Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Btech Building Stones
Btech Building Stones
Btech Building Stones
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY I
GROUP 3
Calupas, Daniel
Eguia, Joy
Endo, Precious
Leyran, Stephen
1
stones
- ARE NATURALLY OCCURING COMPACT SOLID
AND MASSIVE MATERIAL THAT MAKE THE
CRUST OF THE EARTH
2
BUILDING STONES
- Stones have been used in all type of
construction since time immemorial..
• GEOLOGICALLY
• CHEMICALLY
• STRUCTURALLY
• Classification based on stone hardness: Natural (Rock)
stone
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Stone classification:
• According to its contents
• According to place which refer to
• According to its texture
1. Natural stone properties (advantages)
2. Natural stone properties (Disadvantages)
Stoning
Manufacturing
Stone construction:
Stone finishing
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ROCKS STONES
• Rock is the term used to name a • The stone is always obtained from
solid portion of the earth's crust . rock. The rock quarried from
quarries is called stone.
• It has no definite shape and
• Quarried stone may be in form of
chemical composition
stone blocks, stone aggregate,
stone slabs, stone lintels , Stone
• It is generally very big in site. flags, ETC.
CLASSIFICATION OF ROCKS
I. IGNEOUS
II. SEDIMENTARY
III. METAMORPHIC
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I. IGNEOUS ROCK (Greek word ignis= fire)
These rocks are formed when the magma from the earth comes out of the surface or cools
inside near the surface of the earth.
Characteristics:
A. Intrusive - subsurface crystallization
B. Extrusive- above surface crystallization
*note Temperature and time has a lot of effect on crystal sizes i.e.: Heat + time = Larger
crystal
CLASSIFICATION OF STONES
• Plutonic Rocks • Formed at great depths, generally from 210 km below the surface. These
have coarse crystals.
Hypabyssal Rocks. Formed at the intermediate depth below the surface generally up to 2 km. These
have mixed characters.
Examples: Porphyries of various types.
C. Mineral content
D. Grain size, Plutonic >3/16" coarse. Extrusive 1/64" - 3/16" Medium and < 1/64" fine 2
E. Crystal shape
F. Texture % A, %B, crystal angle.
G. Color.
These rocks are further classified into
A. Acid rocks > 65% Si + > 10% Modal Quartz
B. Intermediate rocks 55% - 65% Si
C. Basic rocks 45% - 55% Si < 10% Modal Quartz
D. Ultra-Basic < 45% Si.
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II. SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
. The uniqueness of these rocks
Characteristics: are:
Sandstone, limestone, dolomite
Formed at or near the surface
.originally formed mainly in sea water, Distinctive strata
or lakes, from the Many fossils have been found
remains of animals and plants, also in this type of rock Grain
from transportation and deposition of shape
-Rounded
rock products - Angular.
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Clastic Rocks (Detrital) •
These are sedimentary rocks formed
by deposition and consolidation of
disintegrated sediments and fragments
from the previous rocks in suitable river
basins, lake and the sea basins etc..
They form very good type of building
stone
• If dolomite (magnesium carbonate) content is high, the term dolomite rock is used. Depending on the
content of either carbonate (calcium or magnesium carbonate), rocks will receive different names, such
as dolomite rock, limestone or calcareous dolomite rock.
• In industry, both sedimentary rocks, i.e. Limestone and Dolomite rock, may be called "MARBLES" due
to their appearance once polished, although, as discussed below, marble is not a sedimentary but a
metamorphic rock. The presence of fossils in rocks determines their sedimentary origin.
• Tufas are limestones in whose genesis the photosynthetic activity of microorganisms and vegetables is
involved. Carbonate material accumulates around them, thus preserving a high porosity which leads to
a decrease in weight. Tufas have been widely used in popular architecture (for arches and vaults) as
they can be easily worked, maintaining good consistency and compactness.
