Establishment of Ultrasonic Measurement Method for Stone Cultural Heritage Considering Water Content and Anisotropy

This study was focused on measurement methods for stone cultural heritages by analyzing Ultrasonic (P-wave) velocity variations according to the water content and anisotropy of rocks. As a result of analyzing of rock properties, the water content and saturation degree were rapidly changed at the beginning of drying and then showed exponential curve which their rates of change gradually decreased. However, P-wave velocity and its rate of change maintained constant values after natural drying of 10 hours. Therefore, the ultrasonic measurement for stone cultural heritages should be performed after natural drying of 10 hours considering the weather and moisture conditions. In addition, the highest values of anisotropy coefficient exhibited in granite and limestone, and indirect method was insensitive to anisotropy compared to direct method. However, all rocks remained anisotropy by indirect method. Accordingly, ultrasonic measurement considering various directions is required. The research results will contribute to customized non-destructive testing and precise diagnosis for lithological characteristics of stone cultural heritage.