Adaptation of the Micro-Deval Test for Assessing the Surface Weathering Degree of Granite

The paper summarizes recent results obtained from a new wear test performed on fresh and artificially aged rocks. Four different types of granitic rocks with different mineral compositions and grain sizes were selected for this study. Some important physical and mechanical properties of the rock specimens were also determined. Measurements performed on fresh specimens showed that the wear coefficient is affected by the mineralogical composition, especially the predominant mineral which constitutes the rock. It was determined that wear resistance increased with increasing quartz content. The results also show that there is a positive correlation between the micro-fragmentation rate, during the wear test, and the average grain sizes. Two specimens of the tested granites were subjected to an artificial hydro-physical ageing test. Based on the results of the experiment, it was concluded that the wear testing method is a good indicator of the weathering degree. It was shown that the imposed weathering process decreases the abrasion resistance of the rock and increases its micro-fragmentation ability.