• Evaporites are also a type of chemical rock, so called because they form in water masses that are
subjected to intense or complete evaporation. Only rarely have these rocks had any interest as natural
stone, but there exists an evaporite rock in the Northern coast of Egypt that, due to its post-sedimentary
evolution, displays characteristics that have turned it into a valued material. This rock is alabaster, to
which a chapter will be dedicated.
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Chemical rocks which are formed by
mineral precipitation. Carbonates are the
most frequently occurring and also the
most
used subgroup, i.e. limestone, mainly
composed by microscopic calcite crystals
(calcium carbonate), although other
minerals may
also occur, but far less frequently: silica,
clays, iron and manganese oxides, organic
matter… and other carbonates. Iron oxides
confer interesting yellow, orange, red and
black coloration. Meanwhile, organic
matter confers black or grey colors.
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Organic formed Sedimentary
Rocks • As we know that more
than 70 % of the surface of earth
is covered with water in the form
of sea and oceans. Many sea
animals have their hard parts
made up of bones, which are a
mixture of calcium and
magnesium carbonates. These
parts accumulate at proper
places on the sea floor.
Gradually huge thickness of
such deposits get formed and
compacted and consolidates
with passage of time.
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METAMORPHIC ROCKS (meta= The uniqueness of these rocks are:
Change; morph= form) A. No pressure - fossils survive
B. Low pressure - fossils distorted or
These are originally either igneous or destroyed
sedimentary rocks. The process for C. Moderate pressure - Grains form
their change under the influence of moderately
increased temperature, pressure, and D. High pressure - Active fluids may circulate
chemical environment is called E. Heat alone, Metamorphic Aureole
metamorphism. surrounding a deep plutonic intrusions,
possibly with active fluids.
F. Dynamic Meta - Large scale movement
phenomena G. Crushing actions produce
Characteristics: Marble, serpentine, Xylonite Meta rock from powder
onyx, slate, quartzite, gneiss are H. Low angle thrust fault: Plate pressure
produced from sedimentary or igneous coupled with subsidence
rocks by the action of heat and I. Thrust movement, plate movement
pressure.
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the nature of change of an original rock depend on following
factors:
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CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION
I.) Siliceous Rocks • These rocks 2) Calcareous Rocks. • Calcium 3) Argillaceous Rocks. •
have silica (and, quartz and flint) carbonate or lime is the main Rocks of the clayey types
as their principal constituent and constituent of these rocks. which are more or less
are very hard and durable, Crystalline and compact types are composed of alumina mixed
unaffected by weathering. Chief hard and durable. Clay is very with small quantities of other
types of siliceous rocks are often found mixed in such rocks. minerals. Slates and laterites
Granites, Traps, Quartzite and Marbles and limestone are belong to this group.
Sandstones. calcareous rocks.
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Structural Classification
1.) The Massive or Unstratified 2) The Stratified Rocks. • Most 3.) Foliated Rocks • Very often a
Rocks. • These rocks occur in sedimentary rocks occur in third group of rock is distinguished
huge masses without showing distinct layers of same and as foliated rocks in which there is
any layered structure in them. different color and profuse development of well
Igneous and many composition. Their different defined band of different
metamorphic rocks and some layers are also called beds composition. This is seen as
sedimentary rocks may be and are separated by planes schists and gneisses. The foliated
seen occurring as big masses. of weaknesses called bedding rocks do not yield building stone of
Granite and Quartzite often planes good quality.s
occur in massive form.
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Quarrying of Stones
(i) Availability of Sound Rock. • A quarry can be opened up where a sound
rock that can yield good quality of building stones existing in sufficiently
larger area. These is essential because quarrying operation require quite
heavy initial investment in men and machinery and these have to be
economically viable.
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iv) Availability of water and dumping space: In quarrying operations, considerable man power is
employed. Water is an important necessity for the work force. It must be available in sufficient quantity near
the quarry site.
Similarly, quarrying operations involve a lot of breaking of different types of rocks all of which are not useful
for building construction.
Such waste rock or refuse has to be dumped on one or other side of the quarry, so that main quarry face is
not blocked.
The required dumping space should be easily available near the quarry.
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Preparation Steps for Stone Quarrying.
