Study of the Determination of Three-Point Flexural Strength Loading in Resin and Reinforcing Ornamental Stones

Abstract

Theoretical framework: Brazil is one of the world's largest producers of ornamental stones, and is therefore the richest country in granite diversity in the world. Improvements in processing and production techniques have been developed over the years to add value to the final product. The resistance of stones is a preponderant factor for their application in certain environments. Some stone industries try to improve the resistance of the material by resining or reinforcing (resin plus fiberglass mesh) on their material. Method/project/approach: the work studied the behavior of resined and reinforced stones (resin plus fiberglass mesh). three-point flexural strength tests were carried out on pegmatite stones and quartzites. They were divided into groups with just resin and others with resin plus fiberglass mesh. Results and conclusion: The results showed that in the group of Pegmatite stones it was possible to obtain a gain of up to 44% in material resistance when resined and reinforced. However, the Quartzites did not have a significant gain, in some cases they obtained a lower value when reinforced. Only one of the quartzites achieved a 14% gain in resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a preliminary study with laboratory tests before resining and reinforcing the ornamental stones for sold. Research implications: Compare the three-point flexural strength between samples of pegmatic and quartzite stones and evaluate the resistance of reinforced (resin plus fiberglass mesh) and resin (resin) stones. Originality/value: analyze the influence of resin and fiberglass mesh on the three-point flexural strength of ornamental stones.