Hydric properties of some iberian ornamental granites with different superficial finishes: a petrophysical interpretation

Abstract

Some physical properties of three ornamental granites with different superficial finishes (polished, sawn and flamed) were quantified by standard tests. These granites are commercially known as Rosa Porrino, Rosavel and Blanco Alcazar. The determined properties were: density, open porosity, water absorption, capillarity, evaporation, vapour absorption and water vapour permeability. The values of the hydric properties in the studied granites fundamentally depended on their textural characteristics, mainly grain size, micro cracking network and open porosity, and, to a lesser extent, on their superficial finish.

Keywords

• ornamental stone granite
• hydric properties
• stone surface finish
• petrophysic