Rapid prediction of Building Research Establishment limestone durability class from porosity and saturation

The development of a rapid, non-parametric, and slightly conservative predictor for the estimation of probable weight loss in the standard Building Research Establishment sodium sulphate crystallisation test, and hence of estimated limestone durability class, based on [Porosity Saturation ] 0.5 is described. The time saving offered by application of the look-up tables provided here reduces the 3–4 weeks required for the Building Research Establishment crystallization weight loss test to a matter of hours and offers considerable practical advantage for rapid assessment of the suitability of limestone building stones quarried abroad (e.g. in Jordan) for use in the salt weathering conditions of the UK. However, there is a relatively large variance associated with this estimator (particularly when the microporosity coefficient exceeds 0.65) and in critical cases it should be followed up by confirmatory use of the standard crystallization weight loss test.