The effects of freeze–thaw cycles on the gloss values of polished stone surfaces

Natural stones, each with particular physical, mechanical, chemical and mineralogical and petrographic properties, are used as covering or pavement materials and thus are important because of their practical uses. The physical and mechanical properties of these materials used as the pavement of buildings in open areas are affected by temperature variations especially in cold regions. In construction projects, particularly in areas exposed to temperature variations, gloss value is one of the most essential physical features of natural stones that will be used as covering or pavement materials. Wetting–drying, heating–cooling, and freezing–thawing are environmental factors of considerable importance in the aging of natural stones. In order to determine the stone which is most suitable for use in the areas exposed to temperature variation under non-stable climatic conditions, gloss value (the surface brightness of the polished natural stones after freezing–thawing) was investigated using a thermostatic chamber. In this study, the effect of temperature variation on the surface brightness of polished natural stones (gloss value) and the relationship between gloss value and some physical, mechanical properties of natural stone samples and also calcite grain size were elucidated. As a result, it is revealed that natural stone samples except limestone used in the study are not suitable for outdoor applications in cold regions due to high variations in their gloss values.

► As the cycles increase in the thermostatic-chamber, surface gloss values decrease.
► Physical, mechanical and petrographical characteristics of rock affect the surface gloss loss.
► As the calcite grain size of sample increases, surface gloss loss values increase.
► Marble samples used in this study showed higher % gloss loss compared to limestone sample.