(i) Selection of Method for quarrying: At present, quarrying can be
done either by manual methods or by machines.
(ii) Preparation of a layout: In accordance with the method selected for
quarrying of stones, a scheme or layout for quarrying will be prepared.
(iii) Removal of the over burden: The surface of natural rock beds are
invariably covered by some thickness of soil or lose material.
Methods of Quarrying of Stones.
Quarrying by Heating:
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Quarrying of Stones by Blasting. (1) Drilling of blast-holes:
This method consists of using explosives A blast-hole is a hole of suitable diameter and depth
for breaking stones from very hard rocks. driven at a properly selected location on a rock for
It has been observed that quarrying of being charged with an explosive.
granites, basalts, traps, quartzites,
and sandstones by wedging and other (2) Charging of Blast-hole:
methods is very laborious and costly. The loading or charging of the blast-holes with pre-
determined quantities of the selected type of explosive
is to be done with great care and caution.
(iv) The hole is then summed. Stemming consists of filling the remaining 2/3 to 1/2 depth of blast-hole (above the
last compacted layer of explosive) with inert and non-combustible material like powdered clay, rock and, sand.
(v) It is also customary to put the safety fuse (for firing) at the beginning of stemming
operation.
(vi) Sometimes stemming is done in layers alternating with explosive layers. This becomes almost
necessary in deep holes involving the use of large quantities of an explosive in each shot.
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(3) Firing of the Shot:
It is the final step involving igniting the explosive in the blast-holes by using a safety fuse or by electric
detonators.
A Safety fuse is essentially a thin strain of gun powder properly wrapped in a cotton thread. When ignited,
it burns from one end to the other end at a fixed speed, generally 100-130 seconds per meter.
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Dressing OF Stones:
This can be given at the quarry and also at the site
The Dressing of stone is defined as “The of construction.
process of giving a proper size, shape and
finish to the roughly broken stones as obtained (c) To obtain an appealing finish. In a residential
from the quarry.” building, stones are used not only because of their
Objectives: extra strength, hardness, and durability but also
Stones obtained from the quarries are very because of their aesthetic value.
rough and irregular in shape and quite bulky in
size and weight.
Various objectives of dressing are below;
(a) To reduce the size of the big blocks of stones
so that they are converted to easily lift-able pieces.
(b) To give a proper shape to the stone. It is
known that stones can be used at different places
in the building, e.g., in foundations, in walls, in
arches or for flooring, each situation will require a
proper shape.
This can be given at the quarry and also at the site
of construction.
Methods / Types of Dressing of
Stones.
(iii) Chisel drafting:
(i) Pitched dressing: In this method, drafts or grooves are made with the help
In Pitched dressing, only the edges of a stone of a chisel at all the four edges.
block are made level with the help of a hammer. Any superfluous stone from the center is then removed.
The superfluous mass on the face is generally Chisel drafted stones are specially used in plinths and
left intact. the buildings.
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Selection of Stones for Building Construction
Stones used for road metal, paving blocks, floor slabs and railway ballast have to
withstand mainly abrasion or wear and tear. Stone wall subjected to vibrations of
machinery and moving loads should necessarily possess toughness. Strength and
hardness itself depend on some factors:
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3) Resistance to heat:
Resistence to heat means that the stone must have a very low amount of expansion due to large
increase in temperature. Silicious materials are good at areas where resistance to fire is required.
4) Bio-deterioration:
Certain trees and creepers thrust their roots in the joints of stones and have both mechanical and
chemical adverse effects. Special microbes can grow on the surface and in minute fissures, their
by-products cause flaking and discoloration.
5) Appearance:
The aesthetic aspect that is color, appearance and show of stones must also be considered when
being used in a project. Appearance depends on the color and the ease with which the stone can
be dressed, rubbed or polished.
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Minerals, Rocks and Stones used in Construction
SHALE:
COAL: A sedimentary rock, well
A sedimentary rock, formed from stratified in thin beds. It splits
decayed plants, is mainly used in power unevenly more or less parallel to
plants to make electricity. bedding plane and may contain
fossils. It can be a component of
bricks and cement.
