The durability of natural stone - a detailed guide

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The Durability of Natural Stone - A Detailed Guide
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Introduction

• When we are going to define the durability of a
  material, it is the term used for an ability of a
  material to stay for a service life within the
  surrounding milieu, even without any damage or
  unforeseen maintenance requirement.
• In simple words, natural stone should have
  resistance to various
• Weathering actions, including humidity, heat,
  frost/cold, wind, water, and Sun effects.
• Chemical attacks, including sewage, corrosion,
  carbonation, pH, and spills. 

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What Are Parameters to Measure Durability?

• In practical life, construction industry apply
  three main metrics, such as
• Splitting due to layering impacts.
• Crumbling due to orientation and bonding for
  grains/clasts.
• Cracking due to human-oriented breaks and natural
  fissures.

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How to Test the Durability of Natural Stones?

• Accelerated Laboratory Durability Tests
  freeze-thaw cycling, wettingdrying, and salt
  crystallization resistance.
• Milieu Tests complex environmental testing in
  test cabinets.
• Exposure site testing.

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Accelerated Weathering Exposure
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Staining 
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Surface Spalling
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Advanced Surface Spalling
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What Are Durability Specifications for Different
Natural Stone Types?
We know general classifications of the natural
rocks used in the construction industry is based
on the mineral content and composition of the
rocks. Siliceous rocks have silica as predominant
element while calcareous rocks have
calcites. Durability (Physical property) Testing
Results of Quartzite Stone

Tests Description Results/value
Density Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance. 2.3 to 2.4 Kg/cm3
Loss on Ignition A small quantity of quartzite is heated, thereby letting the volatile substances be released.  Less than 0.5.
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Flexural Strength It is the property of the rock which defines its ability to defy stress 16-40 N/mm2.
Water Absorption The ability of the rock to soak water. As less as 1 1.2.
Hardness It refers to the strength of the rock. 7 units on Mohs scale.
Compressive Strength It is defined as the load that the rock can withstand without undergoing distortion. 90 to 140 N/mm2.
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Durability (Physical property) Testing Results
of Granite Stone
Tests Silver Grey Granite Dark Grey Granite Beige Granite JC/T205-92(96) Specifications
Rock Type  Grenodiorite Alteration Diorite  Fin Biotite Granite
Water Absorption ()  0.28 0.18  0.24 1.00 Max
Density (g/cm3)  2.64 2.78  2.65 2.50 Min
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Flexural Strength (MPa)  10.8 24  16 8.0 Min
Compressive Strength (MPa)  174.2 198.2  144.8 60.0 Min
Shore Hardness (HSD)  101 92  100
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Durability (Physical property) Testing Results
of Sandstone
Tests Results/value
Hardness  6 to 7 on Mohs Scale 
Density 2.32 to 2.42 Kg/m3
Compressive Strength  365 to 460 Kg/m2
Water Absorption  Not more than 1.0
Modulus of Rupture  197-200 Kg/cm2
Porosity  Low to very low
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Conclusion

• We have seen how calcareous stones are differing
  from the siliceous stones in hardness, density,
  water absorption, porosity, and modules of
  rupture like parameters. Therefore, stone
  experts in the industry prefer predominant use of
  calcareous stones in interior applications while
  siliceous for exterior applications.
• Granite and quartzite are the best options for
  kitchen countertops and similar applications in
  the interior spaces while Travertine stone is the
  number one choice for swimming pool deck and
  patio like exterior applications.

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Thank You

• Contact Us
• https//worldofstonesusa.com
• info_at_worldofstonesusa.com

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Source

• https//worldofstonesusa.com/blog/durability-natur
  al-stone/