Abstract: In this study, we used a decay function to predict the long-term durability of tuffs against freeze–thaw (F–T) processes that are responsible of most of damages in natural building stones. The model proposed by Mutluturk et al. (Int J Rock Mech Min 41:237–244, 2004) provides meaningful parameters (including decay constant and halflife) for assessing the integrity loss of stones against freeze–thaw action. After their mineralogical characterization, six different types of tuffs were submitted to freeze–thaw cycles. Their deterioration was investigated by determining the physical (including effective porosity and P-wave velocity) and mechanical properties (including Brazilian tensile strength and uniaxial compressive strength) 10 cycles of F–T up to 70 cycles. Slake durability test was performed after 15, 30 and 60 cycles of F–T action. Results showed that slake durability index cannot be used for assessing the effect of F–T processes on the durability of the samples being studied. The decay model applied to the data indicated that, due to difference of petrographical characteristics of studied samples, decay constant and half-life were different for all types of tuffs. As with increase in lithic fragments and grain size of samples, their decay constant will increase (half-life will decrease) and, consequently, durability will decrease. Furthermore, based on achieved results from values of decay constant and half-life of the different tuff types, the destructive effect of F–T process on tensile strength was higher than on compressive strength. Brazilian tensile strength is a more relevant measurement to assess longterm durability of rocks to F–T.
