Predicting mechanical strength loss of natural stones after freeze–thaw in cold regions

Natural stones are generally used as building materials for construction and decoration. Determining the deteriorations of stones after freeze–thaw cycles is important subject for natural building stones used in cold regions exposed excessive freezing and thawing during the year. Freeze–thaw test is conducted for determining the deteriorations of stones due to freeze–thaw cycling. The percentage loss in uniaxial compression strength is an important parameter indicating these deteriorations. However, it is extremely laborious and time consuming tests. Because of this, predicting the percentage loss values in uniaxial compression strengths from intact rock properties was the purpose of this paper. Freeze–thaw tests were applied on nine limestone samples selected from different cold regions of Turkey. All of them except two samples were found to be suitable for use in cold regions. A statistical model was developed for predicting the percentage loss values in uniaxial compression strength from intact tests of impact strength, modulus of elasticity and water absorption. This model equation is very reliable (R2 = 0.95) and can be very useful for predetermination of uniaxial compression strengths of limestones after freeze–thaw test without testing.