-destructive tests RILEM
Loucas Kyriakou
Ioannis Ioannou
Magdalini Theodoridou
Derrick Mwebaza
Abstract

Exposure to natural weathering and deleterious agents poses a significant risk to traditional porous building materials, like stone and mortar, with salt crystallization featuring as a prominent degradation mechanism. Despite the existence of standardized laboratory tests to assess the salt crystallization resistance of stone, the international scientific community still seeks more reliable and reproducible alternatives. In this framework, RILEM TC ASC-271 recently recommended a novel accelerated test procedure for assessing the resistance of natural stone and fired-clay brick units against salt crystallization. This study assesses RILEM’s recommendation by comparing results from laboratories in Cyprus and the UK on a particular lithotype. The interlaboratory results show similar mass losses, with higher values reported with an increase in the salt concentration used. Micro-destructive cutting tests adopted to locate the salt crystallization front at the end of the procedure revealed layers of increased resistance behind the evaporation surface of the test specimens because of pore clogging. The reproducibility of the results reported and the efficiency of the micro-destructive cutting techniques employed in mapping the salt front suggest that the new test recommendation may be used effectively in the lab to predict damage due to salt crystallization in natural stone.

Article Details
  • Section
  • Part IV - Methodologies for Characterization and Damage Assessment

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Author Biographies
Loucas Kyriakou

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

Ioannis Ioannou

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

Magdalini Theodoridou

School of Engineering, Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Derrick Mwebaza

School of Engineering, Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

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