A complex investigation of building sandstones from Saxony (Germany)
- TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Institute of Mineralogy, Brennhausgasse 14, D-09596, Freiberg (Germany)
- Dresden University of Technology, Department of Geotechnical Engineering, D-01062 Dresden (Germany)
The present paper provides a methodology for the investigation and characterization of building sandstones. This analytical scheme was designed for distinguishing mature arenites, which in general show very similar properties and are difficult to distinguish. This is shown for Cretaceous sandstones from various occurrences in Saxony (Germany), which have been used for centuries as building materials. The procedure is mainly based on the combination of macroscopic rock description, thin section polarizing microscopy (phase composition, texture, grain-size distribution) and cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy (quartz types, feldspar and kaolinite content) coupled with image analysis, scanning electron microscopy (accessories, pore cement, diagenetic grain surface features), and analysis of pore space data. Sometimes, additional data from X-ray diffraction or chemical analyses (major and trace elements) can be used. Especially in the case of quartz rich arenites, CL is a powerful tool for provenance analysis. The detailed analysis of sandstone material in most cases allows us to assign historically used building material to a specific sandstone occurrence. These results are important for both interpreting the weathering behaviour of the building material and the conservation, reconstruction and stone replacement of historical monuments.
- OSTI ID:
- 21062170
- Journal Information:
- Materials Characterization, Vol. 58, Issue 11-12; Conference: 10. Euroseminar on microscopy applied to building materials (EMABM), Paisley, Scotland (United Kingdom), 21-24 Jun 2005; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.matchar.2007.04.028; PII: S1044-5803(07)00169-6; Copyright (c) 2007 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1044-5803
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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