GRAHAM, CALLUM1, LEE, MARTIN2, PHOENIX, VERNON3, YOUNG, MAUREEN4

1 Mr Callum Graham, The University of Glasgow, Geographical and Earth Sciences, G12 8QQ C.Graham.1@research.gla.ac.uk

2 Prof Martin Lee, The University of Glasgow, Geographical and Earth Sciences, G12 8QQ Martin.Lee@glasgow.ac.uk

3 Dr Vernon Phoenix, The University of Glasgow, Geographical and Earth Sciences, G12 8QQ Vernon.Phoenix@glasgow.ac.uk

4 Dr Maureen Young, Historic Scotland, Conservation Directorate, EH12 9EB Maureen.Young@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Here we report results of an investigation of the effects of high levels of deposition of various de-icing salts on traditional and common replacement sandstones in Scotland. A range of de-icing compounds and sandstones were selected for study. Stones were chosen in accordance to their importance as building materials in Scotland and to ensure a representative range of petrographic types. This approach allows evaluation of the petrographic properties of different stones, and how they relate to salt crystallisation and subsequent damage. Sandstones were subject to accelerated salt weathering tests, the impacts of which were assessed by measurement of weight changes to the samples and alteration to the stone as recorded by photography and scanning electron microscopy. Results from these tests are discussed in relation to sandstone petrographic properties, as determined by thin section microscopy, and a suite of standard hydric tests, and highlight both stone- and salt-specific controls on salt uptake and stone durability.

Keywords: sandstone, de-icing salts, salt crystallisation