Cracks and stains on façade‐cladding made of carbonate rock thin panels

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a case study of some current disorders affecting the stone‐panels of façade claddings, i.e. cracking, spalling close to anchorage systems and staining. The purpose of this study is to identify the origin of the mechanical and chemical disorders of the carbonate rock thin panels of the “Les Chênes 1” building of the University of Cergy‐Pontoise (France).

Design/methodology/approach

Mapping of the disorders, anchorage system investigation at spallings, chemical analyses of oil‐like stains were performed in order to characterize both disorders. Porosity and capillarity properties of the rock were measured and compared between samples collected outside and within a stain.

Findings

Mechanical disorders result from vandalism or poor implementation. Spallings are disorders very likely in evolution. Their occurrence may increase through time. Stains are made of silicone destabilization products.

Originality/value

A model is proposed for the formation of oil‐like stains. Water is required to destabilize silicone sealant and to drive the migration of the degradation products through the porous media and towards the surface of the plate exposed to rainfall.

Citation

Hébert, R., Beouch, L., Fichet, O., Bigas, J., Teyssié, D., Berthier, B. and Prichystal, J. (2012), "Cracks and stains on façade‐cladding made of carbonate rock thin panels", Structural Survey, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 130-144. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630801211228734