Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explain the mechanism of physical deterioration process of granite. The physical weathering process of granite was modeled by fracture due to heating. The relationship between heating temperature and the mechanical properties were examined and subsequent growth of crack due to heating was observed with a microscope.
Results obtained from this study shows that granite is deteriorated physically by the growth of micro cracks. The growth of these cracks was observed to be in three distinct stages. Crack is initiated within the intracrystalline, this is then proceeded by intracrystalline crack or grain-boundary crack and finally, intercrystalline cracks were observed. Elastic wave velocity of the granite decreases by the growth of micro-crack. However, the growth of micro crack does not affect the compressive strength of the granite. Furthermore, ratio of dynamic and static Young's modulus decreases by physical deterioration.
