Prediction of weathering by thermal degradation of a coarse-grained marble using ultrasonic pulse velocity

Engineering properties of building stones can vary because of degradation by weathering agents. Thermal fluctuation is one of the most important agents on deteriorations such as sugaring, bowing, cracking and spalling of marble. As a result, physical and mechanical properties of marble used in the construction of old and/or modern structures are adversely affected by time. On the other hand, some properties of building stones are always required for decision of rehabilitation works. Several kinds of conventional tests have been suggested for characterization of stones, to measure their properties or to evaluate conservation or repair works. However, in most cases, sampling from historical buildings is not possible. Therefore, nondestructive testing methods are often suggested for the prediction of weathering grade of building stones. One of the most practical methods for similar purposes is ultrasonic pulse velocity measurement, which can be performed easily. The main goal of this study is attainment of sound empirical correlations between the ultrasonic pulse velocity and engineering properties of previously deteriorated marble. Experimental works were conducted on seven different specimen categories of a coarse-grained marble having different micro-crack frequencies induced by both cyclical heating–cooling and freeze–thaw actions. The experimental results indicated that physical and mechanical properties of Mu?la marble can be reliably estimated for different environmental cases by ultrasonic pulse velocities. P-wave velocities in dry and saturated cases are two sound indicators of both the apparent porosity and the coefficient of capillary absorption, and whereby the sugaring type of deterioration for coarse-grained marbles.     

Prediction of pressuremeter modulus and limit pressure of clayey soils by simple and non-linear multiple regression techniques: a case study from Mersin, Turkey

The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is one of the most frequently applied tests during the geotechnical investigation of soils. Due to its usefulness, the development of empirical equations to predict mechanical and compressibility of soil parameters from the SPT blow count has been an attractive subject for geotechnical engineers and engineering geologists. The purpose of this study is to perform regression analyses between the SPT blow counts and the pressuremeter test parameters obtained from a geotechnical investigation performed in a Mersin (Turkey) city sewerage project. In accordance with this purpose, new empirical equations between pressuremeter modulus (E _M) and corrected SPT blow counts (N ₆₀) and between limit pressure (P _L) and corrected SPT blow counts (N ₆₀) are developed in the study. When developing the empirical equations, in addition to the SPT blow counts, the role of moisture content and the plasticity index of soils on the pressuremeter parameters are also assessed. A series of simple and nonlinear multiple regression analyses are performed. As a result of the analyses, several empirical equations are developed. It is shown that the empirical equations between N ₆₀ and E _M, and N ₆₀ and P _L developed in this study are statistically acceptable. An assessment of the prediction performances of some existing empirical equations, depending on the new data, is also performed in the study. However, the prediction equations proposed in this study and the previous studies are developed using a limited number of data. For this reason, a cross-check should be applied before using these empirical equations for design purposes.     

A correlation between P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness with mechanical properties of travertine building stones

As known, P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness are non-destructive tests, which have been used for many years in geological, geotechnical, and civil engineering as an index tests for a quick assessment of rocks mechanical properties due to its rapidity and easiness, and non-destructiveness. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness with some of mechanical properties of travertine building stones by empirical equations. Moreover, we have compared the accuracy of P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness to estimate the mechanical properties of rocks. For this purpose, 15 types of travertine have been collected from various quarries of Iran and tested. The tests include the determination of P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness, and mechanical properties include the unconfined compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, and point load strength. Using data analysis, empirical equations have been developed for estimating the mechanical properties from P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness. To check the validity of the empirical equations, a t test was performed, which confirmed the validity of the proposed empirical equations. Moreover, the results show that P-wave velocity appears to be more reliable than the Schmidt hardness for estimating the mechanical properties. Consequently, we propose empirical equations avoiding from cumbersome and time consuming tests for determining the mechanical properties of rocks.     

