The effect of cyclic salt weathering test on deterioration potential of granitoid rocks

In this study, the salt weathering effects on engineering properties and weight loss potential of three types of granitoid rocks were investigated. Sodium and magnesium sulfates tests were performed on core and aggregate samples. The cyclic salt weathering tests on core samples were done up to 90 cycles, while these tests on aggregate samples were done up to 40 cycles. The results showed that deterioration effect of magnesium sulfate on weight loss was more remarkable than sodium sulfate. However, deterioration effect of sodium sulfate on weakening of physico-mechanical properties was more considerable than magnesium sulfate. Porphyroid monzogranite was far more affected by the salts in comparison with other rock types which were tested in the current study. The results showed that ultrasonic wave velocity parameter was more appropriate than other engineering parameters to demonstrate the damage processes. Finally, a crack development weathering pattern and a corrosive damage pattern were observed for sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate respectively.