Spencer R. Higgins, Architect Incorporated
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Evaluation of Queenston Alternative Limestone

Yeo Hall Limestone Testing

 


 

Yeo Hall was constructed in 1935 and was designed in the Collegiate Gothic style. The exterior of Yeo Hall is assembled from rusticated Kingston Limestone blocks and carved Queenston Limestone details.

ArconTEST was retained in 2019 by Defence Construction Canada to research and source a alternative replacement stone for Queenston Limestone. The currently specified stone suppliers are unable to meet contractor material demands due to lack of quality Queenston Limestone.

ArconTEST sourced Americus Limestone from a Kansas quarry as a Queenston Limestone alternative and was subsequently retained in 2021 to test it's physical properties.

A full programme of testing was carried out in our laboratory which included:

  • Petrography (subcontracted)

  • Wet and dry compressive testing

  • Uni-directional freeze-thaw testing

  • Absorption, porosity, apparent density

  • Saturation co-effiicient

  • Salt crystallization test



Americus Limestone in comparison to the original Queenston found on Yeo Hall
2022 (Photo:SHA)


Natural and Edge Bedded Americus Limestone samples after compressive strength testing
2022 (Photo:SHA)