Experimental study to evaluate the effect of travertine structure on the physical and mechanical properties of the material

Geology, hydrophysical properties, and mechanical behavior of two main varieties of ornamental stones in Algeria have been studied in detail. Travertines and onyx in western Algeria are summarized to two large layers, the Bouhanifia and the Ain Takbalat deposits. Their formation is related to the hydrothermalism following the great fault of Tafna. The travertine formed in water overflow while onyx is set up along the lines of outputs of the sewage of dissolved CaCo 3 . The results obtained show a good correlation between petrography and the mechanical behavior; the bedding planes and laminations of the travertines give a petrophysical anisotropy across the sample. Two types of mechanical testing: compressive and flexural strength were carried out either parallel or perpendicular to the veins. This test showed that mechanical behavior is guided by the nature, thickness, composition, and orientation of the veins.