ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on surface weathering because it is directly involved in many shallow engineering projects and examines only the principal factors of weathering. It distinguishes between dissolution, which causes a solid to go into solution, and mineralogical modifications involving hydration, which occur in the solid state. The chapter discusses the hydration of minerals and distinguish between the agent and the process. It also focuses our attention on the temporary surface freezing that occurs in temperate latitudes. The chapter examines only the principal factors of weathering. It provides surface weathering because it is directly involved in many shallow engineering projects. The chapter also discusses the hydration of minerals. Weathering includes a group of processes that transforms rocks into mechanically weak, easily eroded material. Weathering affects mineralogy and the physical structure of a rock. To determines if a rock can be used as an exterior building stone, it is subjected to freezing strength tests in the laboratory.