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SANDSTONE:
CONGLOMERATE: GRANITE:
A sedimentary rock more or less
A sedimentary rock with a variable An igneous-plutonic rock, medium
rounded. Generally thick-
hardness, consisted of rounded or to coarse-grained that is high in
bedded, varicolored, rough feel
angular rock or mineral fragments silica, potassium, sodium and
due to uneven surface produced
cemented by silica, lime, iron oxide, quartz but low in calcium, iron and
by breaking around the grains.
etc. Usually found in mostly thick, magnesium. It is widely used for
Used principally for construction,
crudely stratified layers. Used in the architectural construction,
it is easy to work, the red-brown
construction industry. ornamental stone and
sandstone of Triassic age, better
monuments.
known as "brownstone," has
been used in many eastern
cities.
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PUMICE: GABBRO:
An igneous-volcanic rock, it is a An igneous-plutonic rock,
porous, brittle variety of rhyolite and generally massive, but may
is light enough to float. It is formed exhibit a layered structure
when magma of granite produced by successive layers
composition erupts at the earth’s of different mineral composition.
surface or intrudes the crust at It is widely used as crushed
shallow depths. It is used as an stone for concrete aggregate,
abrasive material in hand soaps, road metal, railroad ballast, etc.
emery boards, etc. Smaller quantities are cut and
polished for dimension stone
(called black granite).
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SCHIST:
A metamorphic uneven-
granular, medium to coarse
grained, crystalline with
prominent parallel mineral
orientation. Goes from
silvery white to all shades of
gray with yellow to brown
tones depending on the
mineral concentration. Some
schists have graphite and
some are used as building
stones.
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(1) Granites:
A typical granite is an Igneous rock. Its essential mineral components are mineral Orthoclase and
mineral Quartz.
It may also contain small quantities of accessory minerals like hornblende, mica, and tourmaline, etc.
Texture and Structure: Granites are coarse to medium-grained in texture, massive, unlayered and
crystalline in structure.
Granites occur in appealing colors and have a capacity to take very fine, Glossy, mirror-like-finish on
polishing.
Building Properties: Most granites possess excellent building properties such as; high strength and
hardness, low absorption value, least porosity, good resistance to frost and weathering, excellent
durability.
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(2) Basalts (Traps):
This types of stones are also called Traps. These are volcanic igneous rocks that have formed
from cooling of lava erupting from volcanoes.
Among their essential minerals, the felspars and ferro-magnesium minerals like Augite and
hornblende must be mentioned.
Texture and Structure: Basalts and traps are fine textured crystalline rocks which sometimes
show cavities and pores due to escape of gases at the time of cooling of lava.
Color: Because of their composition (being rich in ferro-magnesium minerals) most basalts are
dark or light dark in appearance.
Building Properties: Basalts, like granites, possess very high strength values. They are
resistant to weather and being fine textured impervious to moisture (except when rich in
gaseous cavities).
Being very hard, they are very difficult to dress in fine shapes.
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(3) Limestones:
Limestones are sedimentary rocks of calcareous composition and generally showing a stratified
structure. They are made up of Calcium Carbonate.
Composition: The essential mineral of all limestones are Calcite (Ca CO3). which may make up as
much as 99 percent of some Limestones.
Most limestones, however, consist of a good proportion of Magnesium Carbonate (Mg CO3).
Texture and Structure: Most Limestones are invariably fine textured. Some of them may contain
fossils.
In structure, they may be stratified or sometimes massive. They also show great variation in
texture and structure.
Color: It varies greatly in limestones. From pure white (Chalk) varieties, Limestones of Grey and
dark varieties are also known.
The color depends on the presence of accessory minerals finely dispersed in the carbonate
matrix.
Building Properties: All Limestones are not useful for building construction.
Some varieties may be practically unfit (those which are rich in clay or are very soft) whereas
other varieties of Limestones may make excellent building stones.
These are dense, compact, fine textured varieties which are free from cavities and cracks. They
can be easily dressed and take a very fine polish.
