Mechanical behavior of high strength granite for new prestressed stone structures

The present paper analyzes the internal destruction process of high strength granite under compression, focusing inconsistencies between some conventional theories and the observed reality. It is proposed that the crack progression is a result of the relative displacement of two fitted irregular faces, which implies an increase of the gap between them and tensile forces at the tips. This model explains some aspects of the mechanical behavior of granite: (a) Spalling of granite laminae without buckling processes; (b) Consequences of the destruction of crack face irregularities; (c) Effect of the grain size in the compressive strength. The paper also discusses some loading conditions effects in the compressive strength of granite: load distribution; constraints of transversal deformation on the loaded ends of specimens; long term loads; cyclic loads.

► Inconsistencies of theories about the destruction of compressed granite are analyzed.
► Model of crack progression by relative displacement of their faces is proposed.
► Effects of loading conditions in the compressive strength are analyzed.
► Contributions to the design of new granite structures are presented.