Effect of wetting–drying cycles on mode I and mode II fracture toughness of sandstone in natural (pH = 7) and acidic (pH = 3) environments

Factors such as rainfall and its diffusion into the ground and the subsequent drying cause alternating water–stone interactions leading to loosening of stones in long periods and catastrophic events such as landslides. Accordingly, the effect of these factors on the mode I and mode II fracture toughness of sandstone was investigated. Experiments were conducted on centrally cracked Brazilian disc (CCBD) specimens (chevron notch). The specimens...