Deterioration caused by dimensional change in stone (EBD pathology): the role of the organic matter — pore network — salt combination

•We characterized five rocks affected by the pathology EDB (expansion by drying).•We discovered an important porosimetric change by oxidation of organic matter.•Increase of the pores of 1 to 0.1μm makes possible the development of EDB pathology.•The oxidation explains the deterioration of monument rocks apparently “in good condition”.•We document important dimensional changes of the rocks by adsorption/absortion of water.