Analysis of weathering and internal texture on the engineering properties of granites

摘要

The research significance of the present paper concerns the need of knowing the mechanicalproperties of stone existing in the ancient constructions, when a suitable methodology for their rehabilitation orstrengthening is followed. The rehabilitation of ancient constructions, mainly the ones pertaining to the architecturalheritage is a demand of modern societies. The deep knowledge of mechanical and fracture properties ofthe stone is also an important advantage, when structural analysis is needed for the evaluation of the safety conditionsof ancient constructions. Thus, this paper aims at providing large information about the influence of factorssuch as weathering state and planar anisotropy on the engineering properties of Portuguese granites. It wasfound that both weathering and internal structure play a major role on the mechanical tensile and compressivebehavior of granites. Besides, the non-destructive evaluation reveal as possible technique to predict the weatheringand anisotropy of granites.