Damage phenomenon and petrophysical properties of sandstones at the Phnom Bakheng Temple (Angkor,Cambodia): first investigations and possible conservation measures

Sandstones, clay in the form of bricks and laterite are the building materials used by the Khmer to construct the imposing and magnificent temples in Southeast Asia. Many of these monuments suffer from fracturing, sanding, contour scaling, crust formation and salt weathering. The affinity to weathering is closely connected to the type of material. Two sandstone types classified as feldspathic arenite and quartz arenite of Angkor as well as two arkosic sandstones from Thailand are described and investigated in this study. Important petrophysical properties determined for the different sandstones consist of hydric expansion, thermal expansion, pore radii distribution and ultrasonic velocity. Different investigations such as capillary water uptake, surface hardness, hygroscopic water sorption, and salt resistance tests were undertaken in the laboratory to characterize the various rock types. Observations and quantified damage mapping were done onsite at the Phnom Bakheng Temple. Contour scaling in the form of weathering crusts is one of the main deterioration features observable at the Angkor monuments. Comparisons are made between the building stone, the crust material from the Phnom Bakheng Temple and fresh stone material used for restoration. Significant differences in hydric and especially in thermal expansion of the crust and sandstone have been determined. The results seem to indicate that extensional processes occur, which can be considered a force for detachment (i.e., contour scaling, flaking). In an experimental trial, the hydric and thermal expansion of the weathering crust and the building stone was significantly reduced by using a weak acid for the crust and a swelling inhibitor for the original building stone.     

Sandstone degradation: an experimental study of accelerated weathering

The investigated rock material belongs to the group of upper cretaceous quader sandstones which are very important construction stones in Poland and Germany. The mineral composition of the rocks is relatively uniform??they are quartzose sandstones. The most important feature is their good workability and comparatively high weathering resistance. Still, regardless of the apparent resemblance, the observations carried on buildings and monuments show differences in weathering processes. The undertaken test was an attempt to verify the proposed before rock classification, performed on the basis of parameterization of porosimetric cumulative intrusion volume curves. The aim of the experiment was the evaluation of the sandstone petrography (including the structure, texture and porosity of the rock) influence on the weathering process. The modelling of accelerated weathering was conducted in Chamber for Ageing Acceleration, where some weather circumstances were simulated (insolation, rain and frost). As the result of the weathering experiment it could be stated that the dominant mechanism of the sandstones deterioration was granular disintegration and weight loss as a consequence of sample destruction. The most important factor influencing rock deterioration is rock texture, especially the character of grain contacts. The effective porosity is a requisite of potential for the stone to take in and hold water, and hence of resistance to weathering. In case of silica-cemented sandstones, the deciding criterion influencing weathering resistance is pore structure. In case of sandstones with clay cement, the most important is mineral composition of the rock.     

Diagnosis of weathering damage on rock-cut monuments in Petra, Jordan

Studies of many years—combining in situ investigation and laboratory analysis—have provided comprehensive information on weathering damage on the rock-cut monuments in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. These rock-cut monuments represent outstanding world heritage. Many hundred monuments were carved by the Nabataeans from bedrock about 2000 years ago. The awareness of increasing weathering damage on the monuments has resulted in international efforts towards their preservation. The damage diagnosis has addressed the complex mutual relationships between stone types, stone properties, monument exposure regimes, environmental influences, weathering phenomena, development and extent of weathering damage and weathering progression. The rocks were classified lithostratigraphically and petrographically. Results on weathering forms, weathering profiles and weathering products obtained from monument mapping, in situ measurements and laboratory studies revealed a complex diversity of weathering phemomena with respect to type and intensity. Damage categories and damage indices were used to create a reproducible quantitative rating of weathering damage. Detailed results on weathering forms allowed the characterization and quantification of weathering progression including weathering prognoses. Stone properties and states of weathering damage were jointly considered for the rating of the rocks’ susceptibility to weathering. The systematic evaluation of weathering damage and monument exposure regimes can enhance the assessment of weathering factors and processes.     

