The Influence of Natural Climatic Factors on the Geomechanical Properties of Siliceous Lime Stones from Kazimierz Dolny (Poland)

Abstract Based on the example opoka, stone architecture of Kazimierz Dolny, modern research methods were applied to an anal y sis of geomechanical qualities of this special rock, selected very efficiently by medieval, local builders. Owing to theirs skill and the qualities of the chosen material, fortifications, religious and residential buildings have been preserved in good condition to the present day. It was analysed what factors of the opoka aging are the most responsible for their destruction resistance in the long time scale. The results of studies indicate that opokas have an in creased ability to reduce the uni axial compression strength due to the impact of cycling freezing and thermal shock. This observation shows that opokas are characterized by a high resistance to humidity.