Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
8.2.5.
Mechanical properties
Compressive strength is the parameter most commonly measured to characterize
building stones, together with total porosity, capillary absorption and ultrasonic
velocity. The range of compressive strength in building stones extends from
6 to more than 80 MPa when considering porosity ranges from 40% to less than 1%
(Table 8.2).
Specific degradation patterns, such as fragmentation at the upper part of
monolithic columns, are generally due to a compressive load higher than the stone
compressive strength.
Compressive
strength (MPa)
Total
porosity (%)
Name
Type
Origin
Tuffeau
Siliceous chalk
France
6.2
50
Monk Park
Oolithic limestone
England
18.5
24
Ança
Fine limestone
Portugal
35.3
26
Balegem
Coarse limestone
Belgium
47.0
11
Sander
Clay binded sandstone
Germany
52.3
19
Clay and silica binded
sandstone
Wüstenzeller
Germany
83.6
12
Carrara
Marble
Italy
85.4
0.5
Table 8.2.
Compressive strength of some European stones [TIA 98]
The behavior of stones on the impact of a projectile depends partly on their
compressive strength (projectile penetration) and partly on their tensile strength
(shock wave). Generally, impacts induce conic shape cavities. The projectile is often
visible inside the cavity (see Figure 8.12).