碳酸盐岩酸不溶物作为贵州岩溶区红色风化壳主要物质来源的证据

贵州岩溶区红色风化壳是中国南方红色负化壳的重要组成部分，本文根据部分红色风化壳剖面野外特征、矿物学、地球化学及土壤物理学等的研究结果，对其物源及成因进行了探讨。各剖面，尤其邻近剖面显著的矿物学、地球化学差异排除了远程风成沉积物、火山灰、上覆或者高处碎屑岩层作为统一且重要物源的可能。极低的石英含量表明贵州常见的长石石英砂岩不是其主要物源，具有中稀土（MREE）富集的特征也排除了粘土岩、页岩作为主要物源的可能。风化壳剖面间的差异性均可从基岩酸不溶物的差异性得到很好解释，表明它们是下伏碳酸盐岩风化、酸不溶物（准）原地堆积的结果。部分剖面甚至显示了典型风化壳剖面的一些特征，具有正常风化序列的剖面结构特征。     

A simulation study of capillary transport,preferential retention and distribution of salts in historic sandstone buildings

Salt crystallisation is a major problem of deterioration in historic stone buildings, monuments and sculptures. The capillary rise of soil water is one of the primary sources of salts in stone structures, which evaporates leaving the salts behind. It has been noted that the spatial distribution profile of different species of salts crystallised in historic stone buildings is not homogeneous, i.e. different salts crystallise at different locations. The capillary transport and inhomogeneous spatial distribution of different salts in the porous building materials has been considered to be a result of solubility-dependent crystallisation; however, the factors responsible for this phenomenon are not clearly known. This paper aims to investigate the factors influencing the differential distribution of salts during capillary rise of soil water. In this study, the capillary transport of salts was simulated on two different sandstones—Locharbriggs, a Permo–Triassic, red sandstone and Stoke Hall, a Carboniferous, buff sandstone. The experiments were carried out under controlled environmental conditions to eliminate the possibility of evaporation-driven crystallisation of salts depending on their solubilities. The results indicate that fractionation or differential distribution of salts takes place even in the absence of evaporation and crystallisation. The sandstones exhibit properties like an ion exchange column, and ionic species present in the salt solution show differential distribution within the porous network of sandstone.     

Research on limestone decay in a polluting environment, I˙stanbul-Turkey

 I˙stanbul, the capital of the east Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires embraces two continents, one arm reaching out to Asia, the other to Europe. It is therefore, a rich city in terms of monuments and historical cites. Shell limestones of Upper Miocene age are used as building stone in the majority of the monuments in I˙stanbul because of their attractiveness, availability and workability. The durability characteristics of the limestones are examined, and those factors that are responsible for atmospheric weathering are discussed, in a humid and marine environment with important problems of urban pollution, specifically due to traffic. In the present study weathering of the building stones were first examined in situ by macroscopic observations. The weathering that developed as a result of environmental effects since this limestone was first used in historical monuments has been affected 0.1–1.5 cm deep from the surface. The weathered facing stone of Şehzade Mehmed Mosque in I˙stanbul is undergoing a program of progressive replacement. During this study, samples were taken from this monument where the shell limestone was used. The stone surface was principally examined by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Petrographical and mineralogical analyses were made by using optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction method. The physico-chemical properties of these rocks control their weathering behaviour and reactivity. Major and trace element analyses and the effect of deterioration on the physical properties of the limestones (unit weight, porosity and water absorption) have also been investigated. Studies on the samples implies that weathering on the stone surface caused important variations on the physical characteristics of the rock. Received: 11 February 1998 · Accepted: 18 August 1998     

Quality assessment of replacement stones for the Cologne Cathedral: mineralogical and petrophysical requirements

Owing to its long building history, different types of building stones comprised the construction of the Cologne Cathedral. Severe damage is observed on the different stones, e.g., sandstones, carbonate, and volcanic rocks, especially when the different stone materials neighbor the medieval “Drachenfels trachyte” from the “Siebengebirge”. The question arises, “Is the insufficient compatibility of the implemented building materials causatively related to the strong decay of the Drachenfels trachyte?” The present investigations focus on the petrography and mineralogical composition of eight different stones from the Cologne Cathedral. Petrophysical data, i.e., phase content, moisture and thermal characteristics as well as strength properties are determined and discussed in correlation to each other, showing that not only in terms of lithology great differences exist, but also the petrophysical properties strongly diverge. The ascertained parameters are discussed in view of the deterioration behavior and decay mechanisms of the different stones. To evaluate the compatibility of original, replacement and modern building materials, the properties of the investigated stones are compared to those of Drachenfels trachyte by means of constraints given in the literature. Besides optical properties, petrophysical criteria are also defined as well as strength values. It could be shown that primarily moisture properties, i.e., capillary and sorptive water uptake, water saturation, drying processes and moisture dilatation can be addressed to the deterioration processes.     

