Neutron radiography and X-ray computed tomography for quantifying weathering and water uptake processes inside porous limestone used as building material

Euville and Savonnières limestones were weathered by acid test and this resulted in the formation of a gypsum crust. In order to characterize the crystallization pattern and the evolution of the pore structure below the crust, a combination of high resolution X-ray computed tomography and SEM–EDS was used. A time lapse sequence of the changing pore structure in both stones was obtained and afterwards quantified by using image analysis. The difference in weathering of both stones by the same process could be explained by the underlying microstructure and texture. Because water and moisture play a crucial role in the weathering processes, water uptake in weathered and non-weathered samples was characterized based on neutron radiography. In this way the water uptake was both visualized and quantified in function of the height of the sample and in function of time. In general, the formation of a gypsum crust on limestone slows down the initial water uptake in the materials. •Time lapse sequence in 3D of changing pore structures inside limestone•A combination of X-ray CT, SEM and neutron radiography was used.•Quantification of water content in function of time, height and weathering•Characterization of weathering processes due to gypsum crystallization