Petrophysical properties of limestones: influence on behaviour under different environmental conditions and applications Article uri icon

abstract

  • Limestones are of wide variety, namely with differences in the process of formation, mineralogical composition, grain size and texture. Such variability leads to differences in weathering characteristics and behaviour under different environmental conditions and applications. Therefore, detailed studies are mandatory to assess the main factors controlling the physical–mechanical properties and durability to propose the best applications for limestones. This study presents the petrographic and petrophysical data of 11 selected Portuguese limestones. Texture, mineralogy and porosity were identified as key parameters for the durability of limestones. Two main groups were identified regarding the texture/petrography and weathering resistance: the compact micritic limestones and with the sparitic grainstones. For the first time an outstanding bowing behaviour was identified in a limestone, probably related with clay swelling minerals and iron oxides present in the micrite groundmass around or in the stylolitic planes. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

publication date

  • 2021-01-01