Predicting the long-term durability of building stones against freeze–thaw using a decay function model

•The decay function model revealed the sensitivity of all stones against freeze–thaw action.•The rock type does not provide any clue for rock durability against freeze–thaw.•The same originated rocks can exhibit significantly different durability against freeze–thaw action.

The deterioration of stones under severe climatic conditions can affect their durability in the course of time. The long-term durability of stones due to freeze–thaw action is a determining factor for the stability of natural stones used in engineering works as building stones. In this study, the long-term durability of building stones against freeze–thaw action using a decay function model, proposed by Mutluturk et al. (2004), was evaluated. The model postulates a first order process, and provides meaningful parameters for the integrity loss of stones against freeze–thaw action. For this purpose, 14 different building stones were selected and their petrographical characteristics, as well as some of physical and mechanical properties (density, porosity, water absorption, Brazilian tensile strength, and point load strength) were determined. Then, freeze–thaw test up to 30 cycles was carried out and, after every 5 cycles, the Brazilian tensile strength and point load strength of the stones were measured. The long-term durability of each stone against freeze–thaw was evaluated using the parameters of decay function model. This model shows that the rate of integrity loss differs for different stones, and stone durability against freeze–thaw can be predicted with good accuracy.