ABSTRACT
Preface 5
Acknowledgements 5
Author profile 5
Abbreviations 6
Chapter 1 Introduction 7
Overview of geomaterials and petrography 7
Petrographic techniques 10
Sampling and sample preparation 14
Chapter 2 Building stone 21
Introduction 21
Testing building stone 22
Petrographic examination and complementary techniques 24
Stone from igneous rocks 24
Stone from sedimentary rocks 32
Stone from metamorphic rocks 44
Petrography of stone defects and decay 47
Chapter 3 Roofing slate 51
Introduction 51
Testing roofing slates 51
Petrographic examination and complementary techniques 52
Properties of roofing slates 52
Weathering and deterioration of roofing slate 56
Interpretation of slate test results 58
Chapter 4 Aggregates 61
Introduction 61
Petrographic examination and complementary techniques 61
Aggregate type 61
Aggregate grading, shape, and surface texture 64
Soundness, impurities, and undesirable constituents of aggregates 66
Potential alkali-reactivity of aggregate for concrete 69
Matching aggregates for conservation 74
Chapter 5 Concrete 75
Introduction 75
Assessment of concrete structures 75
Petrographic examination and complementary techniques 76
Investigating the composition and quality of concrete 76
Examining deteriorated and damaged concrete 96
Chapter 6 Concrete products 121
Introduction 121
Petrographic examination 122
Architectural cast stone 122
Aircrete products 124
Calcium silicate units 124
Asbestos cement products 126
Floor finishes 129
Introduction 129
Petrographic examination 130
Floor screed 130
Terrazzo 132
Synthetic resin floor covering 133
Chapter 8 Mortar, plaster, and render 137
Overview 137
Gypsum-based 139
Lime-based 143
Portland cement-based 152
Specialist mortars 159
Chapter 9 Bricks, terracotta, and other ceramics 163
Introduction 163
Petrographic examination and complementary techniques 163
Clay brick 164
Terracotta 166
Ceramic tile 168
Architectural glass 170
Bituminous mixtures 171
Introduction 171
Petrographic examination 172
Examples of bituminous mixtures 172
Appendix A 175
Suppliers of petrographic equipment, training, and literature 175
Appendix B 176
Staining techniques for geomaterials petrography 176
Etching and staining techniques for cement minerals and slags 178
References and further reading 180
Index 189
