Rajarambapu Institute of Technology,

Rajaramnagar
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Seminar on

Masonry Structure Discoloration and Weakening

Project by,
OMKAR MUNGURDEKAR-1424003
Under the Guidance of

Prof. P D Kumbhar
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INTRODUCTION
Masonry structure: Masonry is an assembly of bricks, blocks
or stone held together with mortar. Commonly used for the
walls of buildings, retaining walls and monuments. Famous
structure of stonemasonry include Taj Mahal, Egyptian
Pyramids and Stonehenge.
The common materials of masonry construction are :-

Brick
Stone
Concrete blocks
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Weakening of stone
The construction of stones bonded together with mortar
is termed as stone masonry. Stone masonry is generally used
in construction of retaining walls, docks, buildings, etc
Common causes of weakening of stones are;

Weathering of stone
Due to porous nature of stone
High coefficients of expansion and contraction due to large
temperature variations

Use of bad quality mortar

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Cause of weakening of masonry

Weakening of masonry due to moisture

and weathering action

Discoloration of Stones
All stones are more or less porous in nature.
Discoloration of the stone produced by a staining agent that was
actually absorbed by the stone.

Water is masonry's worst enemy. Discoloration is caused by water

penetration or is an indication that water is entering but
evaporating in masonry.

Extreme weather can cause degradation and weakening of stone

masonry wall

Causes of discoloration of stones

A. Entering liquid from top surface.
B. Rising moisture from minerals contained in the natural
stone
C. Contamination carried up from the mortar bed
D. Moisture from the grouting compound which discolors
stone edges

E. Calcium hydroxide in the mortar bed reacts and becomes

calcium carbonate which causes grey color formation.
F. Iron compounds are found naturally in stone which can
oxidize and cause the stone to turn yellowish brown.
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Formation of calcium carbonate which causes grey color of

stone
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Iron compounds oxidize and cause the stone to turn

yellowish brown.
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Entering liquid from top surface causes discoloration

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