北京大理岩物理力学参数的相关性研究

北京有大量采用房山大理岩制造的石质文物,这使得北京大理岩力学性质的研究对于科学指导文物保护和修复具有重要意义。但由于文物本体取样困难,难以获得其力学参数。因此本文对北京大理岩的物理、力学参数进行测试,通过建立物理参数和力学参数的回归方程,实现利用物理参数评价力学参数的目的。以北京大理岩中的青白石和汉白玉为研究对象,对8个边长为150 mm立方体试样进行施密特回弹测试,对40个Ф50 mm×100 mm的圆柱体试样进行里氏硬度、纵波波速测试和单轴压缩试验,得到了大理岩的回弹值、里氏硬度值、纵波波速与单轴抗压强度、弹性模量。分别以单轴抗压强度和弹性模量为因变量,选择单个或两个物理参数作为自变量建立回归方程。通过对比相关系数发现:（1）对于单个物理参数,单轴抗压强度与D探头里氏硬度值的相关性最好,而弹性模量与回弹值的相关性最好;（2）对于两个物理参数,单轴抗压强度（或弹性模量）都与回弹值和D探头里氏硬度值的组合相关性最好。     

Experimental investigation of limestone of the Faiyah Range area,United Arab Emirates

The paper presents results of a laboratory experimental program performed on limestone rock samples, using both physical and mechanical methods. The studied rocks (Simsima Formation, Upper Cretaceous) can be classified as highly ferruginous and highly fossilliferous limestone. The lower part of the Simsima Formation contains common fauna such as Orbittoids, rhodolithic and rudists, whereas the upper part of the limestone is interbedded with conglomerates. Detailed geological, petrographic in addition to physical and mechanical tests were carried out on some representative samples from the Faiyah area, aiming at getting a better understanding of the important properties of these rocks. It is shown that the uniaxial unconfined compressive stress is the controlling factor of classification of the Faiyah limestone.     

Estimation of Durability Aspects of Al Masjid Al-Haram Marble,Makkah City,Saudi Arabia

The durability is a measure of the rock’s ability to resist degradation during its working life. Rock durability is greatly related to the mineralogical composition of rocks, rock texture (crystal interlocking, crystal shape and size), and the nature of fluids that are in contact with rock. Marbles have been among the most important building materials since ancient times. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the durability of Al Masjid Al-Haram marble and Ordinary white marble “Carrara” (M₁ and M₂) and develop some correlations among the physical and mechanical properties such as P-wave velocity, slake durability index, dry uniaxial compressive strength (UCS_Dry), abrasion resistance, point load index, impact strength index, Brazilian tensile strength, and Shore hardness. After testing and the evaluation of the test results, strong statistical correlations were found between P-wave velocity and other rock properties. Statistical correlations between the UCS_Dry other tests were also carried out. The coefficients of regressions (R²) range from 0.6177 to 0.997. The study shows that the UCS_Dry values of M1 and M2 have positive relationship with P wave velocities. Concluding remark is that the rocks tested in the study have good durability characteristics and can be reliably used for construction projects. On the other hand, the derived empirical equations can be used for the estimation purposes for similar rock types.     

