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Pore structure and durability of Portuguese limestones: a case study

2010; Geological Society of London; Volume: 331; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1144/sp331.14

2041-4927

Carlos Figueiredo, Rita Folha, António Maurício, Carlos Alves, Luís A. Aires-Barros,

Concrete and Cement Materials Research

Abstract Exposed stone surfaces containing complex systems of pores, fractures and grain boundaries provide the surfaces where chemical, physical and biological deterioration processes take place. The pore space represents the preferred area for physical, chemical and biological weathering processes. It plays a significant role in the behaviour of porous materials. A full understanding of pore-channel network morphology, size and connectivity is important in stone decay assessment and conservation works. A contribution to the understanding of the role played by the pore system in controlling fluid-related properties and resistance to salt crystallization of limestones is presented. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury injection porosimetry (MIP) were used to characterize the pore structure of two Portuguese dimension stones (‘Semi-rijo’ and ‘Moca-Creme’) widely used for pavements and the cladding of buildings. Fluid migration physical tests (open and free porosity, capillary imbibition, and Hirschwald coefficient) were also performed, according to European ( EN 1925:1999 ; EN 1936:1999 ) and French ( N FB 10-504:1973 ) Standards. The resistance to salt crystallization was determined using European Standard EN 12370:1999 . An integrated analysis facilitated comparison between durability results with stone pore network characteristics, fluid transport properties and petrographical features, suggesting the influence of available porosity and bedding.