Polymeric composite laminate to increase the performance of natural stones

Abstract Low mechanical resistance and high weight restrict use of natural stones in applications where tensile or flexural capacity is required together with a low weight, such as for long spans or thin sections (e.g., cladding, countertops, desktops). The use of composite laminates as external reinforcement both to increase the mechanical resistance and to decrease weight of natural stone is investigated. High strength glass/epoxy laminates were bonded to the lower surfaces of marble and granite beams, and 3-point bend and short-beam tests were performed on reinforced and unreinforced specimens. Results indicate that external composite reinforcement can increase the mechanical property of both types of stone up to an order of magnitude as compared to unreinforced control samples. Keywordsmarble, granite, glass/epoxy laminate, 3-point bendtest, short-beam test