This study is to investigate the influence of different chemical solutions and soak time on the mechanical characteristics of sandy slate. Uniaxial compression tests on sandy slate samples are conducted to determine the variations of relative mass

deformation and strength characteristics of sandy slate under different water chemical corrosion conditions. The changes of pH

Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentration of chemical solution are monitored in soaking process. The corrosion mechanism of sandy slate sample soaked by chemical solutions is discussed based on the results of SEM. The results indicate that: with the augmentation of the solution acidity

the corrosion degree of sandy slate increases gradually; sandy slate presents strain softening subjected to chemical solutions

and the softening effect is more evident with the increase of the solution acidity and soak time; the peak strength of sandy slate declines as soaking time extends; the different types and degrees of water-rock interaction lead to different changes in microstructure of sandy slate

presenting loss of cementing material in neutral solution or dissolution of large numbers of mineral particles with large size in acidic solution.