Published

2025-04-21

Freeze–thaw–induced microstructural alterations and deterioration of physicomechanical properties in rocks from the Himalayan ranges (Pakistan)

Alteraciones microestructurales y deterioro de las propiedades físico-mecánicas por ciclos de congelación-deshielo inducidos en rocas del Himalaya paquistaní

Keywords:

Diverse rock suites, Freeze-thaw cycles, Physico-mechanical properties, Fracture density, Mechanical strength (en)
muestra de rocas, ciclos de congelación-deshielo, propiedades físico-químicas, densidad de la fractura, fortaleza mecánica (es)

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Authors

  • Abid Nawaz National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar
  • Muhammad Sajid Department of Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
  • Waqas Ahmed National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan
  • Abdul Rahim Asif National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan

This study investigates in detail the impact of freeze-thaw cycles on the physical and mechanical properties of a variety of rock types, including granulite, amphibolite, limestone, sandstone, granitic gneiss, quartzite, rhyolite, dolerite, and gabbronorite. The selected rock samples underwent several freeze-thaw cycles at temperatures ranging from 25°C to -40°C. After these cycles, tests were performed to assess the response of the rocks to varying temperatures. Destructive tests (uniaxial compressive strength, point load index) and non-destructive testing (specific gravity, ultrasonic pulse wave velocity, porosity, and water absorption) were carried out. The density of the induced fractures in each type of rock under investigation was calculated. The fracture density in the samples increased as the number of cycles increased. After fifty cycles, the fracture density of selected rocks increased as follows: 1.12% for sandstone, 1.06% for limestone, 0.59% for rhyolite, 0.48% for gabbronorite, 0.57% for quartzite, 0.76% for granitic gneiss, 0.46% for amphibolite, and 0.43% for granulite. The extent and strength of the fractures increased further with continued cycles. After 100 freeze-thaw cycles, the fracture densities rose to 1.47%, 1.44%, 1.22%, 1.05%, 1.14%, 1.31%, 1.03%, and 1.02%, respectively. Similarly, porosity and water absorption levels showed an increased trend. However, as the freeze-thaw process continues, the results indicate a decrease in uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), specific gravity, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and point load strength. These findings highlight how freeze-thaw conditions deteriorate rocks and change their physico-mechanical characteristics, with significant implications for the mining and building sectors.

Este estudio investiga en detalle el impacto de los ciclos de congelación-deshielo en las propiedades físicas y mecánicas de una variedad de tipos de rocas en las que se incluyen granulitas, anfibolitas, calizas, areniscas, gneises graníticos, cuarcitas, riolitas, doleritas y gabronoritas. Las muestras de roca fueron sometidas a varios ciclos de congelación-deshielo a temperaturas que oscilaron entre 25 °C y -40 °C. Después de estos ciclos se realizaron las evaluaciones para medir la respuesta de las rocas a la variación de las temperaturas. Se realizaron evaluaciones destructivas (resistencia a la compresión uniaxial, índice del punto de carga) y no destructivas (gravedad específica, velocidad de onda de pulso ultrasónico, porosidad y absorción de agua). Luego se calculó la densidad de las fracturas ocasionadas en cada tipo de muestras de roca. La densidad de la fractura en las muestras se incrementó a medida que se incrementó el número de ciclos. Después de 50 ciclos la densidad de la fractura de las rocas seleccionadas se incrementa de la siguiente manera: 1.12 % para las areniscas, 1.06 % para las calizas, 0.5 % para las riolitas, 0.48 % para las gabronoritas, 0.57 % para las cuarcitas, 0.76 % para los gneises graníticos, 0.46 % para las anfibolitas y 0.43 % para las granulitas. El alcance y fortaleza de las fracturas se incrementa a medida que los ciclos continuan. Después de 100 ciclos, la densidad de las fracturas alcanza el 1.47 %, 1.44 %, 1.22 %, 1.05 %, 1.14%, 1.31%, 1.03%, y 1.02%, en el mismo orden del enunciado anterior. De igual manera, los niveles de porosidad y absorción de agua muestran una tendencia de crecimiento. Sin embargo, mientras que los ciclos de congelación-deshielo continuan, los resultados señalan un decrecimiento en la resistencia a la compresión uniaxial, la gravedad específica, la velocidad de onda de pulso ultrasónico y en el índice de punto de carga. Estos hallazgos resaltan como las condiciones de los ciclos de congelación-deshielo deterioran las rocas y cambian sus características físico-químicas, con las implicaciones que esto trae para los sectores de la minería y la construcción. 

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