Quantification of salt weathering in porous stones using an experimental continuous partial immersion method

In this study, an experimental salt weathering simulation and porous stone durability classification are proposed. There are many laboratory tests that quantify durability against salt crystallisation weathering action. These are usually based on the total immersion of samples into a saline solution, which is not representative of the salt weathering mechanism. An experimental test based on partial immersion is suggested. This is a comparable study of weight loss and degradation of visual appearance due to salt crystallisation using, on the one hand, a standard durability test (UNE), and, on the other, the proposed durability test. The weight loss and visual appearance in our test is comparable to the degradation of building stone. The differences between weight loss data in both tests depend on the petrophysical properties: porous media and degree of coherence. his testing, a new durability classification as a function of dry weight loss in the partial immersion test is proposed. Four divisions of different types of materials can be made in this classification, which quantifies salt weathering action mainly in environments and mild climatic conditions.