Water weathering in rocks discontinuities

Abstract : The behavior of rock discontinuities at different spatial scales remains a major challenge for scientists who want to understand the rock alteration, both in the triggering of rock-fall and in the evolution of the cliffs. Our research aim to take into account the geomorphological features related to the slopes and rock discontinuities subject to weathering conditions. Several studies show the physical effect of water in the alteration of rock through cracks and micro cracks. In Cultural Heritage point of view, a rock discontinuity could be described or analyzed as the interface between stone and joint in buildings. The mechanical and physical discontinuity behavior and its time evolution have a strong influence on the onset of instability of the blocks and on their strength. The effects of climate change (increase of rainfall, temperature fluctuation...), may significantly increase the inception of phenomena such rock falls, stone degradation and damages on monuments. The aim of this study is to characterize the chemical influence of water flowing inside the discontinuity and also through the porous stone matrix. This paper focus on experiments performed in order to analyze the effects of physical and chemical alteration on the mechanical behavior of porous limestone. Limestone is a both commonly stone used in construction of cultural heritage buildings and found on French territory. These experiments could have some interesting results in restoration or conservation of building. We'll present the results of the first two experiments performed in quasi-static and dynamic of the flowing process. The observation and the monitoring of the alteration process are performed in order to determine the physical and chemical reactions involved in this phenomenon. This one we'll be linked to the mechanical aspect of the massif and or the building.