Mechanical Damage to the Diorite Caused by Acid Corrosion

To investigate the effect of acid corrosion on the mechanical properties of the Diorite specimens, obtained from Qian Chang Copper mine in China, the specimens were first saturated in neutral water and acid solutions with pH values of 3 and 5 for 49 days. Then, electronic scanning tests, uniaxial compression tests and triaxial compression tests on the saturated and dry specimens were sequentially performed. The results show that the acid corrosion, causing micro damages on the specimens, decreased the unixial compression strength, the triaxial compression strength, the cohesion and the internal friction angle. In addition, the decrease degree was negatively to the pH value. Third, the acid corrosion promoted the ductility of the specimens.