Experimental salt weathering of limestones in relation to rock properties

A total of 21 different types of British and European Mesozoic limestones h ave been subjected to simulated salt weathering using sodium sulphate (Na2S O4) with the following aims: assessment of the relative durabilities of dif ferent types of limestone; assessment of the importance of modulus of elast icity and other factors in affecting durability; and assessment of the use of impulse excitation techniques to monitor changes in rock modulus of elas ticity. The rocks showed a wide spectrum of durabilities; while rocks with high values of modulus of elasticity, lower water absorption capacities, hi gh densities and low salt uptakes tended to be durable, there were anomalie s, the explanation for which probably lies in their pore structures. Non-de structive testing techniques showed that, although the more durable rocks f ailed to lose weight or to show visual signs of disintegration, their modul us of elasticity values did tend to decline, indicating a loss in strength. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.