The effect of freeze–thaw cycles on physical and mechanical properties of granitoid hard rocks

Abstract

This paper presents the influence of freeze–thaw cycles on physical and mechanical properties of Alvand granitoids hard rocks, in the west of Iran. For this purpose, three different types of Alvand granitoid rocks were selected and studied. For assessment of freeze–thaw weathering effects, a long-term freeze–thaw test was carried out for 300 cycles. P-wave velocity, porosity, water absorption, dry density, uniaxial compressive strength, and tensile strength of specimens were determined prior to doing the test and after every 50 cycles. The results of this study show that, by increases in the number of freeze–thaw cycles, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, dry density, and P-wave velocity decreases, whereas the water absorption and porosity increases. P-wave velocity and tensile strength were also suggested as the best indicators to assess the effects of freeze–thaw cycles on the physical and mechanical properties of the studied granites.