Geochemistry of the Paleocene Clastic Rocks in Lishui Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin: Implications for Tectonic Background and Provenance

The Lishui Sag, in the East China Sea Shelf Basin, is rich in hydrocarbons, with the major hydrocarbon-bearing layers being the Paleocene Mingyuefeng clastic rocks. Analysis of the implicit geologic background information of these Paleocene clastic rocks using petrological and geochemical methods has significant practical importance. These Paleocene sandstones are mainly lithic arenite, lithic arkose and greywacke, composed of K-feldspar, plagioclase, authigenic clays, silica and carbonates. As continental deposits, Yueguifeng clastic rocks have high aluminosilicate and mafic detritus contents, while the Lingfeng and Mingyuefeng Formations are rich in silica due to an oscillating coastal marine depositional environment. The major element contents of these Paleocene sandstones are low and have a concentrated distribution, indicating that the geochemical composition is non-epigenetic, transformed by sedimentary processes and diagenesis. The Yueguifeng detritus comprises recycled sediments, controlled by moderate weathering and erosion, while the Lingfeng and Mingyuefeng detritus is interpreted as primarily first-cycle materials due to low chemical weathering. In the Late Cretaceous to Early Paleocene, the Pacific Plate began subducting under the Eurasian Plate, causing an orogeny by plate collision and magma eruption due to the melting of subducted oceanic crust. This resulted in the dual tectonic settings of “active margin” and “continental island arc” in the East China Sea Shelf Basin. During the Late Paleocene, the Pacific Plate margin migrated eastward along with development of the Philippine Ocean Plate, and the tectonic setting of the Lishui Sag gradually turned into a passive continental margin. Detrital sources included both orogenic continental blocks and continental island arcs, and the parent rocks are primarily felsic volcanic rocks and granites.     

The effect of pH and salty solutions on durability of sandstones of the Aghajari Formation in Khouzestan province,southwest of Iran

Slake durability of rocks is a vital engineering geological property of rock materials that has an important role in the promotion of slope stability, evaluation of rock materials, as well as the estimation of stone degradability. This parameter is related to such factors as mineralogy, physical characteristics of rocks, and the environmental conditions. A major part of south and southwestern Iran embraces the Aghajari Formation whose sandstones are used to form the foundations for some structures in Khouzestan province where they are being extensively used as aggregate(s). In this paper, tests of mineralogical examinations, physical properties, and slake durability of sandstones from Ahwaz and Haftkel anticlines were administered in order to assess the durability and degradability of these rocks. The rock durability of each type was evaluated to be up to 15 cycles in acidic and alkaline watery environments and salt aqueous solutions. The results showed that durability of sandstones under study is related to their petrographical and physical characteristics. The durability index of the sandstone samples was decreased by pH reduction and by increasing the concentration of aqueous solutions. The durability index of Ahwaz samples, too, was decreased in basic solutions while this index increased for Haftkel sandstones with the increase in the pH of solutions. Also, the obtained results illustrated that durability index decreased with the increase in the number of cycles. Based on the results, all sandstones show that the durability in sodium sulfate solution is much lower than that for the sodium chloride. Moreover, the slake durability index of the sandstones is decreased with an increase in the concentration of aqueous solutions. As a final statement, the Ahwaz sandstones show lower resistance to weathering processes than Haftkel sandstones; therefore, the use of rocks as building stones is not recommended here.     

