Abstract
The main objective of this study is to suggest a new assessment method of the influence of weathering due to salt crystallization on the engineering property of rock. For this purpose, various sources of salt and salt crystallization were investigated, and artificially accelerated weathering tests were carried out. In natural envionment, weathering rate is very slow and weathering process involves complex mechanisms. Therefore artificial weathering test is essential for systematic analysis. Arificial weathering test is defined as test which controls weathering rate and agents by controlling arificial environmental condition. In this study, salt crystallization test was selected among various artificial weathering test methods, for its important role in weathering. Change of various stone properties were detexted. The change of physical properties by salt crystallization were observed as follows : 72% in Brazilian tensile strength and 72% in Slake durability. These results explain the importance of salt crystallization in the mechanical behaviour and properties of stone.