Petrophysical and mechanical properties of soft and porous building rocks used in Apulian monuments (south Italy)

Abstract

This paper brings a comprehensive review of the main petrophysical and mechanical properties of calcarenite rocks used from time immemorial in Apulia (south Italy), with loadbearing and decorative functions both in constructions of specific historic and architectonic interest and in more common buildings. These soft and porous rocks show a reduced ability to maintain their characteristics of strength, appearance and resistance to decay over a considerable period of time. Even more than other sedimentary rocks, calcarenites belonging to the same formation can change considerably in terms of physical properties and mechanical behaviour due to the complex spatial arrangement of facies strongly conditioned by depositional fabric and diagenetic processes. A number of calcarenite varieties belonging to the Calcarenite di Gravina Fm. and Pietra Leccese Fm. was selected from different parts of Apulia and characterized according to petrographical, physical and mechanical properties. These included porosity, pore size distribution, density, water absorption, degree of saturation, permeability, thermal properties as well as compressive strength and flexural strength. Particular attention was given to the relationships between rock fabric features and physico-mechanical behaviour of the calcarenites. In addition, a comparison of data for the examined varieties was also discussed. A classification of the Apulian calcarenites based on rock fabric features and uniaxial compressive strength was proposed. Critical observations regarding the durability of the Apulian calcarenites were made, taking into account other data from literature.

An Integrated Procedure to Assess the Stability of Coastal Rocky Cliffs: From UAV Close-Range Photogrammetry to Geomechanical Finite Element Modeling

“…Rock unit weight ranges between 15 and 17 kN/m 3 , whereas uniaxial compressive strength under saturated conditions results to be between 5 and 15 MPa, and the corresponding values under dry conditions are in the range between 12 and 25 MPa [33]. Based on these mechanical properties, the calcarenite examined can be classified as soft to moderately soft according to the classification proposed by Andriani and Walsh [33] and weak according to the ISRM one [34]. Referring to the minimum values of the compressive strength, a Mohr-Coulomb shear failure envelope has been defined, which is characterized by a cohesion c = 200-300 kPa and friction angle in the range between φ = 26 • -34 • .…”

“…In particular, the rock unit weight and the uniaxial compression strength have been measured for both saturated and dry samples in order to derive the effects of rock saturation on the corresponding properties. Rock unit weight ranges between 15 and 17 kN/m 3 , whereas uniaxial compressive strength under saturated conditions results to be between 5 and 15 MPa, and the corresponding values under dry conditions are in the range between 12 and 25 MPa [33]. Based on these mechanical properties, the calcarenite examined can be classified as soft to moderately soft according to the classification proposed by Andriani and Walsh [33] and weak according to the ISRM one [34].…”

Mortars Containing Sustainable PCM’s for the Energy Efficiency of Buildings

“…This material is mainly composed of CaCO 3 (92-95% wt.) and other minerals in a smaller percentage [5]. The LS used in this work was a waste material supplied by a quarry located near Lecce (Italy), in form of flakes ( Figure 1a).…”

Characterization and behaviour of ZnO-based nanocomposites designed for the control of biodeterioration of patrimonial stoneworks

“…Detailed information on the petrophysical and mechanical properties of both calcarenites, including porosity, pore size distribution, density, water absorption, degree of saturation, permeability, thermal properties as well as compressive strength and flexural strength have been reported in literature [32,33]. Three calcareous buildings stones from Apulia were selected.…”