Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

This report describes the combined results from a test program aiming to find the best results and requirements to a classification table for traffic classes in the use of slabs made of natural stone. One of the objectives of this report is to give contractors and engineers a better knowledge about the complexity of natural stone and from this find a better and easier way to dimension hard surfaces. Properties that were considered most important and investigated for this report are the following: Dimensions, test methods, flexural strength and wet or dry specimens. Of significant importance is also practical experience collected from contractors around Sweden. The conclusion is that there is a great complexity in the use of natural stone and that there is not always an easy way to determine what dimension is required for a specific traffic class. However, the results point in the same direction and the large number of tests being done with evaluations makes great assurance for the proposed classifica-tion table. Several suggestions for the road to future improvements of the testing and evaluation procedure, including the standard are also given.