Influence of the Freeze-Thaw Cycles on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Granites

AbstractStone masonry buildings provide evidence of the cultural and historical values at the time. Therefore, it is important to preserve the stone of these buildings to harmful environment conditions like freeze-thaw and salt crystallization cycles, air pollution, and excessive and frequent rain or snowfall, which can lead to decay processes that endanger the future of architectural heritage. Thus, it is important to understand how environmental actions act on the physical and mechanical properties of building stones. In Portugal, the most used building stone, particularly in the north region, is granite, both in the vernacular and historical buildings. Therefore, this research aims at evaluating the performance of different types of granite, characteristic of the northeastern region of Portugal to the action of freeze-thaw cycles, for which this environmental action is relevant, given the wide temperature range and the possibility of occurrence of negative temperatures. Frost resistance is important fo...