Estimation by capillary water absorption method to building natural stones’ durability against freeze-thaw
Jose Vercher, Júlia G. Borràs, Carlos Lerma, Ángeles Más, Enrique Gil
Abstract
In construction, the proper selection of natural building stones and the prediction of their pathology are significant, with freeze-thaw action being a primary cause of deterioration. Testing for freeze-thaw durability, being labour-intensive and time-consuming, often conflicts with construction timelines. The proposed methodology estimates natural stone behaviour against frost damage using quicker laboratory tests (e.g., capillary water absorption). The use of natural stones with an open porosity exceeding 2 % is not advisable, as exceeding this threshold leads to losses in compressive strength of more than 10 % after 168 freeze-thaw cycles. This alternative evaluation through the capillary water absorption method provides a precise estimation of freeze-thaw durability, proving to be an instrumental tool for architects when selecting natural stones.