This work investigates the response of porous carbonate building stone
s to acid deposition during a short-term exposure period and the chara
cteristics that influence their reactivity and/or durability. Several
carbonate porous stones used in Spanish and English monuments were exp
osed to English urban and suburban environments. In each location they
were both exposed to and sheltered from rainfall. Monthly analyses we
re carried out in order to investigate any possible sign of reaction.
In addition, some physical properties of the stones relating to transf
er of moisture were determined. Results indicate that the reactivity o
f these stones is relatively high, significant signs of reaction were
detected within only a few months of exposure. Under the same environm
ental conditions, the response and reactivity of porous carbonate ston
es are determined by their petrophysical characteristics.