Flash Sandstone

Technical Data Sheet
Flash Sandstone
Matlock, Derbyshire
Bolehill Quarry, Wingerworth, Derbyshire, S42 6RG
Contact : Blockstone Ltd
Tel: 01246 554440 Fax: 01246 220095
Email: [email protected]
Website : http://www.realstone.co.uk/blockstone
Grid reference : —- —-
Compiled November 1997, updated June 2000

This data sheet was compiled by the Building Research Establishment (BRE)., The data sheet was compiled in November 1997 and updated in June 2000 using BRE test results and data collected in earlier surveys. The work was carried out by BRE as part of a Partners in Technology Programme funded by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Blockstone Ltd and does not represent an endorsement of the stone by BRE.

General
The quarry is near the town of Matlock in Derbyshire. This is new building stone quarry.

Petrography
Flash Sandstone is a Millstone Grit of Carboniferous age. It is a medium-grained stone, light buff or cream in colour with some veining. The average block size is 1000mm x 600mm 500mm.

Expected Durability and Performance
It is important that the results from the individual tests are not viewed in isolation. They should be considered together and compared to the performance of the stone in existing buildings and other uses. Carboniferous Sandstones are traditionally acknowledged as generally being a very durable building and paving stone and have been used extensively in many towns and cities in the UK. Flash Sandstone appears to be a durable stone that is not effected by acid rain or air pollution. Most sandstones have good frost resistance. The compressive strength of the stone is typical of the range for sandstones and is comparable with the stronger UK limestones.

Overall, Flash Sandstone should be suitable for use in most aspects of load bearing masonry and cladding.

Test Results – Flash Sandstone

Safety
in Use
Slip Resistance (Note 1)

Not determined

Values > 40 are considered
safe. 
Abrasion Resistance
(Note 1)

Not determined

Values <23.0 are considered
suitable for use in heavily trafficked
areas
Strength
under load
1) Compression(Note 2)

64.2 MPa

Loaded perpendicular to the
bedding plane ambient humidity
2) Bending (Note 1)

5.4  MPa

Loaded perpendicular to the
bedding plane
ambient humidity

2.5 MPa

Loaded parallel to the
bedding plane
ambient humidity
Porosity
and Water Absorption
1) Porosity (Note 3)

17.8%

2) Saturation Coefficient (Note 3)

0.58

3) Water Absorption

4.80 % (by wt)

4) Bulk specific gravity

2170kg/m3

Resistance to Frost 
  Freeze/Thaw Test (Note 1)

Not determined

Resistance
to Salt
Sodium Sulphate Crystallisation Test
(Note 3)

3.21% Mean wt loss

Resistance to Acidity 
Acid Immersion Test(Note 4)

Pass 

All samples passed the test with no splitting or
delamination

(Test methods Note 1 = EN1341, Note 2 = EN 1342, Note 3 = EN 1341 /BRE 141, Note 4 = BRE 141)

Tests were carried out at BRE in 1997. N.D. = not determined

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