Elsevier

Engineering Geology

Volume 1, Issue 5, September 1966, Pages 381-400
Engineering Geology

Important agents of weathering for building and monumental stone

https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-7952(66)90003-2Get rights and content

Abstract

The atmosphere has little corrosive effect on stone without the presence of water. Washout of aggressive ingredients from the atmosphere by rainwater, however, increases corrosion and solution of stone. Dissolved CO2, SO2, SO3, and Cl are the most effective corrodents. The urban atmosphere supplied much more CO2 and sulfates through the combustion of fossil fuels than the atmosphere of rural areas; this accelerates stone decay in urban areas very much. Water with few ions in solution may be as corrosive as CO2 and SO4 charged water, as it is active to reach the equilibrium condition with the stone in contact. Silicate rocks can resist exposure to rainwater successfully for a long time.

Exposure of facing stone and concrete aggregate to soft or acid running water or lake waters causes damage primarily to carbonate rocks. Resistant silicate rocks should be selected.

Primitive animals and plants may inhabit bare stone surfaces paving the way to more extensive destruction through the production of organic acids along the root system. All rocks are subject to attack by low animals.

Boring sponges, sea shells, and sea urchins may develop a dense network of pock marks near the waterline in different rock types; occasionally also in concrete.

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