Changes in strength and deformability of porous building stones after wáter saturation

Abstract

Rock materials are used in structural element of emblematic buildings, retaining systems, bridge piers, harbours or as replacement material of architectural monuments. These constructions are commonly in moist environments or in direct contact with water, but standard tests usually determine rock mechanical properties under dry conditions. Furthermore, it is well known that moisture is a key factor in the strength of rocks. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of water saturation on strength and deformability of three calcarenite stones from the province of Alicante (Spain). For this purpose, mechanical properties of calcarenites under dry and saturated conditions were measured. The results showed significant reductions of compressive strength and Young´s modulus due to wáter saturation, so it indicates that it is necessary to consider the saturation effect when these stones are exposed to water during its lifetime as well as to incorporate it into the calculation models.