The use of limestones as facing stones should be avoided in areas where the air is polluted with
industrial gases and also in coastal regions where Saltish winds can attack them.
In both cases, air is likely to strike the rock chemically and change its surface to spots of reactive
50compounds.
(4) Marble:
Marble is a metamorphic rock of calcareous composition and often of a layered
structure.
Composition: Marble is formed in nature from limestone through the process of
metamorphism.
Its essential mineral is recrystallized Calcite (CaCO3). Besides, it may have
some impurities finely dispersed throughout the mass.
Texture and Structure: In texture, marble is a fine-grained rock with a uniform
granular (sugar-like grains) surface. It shows metamorphic structures developed
under heat.
Color: Marble occurs in almost all colors from pure white to dense black. The
color of marble depends on the impurities that are finely distributed in it during
its formation.
Building Properties: An excellent quality marble satisfies all the requisite
properties of a building stone.
They are quite strong, uniform in texture, least porous and take an excellent
polish. They are suitable both as ornamental stones and for general
construction.
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(5) Sandstones:
These types of stones are sedimentary rocks, siliceous in composition and mostly
stratified in structure.
Composition: The essential mineral of all the sandstones is Quartz (SiO2).
Among the accessory minerals, micas, felspars, and dark minerals are
sometimes present.
In cemented varieties of sandstones, the cementing material may be siliceous,
ferruginous, calcareous or clayey in nature.
And this is most important in as far as defining the suitability of a sandstone for
building construction is concerned.
Texture and Structure: They occur in medium to fine-grained texture and
stratified structure.
Color: Sandstones occur in many colors: white, gray, pink, red, maroon and dark.
Building Properties: Some sandstones are excellent building stones.
These are the varieties that have a light color, and are rich in quartz and have a
siliceous cement and a line grained uniform texture.
They must be free from fine layers or minerals like mica and chlorite.
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(6) Gneisses:
A Gneiss is geologically a metamorphic rock. It is generally siliceous in composition and foliated or banded in
structure.
In most cases, it resembles closely with granite from which metamorphism commonly derives it.
Composition: Gneisses show wide variation in a mineral composition which depends on the source rock.
Granites changing into gneisses generally contain the same minerals; the only structure is altered.
Felspars, Quartz, ferro-magnesium minerals and mica are among the main constituents of gneisses.
Texture and Structure: In texture, gneisses are coarsely crystalline rocks. They often show a banded or
layered structure in which case mica minerals are segregated in distinct bands separating felspars and other
granular minerals.
This destroys the usefulness of gneiss as a building material.
Building Properties: When coarsely crystalline and uniformly textured, gneisses are as good building stones
as granites.
These are varieties light in appearance and free from mica. Dark colored, mica-rich and banded types,
however, are to be discarded.
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(7) Laterite:
This type of stones are sedimentary rock composed
mainly of oxides of aluminum with varying amounts of
oxides of iron.
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(8) Slates:
These type of stone are the metamorphic rock with a distinct foliated (cleavage)
structure. It is commonly siliceous in composition.
Texture and Structure: Slate is a very fine textured rock, so much so that its
constituents can hardly be identified even under a microscope.
It shows typical slat cleavage which means that the rock can be split into large
thin sheets in certain directions.
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Properties of Stones
Strength & Durability:
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SUNLIGHT:
Porosity & Permeability:
When some stones are used in exterior
applications and exposed to direct sunlight
Porosity is the ratio of pores (micro-voids) in the
they fade or change color.
stone, to its total solid volume. Pores and the
capillary structure develop differently in each of the
MOISTURE:
three stone groups. Dense and compact stones
Some stones have moisture sensitive
have very few or no pores in them. An important
mineral contents that will cause the stone to
feature of sedimentary rocks is their porosity. Pores
develop rust spots, or other color variations,
are natural holes in the stones which allow fluids like
or contain moisture s
rainwater to enter and leave the fabric.ensitive
substances that will cause blotchy and streaking
discolorations.
