## 1 Introduction  
The repetition of freeze andthaw of rocks is largely governed by the local climate. In order to investigate rock weathering mechanisms due to freeze-thaw cycles, it is important to reflect the unique properties of the climate and rocks in the region of interest. In addition to reduced strength of the rock structures themselves, the function of rock structures can also be impaired by weathering [1]. Rocks exposed to extremely low temperature environments in northern latitudes are frozen for a considerable time of the year. An accurate assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of these rocks is very important for the evaluation of structural stability to preserve the function of the rock structure. For example, rock weathering from freeze-thaw induces malfunction or instability issues in rock related structures. Weathered rocks exhibit changes of mechanical, physical, and mineral properties, and more advanced rock weathering results in even significant changes to structure safety. Thus, the extent of rock weathering can be evaluated based on factors such as degradation of the actual mineral particles constituting the rock or weakening of the bonding strength at interface on rocks. Weathering resistance is a form of durability that influences the lifespan of rocks, and as a major mechanical mediator variable, durability is an important physical property for determining the structural stability [2]. At high latitude areas, rocks are exposed to an excessive freezing and thawing environment throughout the year, and this causes gradual freeze-thaw damage. Rock materials used in cold regions are exposed to at least one cycle of freeze-thaw every year [3]. In particular, freeze-thaw action is one of the strongest mechanisms of physical weathering, and can rapidly change the physical and mechanical characteristics of rocks and reduce their durability [4; 5; 6; 7; 8]. Most previous research on the freeze-thaw effects on the mechanical behaviour of rocks has been conducted on rocks with low-to-moderate hardness [7; 8; 9; 10]. The response of harder rocks to regular freeze-thaw weathering has generally been ignored due to their high strengths or hardnesses. Meanwhile, freeze-thaw tests have generally been conducted over short periods of time, and researchers have not been interested in long-term freeze-thaw tests due to various difficulties in testing for long time under rigorous control of test environments [11]. Therefore, to evaluate the long-term durability of rock-built structures and to determine suitable maintenance and repair cycles in high northern latitudes, further research is required on the influences of prolonged exposure to freeze-thaw cycles. Many researchers examined changes of various physical and mechanical properties of rocks in a view of durability with increasing freeze-thaw cycles [7; 8; 9; 12; 13]. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [7] explored changes of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of Selime (Aksaray) ignimbrite resulting from repetition of freeze and thaw. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [8] conducted research on the effect of freeze and thaw on sand stones. [PERSON] et al. [9] developed a model for estimation of rock index characteristics of carbonate rocks after experiencing freeze and thaw cycles. [PERSON] et al. [12] investigated the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on long-term durability of various rock building materials. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [14] insisted reduction of strength of 10 different sedimented rocks due to increased freeze-thaw cycle, and [PERSON] et al. [15] presented correlations among weathered properties of limestone, granite, and marble under freeze-thaw cycles from natural and artificial environments. It was found that the freeze-thaw cycles of 12-16 under artificial condition are equivalent to freeze-thaw effect of one year under natural condition. However, changes of weathered rock properties became obvious after 200, 300, and 500 freeze-thaw cycles for limestone, granites, and marble, respectively.