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 September 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 to the north-east of the village of Orton off the B6260 and to the east of Orton Scar. There are areas nearby for future work. 

Petrography 
Orton Scar Stone is fine grained stone of early Carboniferous age. It is dense and easily takes a polish. There are three beds of stone under approximately 1.2m of overburden. The top bed is thin and not always usable. The other two beds are similar to each to other. There is some colour variation in the stone with a range of grey/brown shades. The average depth of stone on bed is 230mm. 

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. Dense Carboniferous limestones 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. Orton Scar limestone appears to be a durable stone that will have good resistance to acid rain or air pollution. In addition, the low weight lost in the sodium sulphate crystallisation test indicates good resistance to salt damage (for example in coastal locations or from de-icing salts); the stone should also have good frost resistance. The compressive strength of the stone is high for a limestone and is comparable with many sandstones. The high density and compressive strength indicate that the stone should be suitable for use in heavily trafficked areas. 

Overall, should be suitable for use in most aspects of construction including flooring, paving, load bearing masonry and cladding including areas where a long service life is needed. 

Test Results- Orton Scar Limestone

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)	95 MPa	Conditions of testing not known
2) Bending (Note 1)	Not Determined	Loaded perpendicular to the bedding ambient humidity
Porosity and Water Absorption
1) Porosity (Note 3)	0.9 - 2.9%
2) Saturation Coefficient (Note 3)	0.69 - 0.80
3) Water Absorption	0.35% (by wt)
4) Bulk specific gravity	2675 kg/m3
Resistance to Frost
Freeze/Thaw Test (Note 1)	Not Determined
Resistance to Salt
Sodium Sulphate Crystallisation Test (Note	Mean: 0%

Back to top of page | Back to stone list