Impacts of karst phenomena on engineering properties of limestone foundation bed,Ar Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Evaluation of mechanical and petrophysical properties of the karst limestone became essential to avoid future risks in the construction of new urban cities built on limestones. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of karsts phenomena on engineering properties of limestone foundation bed at Ar Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Three hundred core plugs were obtained by rotary drilling at depths ranging from the ground surface to 20 m collected from 24 boreholes in two sites: (1) karst limestone (KL) at Al Aziziyah district and (2) massive hard limestone (HL) at Hittin district in Ar Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Petrographic, SEM, EDX, and XRD analyses are used to identify the mineralogical composition and microstructures of limestone samples. The petrophysical properties included the ovendry density, P-wave, and porosity where the mechanical properties covered the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), point load strength index (PLI), and rock quality designation (RQD) for the karst and hard limestone samples. KL is characterized by 17.11% total porosity, 14.71% water absorption, 32.1 MPa UCS, 1.70 g/cm³ ovendry density (γ dry), 51% weathered RQD, 5.49 MPa medium shear strength, and low modulus of deformation of the plate loading test. HL showed 11.63% total porosity, 9.45% water absorption 43.1 MPa UCS, 2.50 g/cm³ ovendry density (γ dry), 78% hard to fresh rock affinity RQD, and 9.93 MPa high strength and high modulus of deformation of the plate loading test. For the water absorption (%), KL at Al Aziziyah district showed a range of 12.85–17.80% averaged 14.71%. HL at Hittin district varied between 7.04 and 11.29% with an average of 9.45%. KL proved to be dense with ovendry density (γ dry) averaged at 1.70 g/cm³ while HL showed very dense affinity of 2.50 g/cm³. KL clarified a UCS range from 22.5 to 40.1 MPa and an average of 32.1 MPa while HL showed a range from 35.4 t o 48.1 MPa with an average of 43.1 MPa. KL is moderately weathered with RQD average of 51% while HL showed a hard to fresh rock affinity of 78%. Point load test clarified a medium shear strength with 5.49 MPa for KL and high strength of 9.93 MPa for HL. Plate loading tests indicated low and high modulus of deformation for KL and HL, respectively. Results of petrographical analyses and XED of limestone samples showed that the strength parameters of samples mostly composed of micrite (mudstone/wackestone) and dolomite in hard limestone of Hittin district. In Al Aziziyah district (KL), the samples mostly consist of foraminifera and high amount of calcite as in karst limestone (wackestone/packstone). Rock mechanical tests with combination of fabric analyses have shown that strength parameters depend not only on the amount of karst but also on the amount of allochem. Major geomechanical differences between the two types of limestone provide the proper base for prioritizing areas to alleviate future risks and sustainable urban planning for decision makers. The karstic limestone, therefore, is considered as an acceptable foundation bed for light engineering structures. However, for heavy structures and buildings, improving the foundation bed strength by grouting, cement injection, and mat foundations is necessary to avoid future failure risks.     

基于灰色理论的脆性岩石抗压强度尺寸效应试验研究

采用相同直径不同高度的圆柱形白色大理岩及灰岩试样进行单轴压缩试验研究,验证了脆性岩石抗压强度在一定范围内随高径比的增大而减小的规律。依据岩石单轴压缩试验结果,基于灰色预测GM（1,1）模型建立了脆性岩石的单轴抗压强度与试件高径比之间的非线形关系式,该经验公式对脆性岩石具有统一的形式,同时通过式中参数a值反映了由于岩性、试验条件等不同而引起的强度差异。利用该关系式可以很方便地在相关岩土工程中为相似岩石估算其强度值提供参考、借鉴。     

Prediction of uniaxial compressive strength of sandstones using petrography-based models

The uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock is the main parameter used in almost all engineering projects. The uniaxial compressive strength test requires high quality core samples of regular geometry. The standard cores cannot always be extracted from weak, highly fractured, thinly bedded, foliated and/or block-in-matrix rocks. For this reason, the simple prediction models become attractive for engineering geologists. Although, the sandstone is one of the most abundant rock type, a general prediction model for the uniaxial compressive strength of sandstones does not exist in the literature. The main purposes of the study are to investigate the relationships between strength and petrographical properties of sandstones, to construct a database as large as possible, to perform a logical parameter selection routine, to discuss the key petrographical parameters governing the uniaxial compressive strength of sandstones and to develop a general prediction model for the uniaxial compressive strength of sandstones. During the analyses, a total of 138 cases including uniaxial compressive strength and petrographic properties were employed. Independent variables for the multiple prediction model were selected as quartz content, packing density and concavo–convex type grain contact. Using these independent variables, two different prediction models such as multiple regression and ANN were developed. Also, a routine for the selection of the best prediction model was proposed in the study. The constructed models were checked by using various prediction performance indices. Consequently, it is possible to say that the constructed models can be used for practical purposes.     

