Assessment of the Resistance of Dolomite Stone from Crac des Chevaliers Against Salt Crystallization

This study was dedicated to evaluating the durability of carbonatic stones Crac des Chevaliers castle against salt crystallization. is a UNESCO world heritage site located in Syria and considered one most important crusader castles built 12th century. Salt efflorescence common decay type detected on stone blocks this building, so six dolomite lithotypes with various structures tested under aging three different solutions; sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sulfate. Among those were two microbioclastic wackstone four microcrystalline dolomite. The had low open porosity (18 11 v/v%) compared dolomites about 28v/v% porosity. Two bimodal pore networks around 4 v/v% closed pores, however, other exhibited very small (around 0.35 v/v%). results revealed that even though great effect specimens, also major role weathering form depended composition properties. primary specimens sulfate solution granular disintegration while pitted surfaces formed chloride solution, exfoliation surface into thin layers observable after solution. NaCl crystallization specimen not as aggressive sulfates.