This data sheet was compiled by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Where possible, data collected in earlier surveys has been used to help interpret the test results. The data sheet was compiled in July 1997 using the results of tests carried out to the proposed European Standards. The work was carried out by BRE as part of a Partners in Technology Programme funded by the Department of the Environment and Cumbria Stone Quarries Ltd and does not represent an endorsement of the stone by BRE. 

General 
The quarry is on the coast at Saltom Bay, south of Whitehaven in Cumbria. It is at the end of a long track which starts on the village of Sandwith. The quarry is actually on the cliffs and there are old quarries nearby. There are good reserves of stone. 

Petrography 
Red St.Bees is from the New Red Sandstone of Triassic age. It is a fine-grained stone, dull red in colour. There are upto 3m of overburden and the depth of the present face is 22.5m. It is thought that the stone extends right down to sea level, a depth of 90m. Stone is available, in good lengths and widths, at depths of 1m on bed. 

Expected Durability and Performance 
It is important that the results from the from 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. Sandstones from the New Red Sandstone have been used extensively in many towns and cities in the UK. Red St.Bees sandstone appears to be a less durable stone than some similar stones (eg Plumpton Red Lazonby) and the test results suggest that although it may be resistant to air pollution, it is susceptible to weathering in acidic or salty environments. The compressive strength of the stone is typical of the range for good sandstones. The abrasion resistance is towards the lower end of the range and the stone is probably unsuitable for use in heavily trafficked areas. 

Overall, should be suitable for use in load bearing masonry and cladding where there will be limited exposure to acidity or high salt concentrations 

Test Results - Red St.Bees Sandstone

Safety in Use
Slip Resistance (Note 1)	Wet: 75	Values > 40 are considered safe
Abrasion Resistance(Note 1)	33.4	Values <23.0 are considered suitable for use in heavily trafficked areas
Strength under load
1) Compression(Note 2)	78.6 Mpa	Loaded perpendicular to the bedding - ambient humidity
2) Bending (Note 1)	8.7 MPa	Loaded perpendicular to the bedding - ambient humidity
Porosity and Water Absorption
1) Porosity (Note 3)	19.8%
2) Saturation Coefficient (Note 3)	0.66
3) Water Absorption	6.2% (by wt)
4) Bulk specific gravity	2136 kg/m3
Resistance to Frost
Freeze/Thaw Test (Note 1)	Not determined
Resistance to Acidity
Acid Immersion Test (Note 4)	Fail
Resistance to Salt
Sodium Sulphate Crystallisation Test (Note 14 (saturated test)	Mean: 100% (wt loss)

Back to top of page | Back to stone list