Petrography and decay of a marly limestone in the cloister of a medieval cathedral in Sicily

This paper deals with a significant process of decohesion of a marly limestone, taking place in the cloister of the medieval Cathedral of Cefalù, a pleasant town on the northern coast of Sicily. After desalination with deionised water and consolidation with ethyl silicate, the decay of the stone became faster. The aim of our study is to characterise the stony material and investigate the observed decay phenomena. The stone, that is a poor building material indeed, is characterised by means of petrographical, chemical and physical analyses on samples taken from the monument. Furthermore, experimental tests are performed in the laboratory in order to highlight the causes of incompatibility between the stone and the applied treatments.     

Petrographical and geochemical investigation of the Triassic marbles associated with Menderes massif metamorphics,Kavaklıdere,Muğla,SW Turkey

Vast marble deposits occur in a cover sequence of the Menderes Massif, SW Turkey. Four major marble deposits are recognized in Mu?la province based on the stratigraphic levels. These are Permo-Carboniferous aged black marbles (1), Triassic aged marbles (2), Upper Cretaceous aged marbles (3), and Paleocene aged pelagic marbles (4). This study deals with Triassic aged marbles of the southern part of the Menderes Massif. The Triassic marbles from SW Turkey consist of two big marble horizons in the Çayboyu (ÇM) and Kestanecik (KM) regions. The characteristic samples are collected from different stratigraphic levels in marble deposits in the ÇM and KM horizons. Mineralogical and major, trace, and rare earth element (REE) analyses of marble, limestone, and schist were conducted on these samples to reveal their petrographical and geochemical characteristics. The ÇM horizon is represented by calcitic marble layers. Nickel, cobalt, manganese, and iron elements filled in fractures, fissures, and intergranular spaces of calcite crystals and these elements give the pinky colour to the marble from the ÇM horizon. KM marbles were deformed, metamorphosed, and recrystallized under greenschist facies P–T conditions. As a result of the metasomatic reaction of magnesium and manganese rich fluids with marbles, dolomite, and manganese, minerals such as rhodochrosite and pyrolusite have crystallized along vein walls and layers in the KM horizon. Dolomitization was determined in KM marbles, whereas ÇM marbles show the character of limestone. MgO, MnO, Fe₂O₃, Ni, and Zn contents of marbles from the KM horizon are higher than those of ÇM marbles due to metasomatic reactions. The Sr content in white coloured marbles ranges between 11.20 ppm and 112.20 ppm and this concentration reaches up to 272.70 ppm due to metasomatic reactions and fluid intake. The REE content of Triassic marbles is independent of the abundance of carbonate and the REE enrichment observed due to syn-metamorphic fluid flow. The significant negative Eu anomaly in REE patterns indicates that the protoliths of Triassic marbles are carbonate rocks of sedimentary origin.     

Correlation of mineralogical and textural characteristics with engineering properties of selected granitic rocks from Turkey

Granitic rocks show a variety of engineering properties that may affect quarrying operations, tunneling, mining, slope stability and the use of rock as a construction material. The physical and mechanical properties are a function of the mineralogical and textural characteristics of the rock. The purpose of this study is to apply correlation analysis to investigate the relationships between petrographical and engineering properties of granitic rocks. A variety of granitic rock samples from different parts of Turkey were subjected to petrographic studies. The same samples were then tested to determine specific gravity, dry and saturated unit weight, water absorption, effective and total porosity, sonic velocity, Schmidt hardness, point load strength index, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The relationships between these properties and the petrographical characteristics are described by simple regression analyses. The study revealed that the influence of the textural characteristics on the engineering properties appears to be more important than the mineralogy. It also determined that the types of contacts, grain (mineral) shape and size significantly influence the engineering properties of the granitic rocks.     

