Deterioration of the black Drenov Grič limestone on historical monuments (Ljubljana, Slovenia)

The black limestone from Drenov Grič quarry (Central Slovenia) is considered one of the most beautiful Slovenian natural stones due to its typical color. The limestone was characterized from mineralogical, chemical, and petrophysical points of view. Furthermore, deterioration phenomena of the limestone from two monuments exposed to indoor and outdoor environments were studied. In situ investigation of two monuments by means of monument mapping has identified several types of deterioration phenomena, such as granular disintegration, flaking, crumbling, efflorescences, crusts, and the presence of microorganisms. Samples were characterized using Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Powder Diffraction Analysis (XRD), porosity accessible to water under vacuum, capillary absorption, Mercury porosimetry (MIP), and Ar-sorption. Although very low values of porosity of the fresh stone as well as slow capillary kinetics were determined, both monuments showed severe deterioration as a consequence of the transport and precipitation of soluble salts within the stone

Heritage Stone 7. Pohorje Granodiorite – One of the Most Significant Slovenian Natural Stones

Granodiorite from the Pohorje Mountains (northeastern Slovenia) is considered the highest quality natural stone in Slovenia. Pohorje granodiorite is a grey, calc-alkaline igneous rock of Miocene age (18.7 Ma) that is distinguished by thick white aplite−pegmatite veins. It mainly consists of plagioclase, quartz, and K-feldspar, subsidiary biotite and a small amount of hornblende. It is characterized by high density, low water absorption, and low porosity, so that it exhibits high frost and salt resistance, as well as a high compressive strength and a very high flexural strength. It is widely recognized throughout the country for its durability and decorative white veins, and is the most frequently used natural stone in Slovenia today. It is mainly used as paving and cladding material for residential buildings, churches, and other structures, as well as in public areas, where it adds special character to many of the larger towns and cities. Several important buildings, some of which have been declared cultural monuments of national importance, are also decorated with this stone, including the Slovenian Parliament, the Republic Square business complex, and the Faculty of Law of the University of Ljubljana, all of which are located in Ljubljana. Since 1940, Pohorje granodiorite has also been widely used by sculptors in various monuments and fountains. RÉSUMÉLe granodiorite des montagnes de Pohorje (nord de la Slovénie) est considéré comme la meilleure pierre naturelle de Slovénie. Le granodiorite de Pohorje est une roche ignée grise, calco-alcaline du Miocène (18,7 Ma) qui se distingue par la présence d’épais filons de pegmatites d’aplite blanche. Il se compose principalement de plagioclase, de quartz et de feldspath potassique, de biotite accessoire et d’une petite quantité d'amphibole. Elle est caractérisée par une densité élevée, un faible coefficient d’imbibition, et une porosité faible, de sorte qu'elle présente une haute résistance au gel et au sel, ainsi qu’une résistance élevée à la compression et une résistance très élevée à la flexion. Elle est très connue dans tout le pays pour sa durabilité et ses filons décoratifs blancs, et c’est la pierre naturelle la plus fréquemment utilisée en Slovénie de nos jours. Elle est principalement utilisée comme matériau de pavage et de revêtement pour les bâtiments résidentiels, les églises et autres constructions, ainsi que dans les espaces publics, où elle donne un caractère distinctif aux grands villages et aux villes. Plusieurs bâtiments importants, dont certains ont été déclarés monuments culturels d'importance nationale, sont également décorées avec cette pierre, y compris le Parlement slovène, le complexe d'affaires Place de la République, et la Faculté de droit de l'Université de Ljubljana, lesquels sont tous situés à Ljubljana. Depuis 1940, le granodiorite de Pohorje a aussi été beaucoup utilisé par les sculpteurs dans divers monuments et fontaines.Traduit par le Traducteu

Reactivity tests for supplementary cementitious materials: RILEM TC 267-TRM phase 1

A primary aim of RILEM TC 267-TRM: “Tests for Reactivity of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs)” is to compare and evaluate the performance of conventional and novel SCM reactivity test methods across a wide range of SCMs. To this purpose, a round robin campaign was organized to investigate 10 different tests for reactivity and 11 SCMs covering the main classes of materials in use, such as granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, natural pozzolan and calcined clays. The methods were evaluated based on the correlation to the 28 days relative compressive strength of standard mortar bars containing 30% of SCM as cement replacement and the interlaboratory reproducibility of the test results. It was found that only a few test methods showed acceptable correlation to the 28 days relative strength over the whole range of SCMs. The methods that showed the best reproducibility and gave good correlations used the R3 model system of the SCM and Ca(OH)2, supplemented with alkali sulfate/carbonate. The use of this simplified model system isolates the reaction of the SCM and the reactivity can be easily quantified from the heat release or bound water content. Later age (90 days) strength results also correlated well with the results of the IS 1727 (Indian standard) reactivity test, an accelerated strength test using an SCM/Ca(OH)2-based model system. The current standardized tests did not show acceptable correlations across all SCMs, although they performed better when latently hydraulic materials (blast furnace slag) were excluded. However, the Frattini test, Chapelle and modified Chapelle test showed poor interlaboratory reproducibility, demonstrating experimental difficulties. The TC 267-TRM will pursue the development of test protocols based on the R3 model systems. Acceleration and improvement of the reproducibility of the IS 1727 test will be attempted as well

Estimation of measurement uncertainty for determination of sulphate content in cement by an alternative approach

