Experimental assessment of long-term durability of some weak rocks

Slake durability tests, point load strength tests and X-ray diffraction analyses were carried out on thirteen rock types in an attempt to correlate the durability of the rocks with their strengths and mineral compositions. A concept is proposed to describe the rock degradation characteristics from the results of slake durability test cycles. A new classification system is introduced for rock durability, which allows the prediction of the strength of a rock when it has been affected by the weathering process. The aim of the study was to predict the influence of the weathering process (simulated by wetting and drying and heating and cooling) on the durability and strength of the volcanic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks outcropping in eastern Thailand. Field studies were carried out in an attempt to relate the heat absorption of the rocks in situ to that measured on the laboratory specimens.