Abstract
In order to investigate the weathering characteristics of rocks in response to freeze-thaw conditions in northern latitudes, we analysed meteorological data from the Ny-Ålesund region in Norway, and observed changes in the physical and mechanical properties of rocks of dolomite and quartzite. To assess the effects of freeze-thaw weathering on these rock properties, 900 cycles of long-term freeze-thaw tests were conducted for the sampled rocks in two locations. P-wave velocity, absorption, shore hardness, and the uniaxial compressive strength of the sampled rocks were measured at every 150 cycles in order to analyse physical and mechanical mediator variables of freeze-thaw weathering. It was found that an increasing number of freeze-thaw cycle on the sampled rocks decreases uniaxial compressive strength, shore hardness, and P-wave velocity and increases absorption.
Highlights
The repetition of freeze and thaw of rocks is largely governed by the local climate
An accurate assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of these rocks is very important for the evaluation of structural stability to preserve the function of the rock structure
We aimed to investigate the behaviour of rocks collected from Ny-Ålesund, a high latitude region, with changes in rock and air temperatures simulating the Ny-Ålesund region in a laboratory
Summary
The repetition of freeze and thaw of rocks is largely governed by the local climate. In order to investigate rock weathering mechanisms due to freeze-thaw cycles, it is important to reflect the unique properties of the climate and rocks in the region of interest. Many researchers examined changes of various physical and mechanical properties of rocks in a view of durability with increasing freeze-thaw cycles [7,8,9,12,13]. Other studies confirmed the changes of rock properties due to freeze-thaw weathering; further research is necessary to examine long-term rock durability in high latitude regions for effective estimation of maintenance and repair time against freeze-thaw cycles in nature [2,16,17]. We collected relatively fresh rock specimens exposed to the surface, and examined changes in their physical and mechanical rock properties of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), shore hardness, absorption, and P-wave velocity with increasing freeze-thaw cycle
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
