Ornamental granites: Relationships between p-waves velocity, water capillary absorption and the crack network

Ornamental stones used as building materials are exposed to weathering agents. The crack orientation can influence the intensity of the decay. The knowledge of the best orientation of the stone is essential to avoid a greater damage. Some crack network parameters and properties such as capillary absorption and p-waves velocity were assessed in three ornamental granites from Galicia, Spain. Anisotropy was detected by measurements in three directions. The physical properties were found to be closely correlated to the crack network parameters. For high fractographic values, capillary absorption was likewise high and p-waves velocities were low. Cracking and water absorption on the exposed surface of a building were observed to be less intense in oriented specimens.