Physical and mechanical appraisal of two carbonatic stones widely used in the architectural heritage of eastern Andalusia, Spain

We present a detailed characterization of two calcareous stones from Andalusia (Southern Spain), namely Escúzar calcarenite and Olivillo travertine. Both materials can replace two stones extensively used in the architectural heritage of Andalusia, i.e. La Escribana calcarenite and Alfacar travertine...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Maja Urosevic, Eduardo Sebastián Pardo, Encarnación Ruiz-Agudo, Carolina Cardell
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas 2011-03-01
Series:Materiales de Construccion
Subjects:
Online Access:http://materconstrucc.revistas.csic.es/index.php/materconstrucc/article/view/215
Description
Summary:We present a detailed characterization of two calcareous stones from Andalusia (Southern Spain), namely Escúzar calcarenite and Olivillo travertine. Both materials can replace two stones extensively used in the architectural heritage of Andalusia, i.e. La Escribana calcarenite and Alfacar travertine. To establish the suitability of the replacement of ancient materials, detailed examination was performed. X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, optical and scanning electron microscopy, hydric tests, mercury intrusion porosimetry, gas adsorption, ultrasounds and colorimetry were applied. The Escúzar calcarenite has large pore cavities and higher open porosity than La Escribana calcarenite. From a chromatic point of view both calcarenites are rather similar. The Olivillo travertine is a massive well cemented and heterogeneously colored rock. The ultrasounds velocities for this material are very homogeneous and elevated, indicating excellent mechanical properties. However the hydric and chromatic differences between both travertines point to reduced adequacy of Olivillo travertine as substitutive material for Alfacar.
ISSN:0465-2746
1988-3226