... Abstract Durability is one of the key functional properties of natural stones used in architecture and construction. This property is often extrapolated from index physical properties, based on the results of empirical durability tests and/or from the in situ long-term experience...

... satisfactorily by SDI thus modifications of this test are often suggested. Some authors suggested additional criterions such as plasticity index (Gamble 1971), modifying the durability test by using only one wetting and drying cycle with different cycle time (Hopkins & Deen 1984), sieved slake durability...