e-space
Manchester Metropolitan University's Research Repository

    Physical deterioration of sedimentary rocks subjected to experimental freeze-thaw weathering

    Nicholson, DT and Nicholson, FH (2000) Physical deterioration of sedimentary rocks subjected to experimental freeze-thaw weathering. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 25 (12). pp. 1295-1307. ISSN 0197-9337

    [img]
    Preview

    Download (522kB) | Preview

    Abstract

    Ten types of sedimentary rock were subjected to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. In addition to monitoring sample weight loss throughout testing, a detailed graphic record was made of deterioration mode and its relationship to pre-existing rock flaws. Results suggest that the presence or absence of rock flaws alone does not control deterioration mode, but rather that it is the coupled relationship between these flaws, and rock strength and textural properties which exerts greatest influence. While some pre-existing flaws such as syndepositional deformation structures do not appear to influence breakdown, others such as incipient fractures, cavities and minor lithological boundaries frequently coincide with concentrations of deterioration. A characteristic mode of deterioration which is independent pre-existing flaws tends to develop in sandstones, indicating the influence, in this case, of rock texture. Particularly strong rocks such as crystalline limestone and metasediment tend to fracture preferentially along distinct linear weaknesses such as mineral veins, stylolites and incipient fractures. Particularly weak rocks, such as low-density chalk, break down in a random fashion without regard to pre-existing flaws. In addition to providing some insight into the role of pre-existing flaws in rock deterioration, this work also has practical implications for (i) the study of landform development due to weathering, and (ii) the selection of representative rock samples in durability testing for building stone. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.

    Impact and Reach

    Statistics

    Activity Overview
    6 month trend
    842Downloads
    6 month trend
    421Hits

    Additional statistics for this dataset are available via IRStats2.

    Altmetric

    Repository staff only

    Edit record Edit record