Abstract
One of the most important geotechnical parameters in studying the engineering behavior of a rock mass is slake durability. The major goal of this research is to test how a series of drying and wetting cycles affect the durability of carbonate rocks, taking into account the impact of mineralogical composition and strength. Thirty samples derived from lower-middle Eocene limestone of El Minia Formation, El-Minia region, Egypt are used. Slake durability, ultrasonic pulse velocity, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), point load strength (I-S50), tensile strength, Schmidt hammer rebound, Shore Hardness Index, Bohme abrasion, S-wave velocity, p-wave velocity, and elastic modulus are the important parameters, tested through the samples. The relationship between the physical and mechanical aspects of the studied material was assessed by exposing the samples to four cycles of slake durability, UCS, and P wave Bohme tests. After four SD cycles, the loss in the different mechanical properties was very significant, especially in the UCS. The effect of clay fraction in the different fresh studied carbonate samples on the petrophysical properties was notable, also diagenesis plays a considerable role in controlling the properties of the carbonate samples. The experimental results showed that the mineralogical composition (mostly clay content) and textural properties (skeletal particles) of carbonate rocks are shown to have a considerable influence on the slake durability test. It is inferred that knowing and accurately calculating the degradability behaviour of carbonate rocks during various slaking cycles, and conducting extensive laboratory research, would undoubtedly provide crucial information for engineering applications in the region and internationally, such as tunnels, slope stability, and many more. Further research into the effect of slaking fluid on the durability of limestone, particularly in lower pH acidic fluid, is required. The information will also assist in reducing the number of unnecessary surveys for stability issues, lowering the cost of any engineering application, limiting any potential causality, and reducing property loss both now and in the future.