Physical properties and durability of fresh and impregnated Limestone and Sandstone from central Sweden used for thin stone flooring and cladding

Publisher Summary Rocks differ in physical and chemical properties depending on their geochemistry, grain size, grain shape, and porosity. Physical properties crucial for thin stone flooring and cladding have been investigated on fresh and impregnated Jamtland limestone and Dala sandstone. The tests performed were three-point load bending strength, uniaxial compressive strength, abrasion resistance, water absorption (including density), effective porosity, and air permeability. The physical properties were correlated to a chemical weathering test simulating natural stone material corrosion because of acid rain. The fresh sandstone showed higher bending strength, compressive strength, abrasion resistance, water absorption and porosity, and lower permeability than the fresh limestone. The impregnated limestone showed much higher bending strength than the fresh limestone. Thus, it can be concluded that the impregnated limestone showed improved bending strength and chemical properties compared to the fresh limestone, but impaired water absorption, porosity, and permeability. Fresh and impregnated sandstone did not show any distinct differences in physical and chemical properties. For thin stone flooring and cladding the fresh Dala Sandstone is more suitable than the fresh Jamtland limestone because it is less vulnerable to mechanical stress and less sensitive to acid rain.