Natural building stones: Coefficient of thermal expansion (NT BUILD 479)

Abstract

SCOPE

This method describes a laboratory procedure for determining the coefficient of thermal expansion of natural building stones. The test samples are exposed to temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 70 C°. For each change of temperature, the longitudinal expansion is recorded. The difference between the change in length of the top and underside of the test sample during the test indicates the bending tendency of the material. It must be stated that bending/curving of natural stone elements has been known to result from other causes than temperature fluctuations alone, e.g. for Carrara marble.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The method is used for indicating thermally induced expansion of various natural stones.