Effect of Wet-Dry Cycling on the Microstructure of Various Weathering Grade Sandstone

Abstract:

This study investigated the effect of rock-water interaction on microstructural properties of various weathering grade sandstone. Sandstone samples were acquired from the Sor-Range coal mine area, Pakistan, and were investigated using a tabletop scanning electron microscope (SEM). The characteristics of microstructures from micrographs were obtained using ImageJ software. According to the findings an increase in wet and dry cycles significantly affects the microstructures (pore spaces and microcracks). The porosity and microcracks density of sandstone increases with the number of wet and dry cycles. Furthermore, the length of microcracks increases as the weathering grade increases. As variation in rock macroscopic mechanical characteristics is directly associated with the deterioration of microstructures. Therefore, analyzing the effect of water-rock interaction in various weathering grades of rock can offer a more accurate reference index for assessing the stability of geotechnical structures.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 920)
• Pages: 183-187
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-103kzT
• Online since: March 2024
• Authors: Kausar Sultan Shah, Mohd Hazizan Bin Mohd Hashim*, Hafeezur Rehman, Kamar Shah Ariffin
• Keywords: Microfractures, Microstructures, Sandstone, Weathering Grade, Wet-Dry Cycles

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