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Pore Potential and Durability of Limestone at the Sphinx

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

K.L. Gauri
Affiliation:
Geology Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
Srinivas S. Yerrapragada
Affiliation:
Geology Department, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
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Abstract

In mercury porosimetry of limestone two hystereses are generated. A PV-- diagram for initial intrusion and extrusion reveals one hysteresis as entrapment of mercury in large cavities that are connected to the exterior through narrow channels. The other hysteresis is a loop (HL) enclosed between the extrusion and reintrusion curves which indicate narrow channels. An HL is unique to a stone.

The thermodynamic work (W) calculated as ΣPV, is W1, WE, WRE, WHy, and WT for the initial intrusion, extrusion, reintrusion, the hysteresis loop, and the entrapment, respectively. The pore-potential (U) defined as

regulates the volume and rate of movement of water through the pores which in turn determines the stone's durability. Microporous stones are highly susceptible to weathering and have a large value for WHy. WHy. in association with the WT can be related to the durability factor (DF) as

The DF values, thus obtained, accurately reflect the observed condition of the strata of the Sphinx.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1992

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References

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