Salt-fog experiments on consolidant and water-repellent treated dimension stones,

Carbonate (three limestones) and silicate rocks (one nepheline syenite and one granite) were selected in order to study the effects produced by marine environments, after surface treatments had been applied in their polished surfaces. Four samples of each type were prepared, involving the use of a consolidant and/or of a water-repellent. Samples were subjected to six salt-fog experiment series, according to an adaptation of European Standard EN 14147 Each series comprehends 15 cycles with a sequence of 4 hours of saline fog and 8 hours of rest, at 35ºC, inside a salt-fog chamber. Rising weight during the first stages seems to indicate that salt has been integrated into the treatment products. In the sequence, stabilization occurred and treatments played their intended effects.