Variation of Physical and Microstructural Properties of Limestone caused by Artificial Freezing and Thawing

Abstract

Physical and microstructural properties of Pungchon and Maggol limestone were investigated quantitatively during 50 cycles of artificial freezing and thawing test. There were decrease in dry weight and P,S-wave velocity, and increase in absorption rate in both rock types. Porosity, pore volume, equivalent diameter, throat thickness and pore orientation were analyzed using X-ray computed tomography images. Porosity increased, and initiation and expansion of pores were investigated as weathering progresses. Physical and microstructural variation in Maggol limestone was larger than that of Pungchon limestone because Maggol limestone has more pores and microcracks at initial state. As this study analyzes physical and microstructural properties of rock specimens comprehensively, it can be applied to further rock weathering study and can be used as fundamental data of construction and resource development in cold regions.