Relationship Between Petrographic Characteristics and the Engineering Properties of Jurassic Sandstones, Hamedan, Iran

To study the relationship between engineering properties and petrographic characteristics, 20 rock samples were collected from Jurassic sandstones in the Hamedan region, western Iran. The specimens were tested to determine uniaxial compressive strength, point load strength index, tangent modulus, porosity, and dry and saturated unit weights. Samples were also subjected to petrographic examination, which included the observation of 11 parameters and modal analysis. Based on the results of a statistical analysis, polynomial prediction equations were developed to estimate physical and mechanical properties from petrographic characteristics. The results show that textural characteristics are more important than mineral compositions for predicting engineering characteristics. The packing density, packing proximity and grain shape are the petrographic properties that significantly affect the engineering properties of samples. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed, employing four steps comprising various combinations of petrographic characteristics for each engineering parameter. The optimal equation, along with the relevant combination of petrographic characteristics for estimating the engineering properties of the rock samples is proposed.     

Analysis of support requirements for a shallow diversion tunnel at Guledar dam site, Turkey

Engineering geological properties and support design of a planned diversion tunnel at Guledar dam site, which was located at the North of Ankara, Turkey were studied in this article. The main purpose of the construction of the planned tunnel is to regulate, drainage and to provide water for irrigation purposes. The diversion tunnel runs mainly through formations of limestone, sandstone and diabase. Rock masses at the site were characterized using Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Rock Mass Quality (Q), Rock Mass Index (RMi) and Geological Strength Index (GSI). RMR, Q, RMi and GSI were determined by using field data and mechanical properties of intact rock samples, measured in the laboratory. Support requirements for the planned diversion tunnel were determined accordingly in terms of the rock mass classification systems. Recommended support systems by empirical methods were also analyzed using 2D Finite Element method. Calculated parameters based on empirical methods were used as input parameters in the finite element models. The results from both methods were compared with each other. This comparison suggests that more reliable support design could be achieved by using the finite element method together with the empirical methods.     

Fatigue-Damage Evolution Characteristics of Interbeded Marble Subjected to Dynamic Uniaxial Cyclic Loads

In this work, uniaxial fatigue tests combined with post-test X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning were conducted on marble samples with different interbed orientations, in order to reveal the anisotropic damage evolution characteristics during rock failure. The dynamic elastic modulus, damping ratio, fatigue deformation, damage evolution, accumulative damage modeling and crack pattern were systematically analyzed. The testing results indicate that the interbed structure in marble affects the damage evolution and the associated dynamic mechanical behaviors. The damage curve in “S” style indicates three-stage trend, namely, initial damage stage, steady damage stage and the accelerated damage stage. The damage index during cyclic deformation for marble presents obvious discrepancy. In addition, a fatigue damage prediction models was employed numerically as double-term power equations based on the experimental data. It is found that the selected damage model is suitable in modeling the rapid damage growth in the early and final stage of rock fatigue lifetime. Moreover, post-test CT scanning further reveals the anisotropic damage characteristics of marble, the crack pattern in the fractured sample is controlled by the interbed structure. What is more, the most striking founding is that the fracture degree is in consistent with the damage accumulation within the steady damage stage. Through a series of damage mechanical behavior analysis, the internal mechanism of the effect of interbed orientation on damage evolution of marble is firstly documented.

     

Influence of Marble’s Texture on its Mechanical Behavior

This research work studied the influence of texture on the mechanical properties of crystalline rocks at the scale of the laboratory sample. The experiments were performed on a marble varying in texture, so that the study was conducted on homogeneous (entirely xenoblastic or totally granoblastic) and heterogeneous (mix of the two textures) specimens. The mechanical behavior of the homogeneous and heterogeneous samples was investigated with static and dynamic, destructive and nondestructive tests, in natural conditions, at the laboratory temperature, and at higher temperatures. The specimens were heated to 100, 200, and 300 °C, in order to examine the effect of heating temperature on the elastic modulus and P-waves velocity. As a result, the pure granoblastic marble exhibits values of the elastic modulus, P-waves velocity, and strengths, both in natural conditions and on heated specimens, lower than xenoblastic samples. Such different behavior can be explained by a higher grain boundaries porosity of the granoblastic marble. On heterogeneous samples, only the Rock Impact Hardness Number (RIHN) appears able to highlight the dependence of the mechanical properties on the rock texture. In particular, the impact strength improves with increasing the percentage of xenoblastic texture inside the specimen.     

