Physical and mechanical properties of rocks

Abstract

Since early antiquity, dimension stones have been used as building materials due to their natural beauty and availability, and the diversity of their applications has been increasing ever since. As any other building material, dimension stones today have to fulfill the physical and technical requirements demanded by architects. This chapter focuses on the physical and mechanical properties of dimension stones, while emphasizing that stones are an old, yet still modern, building material. Among the parameters discussed here are water absorption, thermal conductivity and expansion, hygric and hydric properties, strength, abrasion, the more modern aspect of breaking load at the dowel hole, and ultrasonic wave velocities. Extensive data sets and a variety of case studies reveal relationships between the physical properties and the internal fabric elements of the dimension stones, such as sedimentary layering, metamorphic foliation, pores, and microcracks. In addition, these fabric elements are often responsible for the weathering behavior of the dimension stones, which not only affects the heritage but also the safety of modern buildings. This is illustrated through laboratory experiments and case studies.