Microstructural study of material removal mechanisms observed in abrasive waterjet cutting of calcareous stones

An experimental study was conducted to determine the influence of material properties on the cutting mechanisms involved in abrasive waterjet (AWJ) of calcareous stones. SEM analysis was performed to investigate the material removal mechanisms. Two Portuguese calcareous stones were tested with different genesis and thus structural and mechanical characteristics.

It was found that rock hardness and porosity have a significant effect on the cutting mechanisms investigated. In harder homogeneous rocks, like marbles, cutting occurs due to intergranular cracking and cleavage of calcitic grains. In limestones, the material removal process mostly involves intergranular cracking and material sliding along the argilous matrix and between this and calcitic grains. Plastic deformation of the matrix can also be observed.