Influence of High Temperature on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Porous Limestone from Baku (Azerbaijan)

High temperatures significantly degrade the physical and mechanical properties of porous limestone, a common building material in Baku's historic walled city. Research reveals that exposure to temperatures up to 600 °C increases connected porosity and permeability while reducing P-wave velocity, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, uniaxial compressive strength, and Young’s modulus due to thermal microcracking. Samples heated to 800 °C disintegrated following decarbonation, forming portlandite. This study provides critical data for assessing fire-induced damage in limestone structures, particularly in seismically active areas prone to post-earthquake fires.

Jodry, C., Heap, M. J., Bayramov, K., Alizada, G., Rustamova, S., & Nabiyeva, S. (2023). Influence of High Temperature on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Porous Limestone from Baku (Azerbaijan). Fire, 6(7), 263. https://doi.org/10.3390/fire6070263