Evaluation of the frost resistance of fresh granodiorites from the Plana pluton in the region of the village of Gorni Okol, Bulgaria

This paper presents the changes in physical and mechanical parameters of fresh granodiorites from the Plana pluton after freezing. Laboratory studies were carried out to evaluate the properties of the granodiorites, such as determining the strength, density and water absorption of the rock material. A total of 39 samples at various weathering grades were tested at a wide range of density and water absorption values in the dry and saturated state. The results revealed that the absorption of water is highly dependent on the weathering grade. From the laboratory tests, reductions of rock material strength from various weathering grades with regard to density and water absorption are suggested. After carrying out a certain number of freeze-thaw cycles of the fresh granodiorites, their strength indicators also decrease.