Comparison of the Water Absorbability of Rocks and Composite-Cement Stones for Optimal Characterization of Sustainable Building Materials

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze properties of natural and waste-containing porous materials intended for use in construction. Experiments using the hydrostatic buoyancy method were conducted to assess the fundamental characteristics of studied samples that include bulk density, porosity, and water absorption. The investigation focused on the behavior of both natural and laboratory-prepared porous materials subjected to water absorbability measurement. The time required for complete saturation process with water was determined, together with the minimum saturation time that still ensured satisfactory measurement accuracy. For composite-cement stones, the results of bulk density measurements and the characterization of pore space, including total, open, and isolated porosity, were analyzed. Based on the findings, practical recommendations were proposed regarding the displacement procedure and the interpretation of results obtained during the determination of absorbability of materials with complex internal structures. The conclusions drawn from the research conducted are crucial for environmental protection, as they contribute to better characterization and assessment of the quality of products with a smaller negative impact on the planet.