Water and salt transport and storage properties of Mšené sandstone

Abstract

Basic water and salt transport and storage properties of Mšené sandstone, a material frequently used in historical buildings on the Czech territory for many centuries, are studied in the paper. Moisture diffusivity and water vapor diffusion resistance factor represent the water transport parameters, sorption isotherm and water retention curve water storage parameters, ion binding isotherm the salt storage parameter and salt dispersion coefficient the salt transport parameter. Experimental results show that the analyzed material has mostly favorable water and salt transport and storage properties which can be attributed mainly to its open pore structure and to its negligible amount of small pores. As a consequence, a risk of damage due to salt crystallization and due to ice formation seems to be low for this material. This makes it appropriate for application in severe conditions, such as the permanent exposure to water or salt solutions.