Deterioration of Travertine Samples Due to Magnesium Sulfate Crystallization Pressure: Examples from Iran

In order to assess the resistance of travertine against salt crystallization, 15 travertine samples were selected from Iran’s mines. Petrographic, physical and mechanical properties of the travertine samples were determined, and then salt crystallization test was carried out by using magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4 ) solution up to 60 cycles. Dry weight increment, dry weight loss, Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), point load strength index and P-wave velocity were calculated at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 number of cycles. Two weathering forms (granular disintegration, and alveolaring) were observed in the samples as a result of salt crystallization pressure. Onyx travertine samples were more resistant than travertine samples. It was found out that the deterioration rate at elementary cycles was lower. The results showed that durability of samples has a positive relationship with initial BTS and a negative relationship with initial effective porosity. It was concluded non-destructive tests are good technique for assessment of travertine deterioration in salt crystallization test.