青岛青山湾-垭口变沉积岩岩石地球化学特征及其物质来源

青岛青山湾—垭口出露一套浅变质的海相陆缘碎屑沉积岩,上覆岩浆锆石的LA-ICP-MS U-Pb年龄为(118.9±3.3)Ma,成熟度较低,与中新生代造山带砂岩类似。稀土元素球粒陨石化标准配分曲线均为轻稀土明显富集的右倾型,表明,研究区碎屑岩具有相同的物源区和构造背景,与活动陆缘的稀土元素配分曲线非常接近。Ce具弱的负异常,指示碎屑岩为大陆边缘海相成因,(La/Ce)N(PAAS)表明陆缘碎屑物质对该区碎屑岩有明显的贡献。主微量元素构造环境判别图解表明,研究区碎屑岩具有活动陆缘和大陆岛弧的特征,经历了相对简单的沉积演化过程;结合稀土元素配分曲线的特征,该区碎屑岩更可能是活动大陆边缘沉积形成。主微量元素分析揭示研究区碎屑岩物源富长英质岩石,镁铁质岩石作为物源也参与到成岩过程中。     

Weathering behaviour and construction suitability of dimension stones from the Drei Gleichen area (Thuringia, Germany)

The construction suitability of a dimension stone depends on its weathering properties along with the petrology and the petrophysical properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of the dimension stones from the “Drei Gleichen” area for construction and replacement purposes. In total, six sandstones (Ingersleben, Wachsenburg, Hindfelden, Seeberg, Röhnberg, Gleichenberg; Upper Triassic) as well as two carbonates (Wachsenburg sinter; Quaternary, Wandersleben dolomite; Middle Triassic) were analysed. The results from our laboratory and on-site studies of the dimension stones show that rocks from the same stratigraphic layer, like the sandstones from the upper Triassic, can show major differences in their petrophysical and weathering properties. These differences are attributed to their different diagenesis, resulting, e.g. in varying pore space, water balance and strength properties. The pore size distribution can be divided into four different groups based on their occurring maxima and micropore content. The determined water balance properties as well as moisture expansion and salt attack depend on these groups. Next to this, the mineralogical composition significantly influences the weathering resistance. Sandstones with a high content of altered lithoclasts show a high amount of moisture expansion, low strength and, in consequence, a low weathering resistance against salt attack. Based on the results of the present study, an evaluation of construction suitability could be accomplished. From the analysed sandstones, only the Seebergen sandstone is suitable for construction purposes due to its good availability, good strength properties (high compressive and tensile strength, low softening degree) as well as a low porosity. Furthermore, the Wachsenburg sandstone also shows good petrophysical and petrological properties, but exploitable deposits are too sparse to be of commercial interest. From the carbonates, the Wachsenburg sinter shows very suitable rock parameters, but only sparse outcrops occur, which are not appropriate for mining.     

Assessment of Durability and Weathering State of Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Using Micropetrographic Index and Rock Durability Indicators: A Case Study

Weathering and durability are the key factors of the rock in the suitability and usefulness of different construction materials, building materials and engineering structures. A single test never predicts the entire factor for suitability of rock stone and aggregate in different uses. Thus, variety of physical, mechanical and chemical tests and indices of rocks are widely used to estimate and evaluate the rocks for the suitability of the required purpose. In all the cases, knowledge of durability and weathering properties are the most important along with the strength of the rock. Micropetrographic index and rock durability indicators (dynamic and static) are the one of the best methods to evaluate the rock for weathering and durability. To estimate these indices, variety of tests are performed such as petrographic examination test, point load index, sulfate soundness test, water absorption test, modified aggregate impact value test and test for specific gravity. Slake durability index and impact strength index tests were also performed for correlation with static and dynamic rock durability indicators due to its application and usefulness in the durability and strength of the rock materials. Micropetrographic index was obtained by petrographic examination test and correlated with all the physical and mechanical properties used for find out the durability indicators. The present study is to express the usefulness of these three indices in the classification of weathering and durability classes and estimation of durability indices by slake durability index, impact strength index and micropetrographic index.     

