Influences of chemical degradation on mechanical behaviour of a limestone

This paper is devoted to the experimental investigation of chemical degradation effects on mechanical behaviour of a porous limestone. Hydrostatic and triaxial compression tests are first performed, respectively, on sound and chemically degraded samples. It is found that the chemical degradation induces the diminution of pore collapse limit stress, elastic modulus and material cohesion. Coupled triaxial creep-chemical degradation tests are also performed. The chemical degradation enhances time-dependant deformation and can generate significant increase in permeability through the formation of wormholes networks.

Highlight
► Two plastic deformation mechanisms of limestone are identified.
► The chemical degradation affects elastic and plastic properties of the limestone.
► There is also the progressive destruction of inter-granular cementation.
► The chemical degradation largely enhances the time dependent deformation.
► Wormholes are generated leading to localized drastic changes of permeability.