Evaluation of Different Types of Limestones used As Marble by Nondestructive Test Methods

Currently, the usability of building stones is determined by direct physical and mechanical tests. Dry unit weight, water absorption by weight, post-frost weight loss, uniaxial compressive strength and post-frost uniaxial compressive strength values are compared with the limiting values as specified in TS 10449 and ASTM standards in order to be used as a building stone. This study proposes a new method that can be used to evaluate building stones to be used in construction industry by use of Vp and Vs wave velocity values gathered using a nondestructive test method. Within the scope of this study, Vp and Vs wave velocities of building stones with six different textures were measured on 144 original and weathered cube samples of 7x7x7 cm3. The results from conventional test methods were compared with the proposed nondestructive test method results and a criteria that can be adopted to current relevant standards using Vp and Vs values was proposed. It was concluded that limestones samples with Vp higher than 5000 m/s and Vs higher than 2750 m/s can be used as building stone