This study focuses on the investigation of possible relations betweenthe physical mechanical properties of natural stones from various places in Greece, i.e., limestones, marbles, sandstones and schists. Specimens were prepared to perform laboratory tests according to the applicable EN. Overall and “by stone type” correlation equations were established between flexural strength under concentrated load valueswithout and either after freeze–thaw cycling or thermal shock, indicating a linear and a powerrelationship, respectively. A power function was establishedbetween flexural strength under a concentrated load and under a constant moment. Results have also shown that water absorption increases linearly with open porosity.

The most important Greek ornamental stone types are marbles, limestones, schists, slates, travertines and sandstones. Since ancient times, quarryinghas been connected to history and civilisation, i.e., the white “Pentelikon” marble being famous for the construction of Parthenon (Acropolis). Greek marble industry is a dynamic sector, among the top world producers of dimension stones, concerning both the volume of production and exports. This paper describes the current status of the major ornamental stone producing areas in Greece and presents typical average values of physical mechanical properties of the extracted stones, determined in LITHOS laboratory.

During its more than ten-year active life, numerous tests have been performed at LITHOS Laboratory for determining various physical mechanical properties on a significant variety of ornamental stones from Greece and abroad, in compliance with the applicable EN Standards. Given the somewhat evident similarity observed for the breaking mechanism on specimens during determination of the breaking load at dowel hole (EN 13364) and that of flexural strength under concentrated load (EN 12372), an attempt has been made to correlate the relevant results. The objective was to investigate the possibility of creating a potential practical tool for a first estimation of the breaking load at dowel hole, having performed only the much simpler flexural strength determination test. After the appropriate statics approach that has been developed for each test to simulate the relative breaking mechanisms followed by the specimens and the analysis of all the data available, it has been revealed that a linear relationship combining the breaking moments exerted on the specimens in both the aforementioned tests may be established. Taking into account the wide range and diversity of the types of ornamental stones employed, the correlation coefficient calculated for the linear equation describing this relationship is considered sufficient for serving the objective set for this experimental research work.

The effect of freeze–thaw cycling on the slip resistance of dimension stones was investigated. Slip and frost resistance of limestones, granites and marbles were determined via pendulum tester in dry and wet conditions and controlled freeze–thaw cycles, respectively. Unpolished surfaces under dry conditions (mainly granites and marbles) were positively affected by freezing-thawing. In wet surfaces no significant change was observed. Polished surfaces were not affected even after 100 freeze–thaw cycles. Electron microscopy showed increased wear, hence roughness, of unpolished surfaces after freezing–thawing; homogeneity of polished surfaces prevented slip resistance from being significantly affected.