| Abstract: | The mechanical properties of limestone such as the stress-strain curve, the variable characteristics of peak strength and the modulus of elasticity of limestone were studied under the action of temperatures ranging from room temperature to 800℃. Our results show that: 1) the temperature has not clear effect on the mechanical properties of limestone from room temperature to 600 ℃. However, the mechanical properties of limestone deteriorate rapidly when the temperature is above 600 ℃. In this case, the peak stress and modulus of elasticity decrease rapidly. When the temperature reaches 800 ℃, the entire process, showing the stress-strain curve is displayed indicating an obvious state of plastic-deformation; 2) the failure mode of limestone shows the breakdown of tensile strength from room temperature to 600 ℃, as well as the compress shearing damage over 600 ℃; 3) combining our test results with the concept of thermal damage, a thermal damage equation was derived. |