Microbial growth and air pollutants in the corrosion of carbonate building stone: results of laboratory and outdoor experimental tests

The combined effect of microbial colonization by fungal growth and atmospheric pollutants in the sulfation of carbonate rocks was investigated by means of laboratory experiments of dry deposition of sulfur and nitrogen dioxides, in vitro microbiological assays and outdoor exposure tests. All the experiments were performed on Scaglia limestone, which is a very common building material in ancient monuments in Central Italy. Results point to a combined action of particulate matter deposition and sulfation in the formation of gypsum on the samples exposed outdoor, and to a significant influence of fungal growth in the conversion of metal sulfide particulate matter to sulfate thus promoting subsequent formation of gypsum also in the absence of pollution. The chemical and textural features of stone tend to enhance chemical weathering and fungal colonization in the short term, and to preserve the material in the long term.     

皖北地区新元古代构造背景的转换:来自碎屑岩地球化学的证据

在对安徽省北部宿州新元古代史家组砂岩地球化学特征分析的基础上,结合前人发表的淮南和凤阳新元古代刘老碑组页岩的地球化学数据,对它们的物源和构造背景进行了对比讨论.结果表明:刘老碑组页岩的地球化学特征表明其来自于中-酸性火成岩高程度的首次风化,而史家组砂岩则来自于经历了再循环的古老地壳物质较低程度的风化.刘老碑组页岩相对史...     

塔中地区志留系砂岩元素地球化学特征与物源判别意义

通过分析塔中地区志留系砂岩的某些常量元素和微量元素含量的变化,研究了该地区砂岩的地球化学以及其物源特征。结果表明塔中地区志留系的沉积构造环境为活动大陆边缘和被动大陆边缘,物源主要来自再循环造山带。砂岩的矿物成分主要在石英、钾长石、斜长石、伊利石、绿泥石等矿物之间变化。化学风化作用指标(CIW)和化学蚀变作用指标(CIA)反映了该地区砂岩的碎屑成分受到了强烈的风化作用,风化作用强度为:依木干他乌组>塔塔埃尔塔格组>柯坪塔格组。化学组分变化指标(ICV)反映了有些砂岩中含有第一次旋回沉积物。A-CN-K三角图反映了砂岩的碎屑源岩中斜长石含量要高于钾长石含量,主要在花岗闪长岩和花岗岩之间变化,砂岩的碎屑成分在风化过程中受到了钾的交代作用,长石以及长石中的高岭石发生了伊利石化。稀土元素及其比值(La/Yb)_N、(La/Lu)_N等也反映了该地区砂岩来源于花岗闪长岩和花岗岩的混合物。     

南羌塘盆地江鱼玛洛地区中侏罗统雀莫错组砂岩地球化学及源区环境

南羌塘盆地江鱼玛洛地区发育中侏罗统雀莫错组,通过岩石地球化学分析,对砂岩源区环境进行恢复. 化学风化作用指标(CIW)、化学蚀变作用指标(CIA)和A-CN-K图解反映砂岩的碎屑成分遭受过较强烈的风化. 化学组分指标(ICV)和Th/Sc-Zr/Sc图解指示主要为第一沉积旋回产物,伴有少量沉积再循环物质. 岩石元素Al₂O₃/TiO₂、Th/Sc、Cr/Zr比值和La/Th-Hf源岩判别图解反映砂岩的碎屑主要来源于上地壳长英质源区,并混入少量基性铁镁质岩石. 砂岩的微量元素特征及SiO₂-K₂O/Na₂O、La-Th-Sc、Co-Th-Zr/10、Sc-Th-Zr/10判别图解均表明该砂岩形成于大陆边缘裂陷构造背景.     

Experiments on thermal fatigue of non-igneous rocks

This paper is a logical sequence to a previous study on thermal fatigue and the weather-ability of some igneous rocks by means of laboratory tests.Now the techniques are applied to several non-igneous rocks, such as limestones (seve al types), sandstones, graywackes and slates. Some conclusions are also derived from the Vickers microhardness numbers and the reflectance measurements obtained on polished surfaces of the samples tested in the “climatizing apparatus”.From a great number of quantitative determinations (weight loss, chemical leaching of the main cations of the rock-minerals, Vickers microhardness and reflectance) some conclusions are obtained, regarding (1) the use of an alterability index for classification of rocks for geotechnical purposes and (2) the ageing effects of weathering on polished surfaces of ornamental stones.     

