Development of gypsum alteration on marble and limestone

ASTM Special Technical Publication
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Abstract

Blackened alteration crusts of gypsum plus particulates that form on sheltered areas on marble and limestone buildings pose a challenge for rehabilitation and cleaning. Fresh marble and limestone samples exposed at monitored exposure sites present conditions of simple geometry and well-documented exposures but have short exposure histories (one to five years). The gypsum alteration crusts that develop on these samples provide insight into the early stages and rate of alteration crust formation. Alteration crusts from buildings give a longer, but less well known exposure history and present much more complex surfaces for gypsum accumulation. Integrated observations and measurements of alteration crusts from exposure samples and from buildings identify four factors that are important in the formation and development of alteration crusts on marble and limestone: (1) pollution levels, (2) exposure to rain or washing, (3) geometry of exposure of the stone surface, and (4) permeability of the stone. The combination of these factors contributes to both the distribution and the physical characteristics of the gypsum crusts which may affect cleaning decisions.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Development of gypsum alteration on marble and limestone
Series title ASTM Special Technical Publication
DOI 10.1520/STP15450S
Volume 1258
Year Published 1996
Language English
Publisher ASTM
Description 22 p.
First page 376
Last page 397
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