Differences in the geotechnical properties of two types of gypsum: alabastrine and porphyritic

Abstract

This study reports an investigation into the physical and mechanical characteristics of fine-grained (alabastrine) and coarse-grained (porphyritic) gypsum from Sivas, Turkey. The geotechnical properties improved as the grain size decreased. The Student's t test indicated that the differences reported between the mean values of the slake durability, Schmidt hardness, unconfined compressive strength, Young's modulus, and tensile strength of the two types of gypsum were statistically significant. The results indicate that texture, especially grain size and shape, is an important parameter controlling the differences in the mechanical properties of the two gypsum types studied.