中国铝土矿沉积中的碎屑锆石记录: 对铝土矿物源模式与矿床分类的启示*

通过收集、整理和分析来自中国20个铝土矿床/矿点的3439个碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄数据以及297个来自铝土矿沉积下伏碎屑岩基底的碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄数据,对近年来中国铝土矿床的碎屑锆石年代学研究进展进行了综述。对现代热带地区红土剖面中锆石矿物稳定性评估认为在强化学风化条件下锆石颗粒仍然能保持化学与物理的稳定性,因此锆石是铝土矿沉积中良好的物源指示物。对中国铝土矿沉积物源研究表明,即使是形成在碳酸盐岩基底上的铝土矿,其中仍有大量硅铝酸盐沉积物风化产物的加入。此前的铝土矿床分类体系,多依照基岩岩性与矿体形态结构特征进行分类,在使用时可能会造成分类的模糊性与不确定性。中国铝土矿沉积中广泛存在指示准原地及异地成因的碎屑锆石组分,使用原地/异地指标也无法进行有效区分。基于以上原因,建议在考虑铝土矿分类方案时,除考虑铝土矿的风化产物属性外,还应对其作为沉积物/沉积岩的属性加以考量,新的铝土矿床分类方案是当前铝土矿研究中亟待解决的问题。此外,铝土矿的碎屑锆石年代学研究虽然为铝土矿物源研究提供了重要约束,但仍然需要结合区域地质背景及地球化学研究来提供更全面的铝土矿物源信息。     

Detrital zircon records in bauxite deposits of China: Implication for the provenance model and ore deposits classification of bauxite

Based on 3439 detrital zircon U-Pb datapoints collected from the bauxite deposits of China and 297 detrital zircon U-Pb datapoints from underlying clastic rocks,this study reviews the recent progress in the detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology of bauxite deposits in China. Stability assessment of zircon grains in modern tropical weathering profiles proves the chemical and physical stability during the and intense weathering and bauxitization,which makes zircon become a good provenance indicator. Sedimentary provenance study of bauxite deposits in China indicates that even the bauxite deposit developed on the carbonate rocks,there was still considerable input of the weathering aluminosilicate materials. Previous classifications of bauxite deposit are mainly based on the lithology of basement rock and features of ore body,applications of these classifications will cause ambiguities and uncertainties. For widespread parautochthonous and allochthonous detrital zircon grains within Chinese bauxite deposits,parautochthonous and allochthonous criterion is invalid in classification of Chinese bauxite deposits. Here we suggest that the bauxite study requires a new classification of ore deposit,which should consider the weathering process of bauxite deposits as well as the position of bauxite deposit in the sedimentological framework. Although detrital zircon study provides important constrains for the provenance of bauxite deposits,combination of regional geological background and the geochemical characteristics are still essential for the comprehensive cognition of source materials.     

东昆仑造山带早古生代—早中生代构造演化的沉积地球化学记录

东昆仑地区发育一套显生宙碎屑岩地层,包括下寒武统沙松乌拉组、中—上奥陶统纳赤台群、上石炭统—下二叠统浩特洛哇组、下三叠统洪水川组、中三叠统希里科特组以及上三叠统八宝山组。研究区砂岩的CIA值反映沙松乌拉组砂岩源区化学风化程度较高,其余各组砂岩源区化学风化程度较低。主量和微量元素研究结果表明各组砂岩源区以长英质岩石为主,包含少量中性成分。La、Ce、Th、U、∑REE含量和La/Sc、Th/Sc、Sc/Cr、La/Y比值指示沙松乌拉组和纳赤台群砂岩沉积环境为大陆岛弧或活动大陆边缘,浩特洛哇组砂岩形成于被动大陆边缘环境,洪水川组砂岩沉积环境为活动大陆边缘,希里科特组砂岩的微量元素含量及其比值接近于活动大陆边缘和被动大陆边缘,八宝山组砂岩沉积环境为活动大陆边缘。综合分析认为沙松乌拉组和纳赤台群砂岩形成于原特提斯洋俯冲阶段,浩特洛哇组砂岩形成于古特提斯洋持续扩张阶段,洪水川组砂岩形成于古特提斯洋俯冲阶段,希里科特组砂岩形成于陆(弧)陆初始碰撞阶段,八宝山组砂岩形成于陆陆全面碰撞—碰撞后阶段。