Kenneth Pye Associates Ltd.
 Scientific Research, Consultancy and Investigations

              
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Hardness, Durability and Point-Load Testing
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The durability and weathering resistance of many construction materials, including natural stone, brick and concrete, is often closely related to the hardness of the material. An estimate of hardness can be made in the field using a Schmidt Rebound Hammer, but more precise quantification normally requires laboratory testing. A range of equipment types is available for the determination of hardness and strength, but a rapid and convenient technique applicable to many samples is the point-load test.

    
Schmidt Rebound Hammer                              Point-load testing equipment

Comparison of the point load strength of a granite block with 5 blocks of Ackworth
Rock sandstone from a quarry near Wakfield, West Yorkshire. This stone is widely
used for building purposes in the area but is prone to durability problems. Data for
a reference sample of granite are also shown for comparison.

Publications

Pye, K. and Mottershead, D.N. (1995) Honeycomb weathering of Carboniferous sandstone in a sea wall at Weston-super-Mare, England. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology 28, 333-347.

Kenneth Pye Associates Ltd. - Environmental Consultants
Page last modified: July 11, 2007