Etude du durcissement d'un tuf d'encroûtement de Hassi-Messaoud (Algérie)

ABSTRACT In this study, we analyzed the impact of the variation of the water content and the resting time of the samples on the hardening process of a gypso-limestone tuff. The results showed the existence of a water content for which the hardening is maximum, and that of a minimal water content necessary to start the process. Regarding the origin of the hardening process, results obtained during X-ray diffraction do not exhibit mineralogic changes; all the analyses of the cohesion change result in a single explanation of the hardening process according to which it is due to cycles de dissolution-recrystallization producing specific local cemented links.