Relationships between results of slake durability test and fractal dimension of aggregates

Durability of carbonate rocks in terms of weathering is very important for their usability. Resistance of these types of rocks against weathering could be measured in laboratory conditions by slake durability index (SDI) tests. Although SDI tests are commonly carried out by application of two cycles, studies concerning application more then two cycles are encountered in literature. In this study it is aimed to evaluate the number of SDI cycles on grain shape using fractal geometry approach. During the study, seven different rock types which have various origins, textures and structural features were used. SDI tests were carried out within ten cycles for each rock and geometrical differences in grain shape after application of certain number of cycles were determined by fractal dimension (D) approach. As a result, while SDI was decreased after each cycle, average fractal dimension is also decreased. While, decreases in fractal dimensions were more drastic up to end of fourth cycle, insignificant changes were observed beyond the cycle.