基于3D雕刻技术的岩体结构面剪切各向异性研究

相同形貌结构面重复性剪切试验和各向异性剪切试验一直是岩体结构面剪切力学特性试验研究中的难点,而该问题对于工程岩体的开挖力学响应和稳定性分析、评价与控制至关重要,问题的关键在于同一种岩石的结构面形貌的再现。为此,基于3D扫描和3D雕刻技术,重复制备了3种不同粗糙度的大理岩结构面试样,开展了不同法向应力下相同形貌结构面的各向异性剪切试验。试验结果发现：（1）同一法向应力、不同剪切方向下,相同形貌结构面的剪切强度、剪胀和剪切破坏特征均呈现明显各向异性;（2）结构面粗糙度各向异性很大程度上决定了剪切强度的各向异性,两者具有较好的正相关性;（3）随着法向应力的升高,结构面剪切特征的各向异性有逐渐弱化的趋势。同时,研究还充分表明,3D雕刻技术是系统开展结构面剪切力学特征各向异性研究的可靠手段,可在将来研究中发挥更为重要的作用。     

Current problems in the engineering-geological study of carbonate rocks in the territory of Moscow

A new approach to the study of carbonate rocks that takes stratigraphic sequences, cycles, and lithotypes into account is proposed. The main features of the geological structure of the model site in the territory of Moscow in accordance with the stratigraphic scheme are considered. In the considered section, the cyclicity in carbonate rocks is noted. In addition, the physical and mechanical properties of limestone and dolomite samples from the Neverovo and Shchurovo cyclites were studied on the basis of R. Dunham??s classification of carbonate rocks (1962). It was proven that the physical and mechanical rock properties are connected with rock lithotypes, which describe their inner structural morphology. In this case, regular changes in rock properties with depth are not noted, which can be associated with the position of the samples within the sequence. According to the results we obtained, the conclusion was made that it is necessary to compile an atlas-inventory of Carboniferous rocks for the territory of Moscow. For this purpose, the main key points for the implementation of this project are proposed.     

The Effect of High Temperature on Tensile Strength and Damage Characteristics of Limestone

In this paper, the limestone specimens are heated from room temperature 25 to 800 °C in a high temperature furnace and then are subjected to Brazilian test with the AG-I250 electronic precision material testing machine. The physical properties, mechanical properties, disc failure pattern, energy absorbed per unit area and damage characteristics of disc are comprehensively investigated. The results show that: with the increase of temperature, the changing trends of tensile strength, peak strain, tensile modulus and accumulated energy absorbed per unit area of disc are similar, they are first increases, then decrease, the energy consumption index is consistent with the macroscopic damage characteristics; the value of ε_s increase first and then reduce, reaches the maximum at 600 °C. The value of n is increasing and fluctuating, but the change trend of D_c is opposite, which is decreasing and fluctuating. The slope of the damage variable-strain curves decreases first and then increases, the minimum value at 600 °C. This study is of significance to the prediction and evaluation of the stability and safety of rock mass post-high temperature.     

A new cubic equation of state and its applications to the modeling of vapor-liquid equilibria and volumetric properties of natural fluids

A cubic equation of state was developed for both pure systems and mixtures in this study. It has only one empirical constant to be evaluated for each component and two constants for each binary. To test its validity, the saturated properties of 22 pure fluids were calculated with the new equation, as compared with the most frequently used or the most recently published cubic equations. The results indicate that the new equation is superior to the previous cubic equations in the overall performance in vapor pressures and saturated volumes. Its overall average deviation of the saturation pressures from experiments is 0.46%, and the maximum deviation is 3.6%. Its average deviation of the liquid volumes from experiments at the reduced temperatures T_r≤0.95 is 2.80%, and that of vapor volumes is 2.2%. Because of the high accuracy of the new equation for saturation pressures, it can be easily extended to binary mixtures for the prediction of vapor-liquid equilibria (both densities and compositions) with a simple mixing rule, as demonstrated by eight binary systems, including an aqueous mixture.