Publication
Title
Holistic approach of pre-existing flaws on the decay of two limestones
Author
Abstract
This study aims to understand the influence of the microfacies and the determination of pre-existing flaws on the weathering behavior of two types of limestones. Therefore, both Lede and Noyant limestones were independently weathered by strong acid tests and freeze-thaw cycles. In order to characterize the weathering patterns inside the stones, a combination of high resolution X-ray CT, SEM-EDS and thin section microscopy was used. The advantage of high resolution X-ray CT is its non-destructive character and the obtained 3D structural information. By using this technique, a time-lapse sequence of the weathering patterns was obtained for both gypsum crust formation as well as crack formation due to freezing and thawing. This way, a clear link could be made with the initial non-weathered state. Thin section microscopy and SEM-EDS provided additional chemical information. The focus of this study lies in the processes that occur in the bioclast fragments in the stone and the influence of the surrounding cement or matrix. The results show that weathering patterns vary for both limestones although the causes of weathering were similar. In case of the Noyant stone, the weathering by crystallizing gypsum was mainly restricted to the microporous matrix of the stone, while in case of the Lede stone, several foraminifera and shell fragments were preferentially recrystallized. In general, the underlying microstructure determines the weathering pattern of the stone. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Language
English
Source (journal)
The science of the total environment. - Amsterdam, 1972, currens
Publication
Amsterdam : 2013
ISSN
0048-9697 [print]
1879-1026 [online]
DOI
10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2012.12.094
Volume/pages
447 (2013) , p. 403-414
ISI
000317538100044
Pubmed ID
23410862
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 06.03.2020
Last edited 29.08.2024
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