Influence of rift and bedding plane on the physico-mechanical properties of granitic rocks. Implications for the deterioration of granitic monuments

摘要

The influence of the natural planes in granitic rocks (rift and bedding plane) on some of their physico-mechanical properties was evaluated with a view to establishing how the disposition of these plaens in granitic construction materials affects the deterioration of granitic monuments. Blocks were cut from three granites that have been widely used in construction and restoration in Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, NW Spain), and their capillarity, to water vapour, thermal expansion and expansion upon immersion in water, and compressive and bending strength were determined in three different orientations with respect to a reference plane.