The precise and accurate determination of sulphate levels in cement is of utmost importance due to the potential occurrence of internal sulphate attack in concrete, which affects the latter’s durability, and thus, also the safety of concrete constructions. The estimated measurement uncertainty provides a level of confidence in the experimental results, and enables the comparison of data, both between different laboratories and between different methods. This paper presents an alternative approach to the estimation of measurement uncertainty in the determination of sulphate in cement, based on the use of proficiency testing data. The calculations used in this procedure refer to the estimation of reproducibility within-laboratory component of the analysis of control samples, as well as of the bias component of sulphate content data for different types of Portland cement derived from several proficiency testing trials

Mechanical and microstructural characterization of geopolymer synthesized from low calcium fly ash

This study deals with the mechanical and microstructural characterization of geopolymers synthesized from locally available fly ash. A low calcium fly ash was activated using a sodium silicate solution. Samples were characterized by means of flexural and compressive tests, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Porosity and pore size distributions were identified using mercury intrusion porosimetry and gas sorption. The compressive strength of the produced geopolymers, which is in the range of 1.6 to 53.3 N/mm2, is strongly related to the water content as well as SiO2/Na2O mass ratio of an alkali activator. The compressive strength significantly increased with decreases in the water content and increased silicon concentration used for the synthesis of geopolymers

Evaluation of Ash Pozzolanic Activity by Means of the Strength Activity Index Test, Frattini Test and DTA/TG Analysis

The pozzolanic activity of five different types of ash was studied using various direct and indirect methods. In addition to strength activity index (SAI) determination and the Frattini test, ash pozzolanicity was assessed via differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses (DTA/TG) after curing for 7, 28 and 90 days. The results showed that, due to their respective mineralogical, chemical and physical characteristics, the ashes exhibited different levels of pozzolanic activity in terms of the amount of lime with which they could chemically bind, as well as reaction kinetics. Although SAI and Frattini test results were not in agreement in the case of some of the ashes, DTA/TG analysis revealed that a certain amount of portlandite was consumed, thus confirming the occurrence of a pozzolanic reaction. The results also showed that ashes with higher amounts of reactive SiO2 were more reactive, while those with higher BET surface areas displayed a faster pozzolanic reaction rate

Building of the Al-Containing secondary raw materials registry for the production of low CO2 mineral binders in South-Eastern European region

The bottleneck in the process for increasing production of low CO2 mineral binders, based on BCSA (belite sulfoaluminate) clinkers, is the availability of Al-rich raw materials. For that purpose, a new registry of Al-containing secondary mineral residues (industrial and mine waste) has been developed and is presented in this paper. The methodology of creating the registry consists of three main steps: Gathering ideas, consolidation of ideas, and implementation. In order to achieve this, the following methodology was adopted: Analysis of similar registries by potential end-users and seeking potential solutions and tools to be used, and conducting 3 rounds of stakeholder consultations via workshops in order to determine crucial parameters and features the registry needs to contain. The key discussion points were about which data the registry needs to contain, who shall be the potential users, and what are the stakeholderʼs expectations from the registryʼs portal. Potential individual registry variables were identified as being relevant/irrelevant or available/unavailable, and potential solutions for the registrys sustainability were explored. Each Al-rich waste/residue data entry is divided into 10 slots, describing legal status, location, quantities, chemical (REE included), mineralogical, physical and radiological properties, life-cycle assessment, additional data, and data relevancy. The registry will act as a matchmaking tool between producers/holders of Al-rich secondary raw materials and potential producers of cement clinkers

Morphological characteristic and causes of color for the crystals of calcite from Liboje

The crystals of calcite from the quarry Liboje were investigated and compared with calcite crystals from other quarries in the surrounding area of Celje. In calcite crystals from the Liboje quarry, the crystal form of flat rhombohedron faces were predominant (012). At a later stage of crystallization, the crystal form of steep rhombohedrons prevailed. They crystallised from hot aqueous solution in the fissures within carbonate rocks. It was ascertained that the crystal growth of calcite from Liboje was related to at least two events in geological history. The colour of calcite crystals is associated with both the solid phase inclusions, such as manganese oxide and goethite, and by liquid inclusions - water. Mineral composition of inclusions was determined by Raman microspectroscopy

A raman microspectroscopy-based comparison of pigments applied in two gothic wall paintings in Slovenia

The present study deals with the characterisation of pigments used in two overlaid gothic wall paintings from the former 13th century Minorite church of St. Francis of Assisi (Koper, Slovenia), in order to define differences in the technologies used. Paint layer samples were analysed via Raman microspectroscopy, supported by SEM/EDS and FTIR analysis, when necessary. The results revealed that the 14th century mural was painted mainly a fresco with final elements a secco, a technique typical of Italian mediaeval wall painting. In contrast, the 15th century painting was executed mostly a secco, a technique often applied in Northern Europe and the Alpine region. The differences between the two paintings are especially obvious in the pigments applied. While the earlier painting is characterised by azurite, carbon black, red and yellow ochres, lime white and green earth, the palette used for the younger painting is much broader. In addition to red and yellow ochres, carbon black and lime white, lead pigments such as lead white, red lead and lead-tin yellow type I were also determined, as well as a number of expensive pigments including cinnabar, azurite and malachite. Also found in the younger painting was the rare orange yellow pigment vanadinite. In both layers, azurite was applied a secco for the background area. Gilding was confirmed in both layers, carried out as application of gold leaves on red bole (in the earlier mural) and on mordant (on a younger, superimposed (overlaid painting), which is quite exclusive and rare for Slovene mediaeval painting. In the younger layer also a use of tin foil for secondary elements was discoveredThis work was financially supported by the Municipality of Koper within the framework of the conservation restoration project “Minorite church of St. Francis of Assisi” and Slovenian Research Agency Programme Group P2-0237.Peer reviewe