DURABILITY OF CARBONATE ROCK AS BUILDING STONE WITH COMMENTS ON ITS PRESERVATION

Carbonate rocks have been extensively used as building stones because of their availability, workability, and attractiveness. Unfortunately, however, some stones suffer from chemical attack or freeze-thaw activ ity. The environmental affects, especially those due to pollution of t he atmosphere, are discussed in terms of weathering processes, salt cr ystallization, and acid deposition. A review of some recent research i n relation to deterioration of stone in urban environments is given an d carbonate rocks are classified in relation to position within a buil ding, geographical location, and degree of pollution. Some comments on stone preservation are provided, especially in terms of the propertie s a preservative should possess.