Numerical evaluation of accelerated weathering test results using decay constant (λ) and half-life (N1/2) and durability of the limestones: a case study from the Manisa region, Western Türkiye

Abstract Limestones have been widely used as marble dimension stones, particularly as interior and exterior cladding materials for centuries in various engineering and construction projects. In this context, determining the durability of limestones and estimating their long-term field performance is of great importance. This study evaluates the durability and long-term performance of limestones obtained from the Manisa region (Türkiye) through integrated experimental and numerical approaches. Mineralogical, chemical, and physico-mechanical properties of fresh samples were determined, and accelerated weathering tests, including wetting-drying (W-D), freezing-thawing (F-T), and Na 2 SO 4 -MgSO 4 salt crystallization, were conducted. In addition, the durability of the limestones was further evaluated by determining the saturation coefficient, wet-dry strength ratio, static rock durability index, and modified static rock durability index. The results of the accelerated weathering tests were numerically analyzed using decay constant (λ) and half-life (N 1/2 ) approaches based on uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (Vp) measurements. The findings indicate that, based on λ and N 1/2 , the most influential environmental factor in the weathering of the Manisa limestones was Na 2 SO 4 salt crystallization, followed by MgSO 4 , F-T, and W-D. In addition, Vp-based half-life values were significantly higher than those derived from UCS, highlighting differences between microstructural and mechanical degradation. This study is the first comprehensive durability assessment of the Manisa limestones, integrating multiple accelerated weathering tests with decay-function-based numerical modeling, and provides a quantitative framework for evaluating the long-term durability of carbonate stones used in engineering applications.