Demanda Gold sandstone (Burgos): effect of consolidation and ageing tests on its petrographic and petrophysical properties

Abstract

Sandstones have been widely used in construction for their abundance, aesthetics, and ease of extraction. To determine sandstones' quality, it is essential to analyse their petrographic and petrophysical properties and sensitivity (durability and conservation) to environmental agents. This paper evaluates the physical-mechanical changes undergone by Sierra de la Demanda (Burgos, Spain) sandstone under combined and induced water and salt aggression and assesses ESTEL 1100's effectiveness and suitability as a treatment. This sandstone is porous, permeable, dense and quartz-rich with high hardness and strength. The treatment improved its petrophysical properties by modifying its pore geometry and connectivity, reducing absorbency, permeability and anisotropy, and further increasing its hardness and resistance. Salts did not substantially modify its properties as its porosity type absorbed the crystallisation pressure. Ultimately, its pore system and predominantly quartz composition make it a high-quality, weather-resistant material compatible with the treatment applied.