The effect of the pH of the testing liquid on the slake durability of gypsum

Abstract

It is known that foundation problems are caused by the dissolution of gypsum due to both chemical and mechanical processes. In order to investigate the combined effect of physico-chemical agents on the erodability of gypsum, a series of slake durability tests were carried out on eight different types of gypsum using testing solutions with different pH values. XRD, chemical and petrographical analyses, and basic strength tests such as unconfined compression, Brazilian tensile, and point load were performed on the eight rock types. The slake durability results ranged from medium to very high under the different pH conditions but it was concluded that the slake durability of gypsum is independent of the pH of the testing solution. Mineralogical composition and fabric are considered to have a greater influence on the slake durability of gypsum. © Springer-Verlag 2005.