The alteration of Globigerina Limestone with special reference to the effects of atmospheric sulphur compounds and of salt crystallisation

Abstract

All materials, when placed in the environment, undergo a continuous process of deterioration resulting from physical, chemical, mechanical and, maybe, biological processes. This alteration of rock in the atmosphere can be considered as being due to a disparity between the rock itself and the environment it is in. Research in this field of study on any local building material is extremely limited. Much of the research done on stone has been made on quarry samples with no consideration being given to the changes in properties as the stone interacts with its immediate environment. This work hopes to start investigations on this aspect and lays special emphasis on the effects of atmospheric sulphates and of salt crystallisation on Globigerina Limestone. To achieve this, the study describes the intrinsic properties and characteristics of the Globigerina Limestone itself and then moves on to describe the various agents of decay and how they operate to alter the appearance, strength, coherence, dimensions and chemical behaviour of the material.