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Hardness & weathering:
Hardness is the property of a material to avoid and resist
scratching. It is determined by comparison with the standard
minerals of the Moh’s scale. The objective of the MOH Scale is
to measure stones resistance to hardness.
Measurement of Hardness:
Talc
Gypsum
Calcite (Most Marbles)
Fluorite
Apatite
Feldspar (Granite)
Quartz (Granite)
Topaz
Corundum
Diamond
Weathering
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Water absorption and frost resistance:
Moisture from rain, snow or other environmental
conditions penetrates the wall leading to cracks,
efflorescence, rust staining, wood rotting, paint peeling,
darkening of masonry and spalling. The perfect sealing
of a masonry wall surface is almost impossible since
fine cracks and joints will allow the passage of water
into the wall.
Absorbency:
It is the result of these two properties (permeability and
porosity). Absorbency is an important determining
factor in stones sensitivity to stains. The size of the
pores, their orientation, how well they are networked
and the type of finish the stone has are important
contributing factors to a stones overall absorbency. In
relation to cleanability this factor is more important than
how porous a stone is. Honed and textured surfaces
are more susceptible to soiling and staining due to the
fact that there are more open pores at the surface than
a highly polished finish.
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Frost action or commonly called freeze/thaw cycles
occur when water within the pore structure or cracks
freezes to ice. It has been estimated when water
freezes it expands between 8 to 11 percent, with a
force of 2,000 pounds per square inch to 150 tons per
square foot. This increase of internal pressure
combined with repeated freeze/thaw cycles produces
micro-fissures, cracks, flaking and spalling.
Tests on Stones
Once a stone has been selected on aesthetic basis, it is
important than to ensure whether it exhibits the
necessary physical properties and durability to remain
in working condition for a long time.
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Applications & Uses of Building Stones
• Uses of stones:
• Sandstone is a popular stone with sculptors.
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Although wood, straw and mud is used for
houses in some parts of the world, most
buildings are preferred to be built of stones.
Building wells.
Aggregate
Stone walls
Stone Masonry
The construction of stones bonded together with mortar is termed as
stone masonry where the stones are available in a abundance in nature,
on cutting and dressing to the proper shape, they provide an
economical material for the construction of various building
components such as walls, columns, footings, arches, lintels, beams etc.
Uses
1) Building foundations, walls, piers, pillars, and architectural works.
2) Lintels, Beams, beams Arches, domes etc.,
3) Roofs and Roof coverings.
4) Cladding Works
5) Dams, light houses, monumental structures.
6) Paving jobs
7) Railway, ballast, black boards and electrical switch
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Types of Stone Masonry
Stone masonry can broadly be classified into the following two types:
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STONE MASONRY
RANDOM ASHLAR
MASONRY CHAMFERED
COURSED RUBBLE
ASHLAR FACING
MASONTY
DRY RUBBLE
ASHLAR FINE
MASONRY
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Rubble Masonry:
The stone masonry in which either undressed or roughly
dressed stone are laid in a suitable mortar is called
rubble masonry. In this masonry the joints are not of
uniform thickness. Rubble masonry is further sub-divided
into the following three types:
Random rubble masonry: • Un-coursed random rubble
masonry:
Rubble masonry is the type of stone
masonry in which either undressed The random rubble masonry in which
or hammer dressed stones are used stones are laid without forming
is called random rubble masonry. courses is known as un coursed
random rubble masonry. This is the
roughest and cheapest type of
masonry and is of varying appearance.
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Squared Rubble Masonry:
The rubble masonry in which the face stones are squared on all joints and beds by
hammer dressing or chisel dressing before their actual laying, is called squared
rubble masonry.
There are two types of squared rubble masonry.
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Coursed random rubble Dry rubble masonry:
masonry:
The random rubble masonry in The rubble masonry in which stones
which stones are laid in layers of are laid without using any mortar is
equal height is called random called dry rubble masonry or
rubble masonry. In this masonry, sometimes shortly as "dry stones". It is
the stones are laid in somewhat an ordinary masonry and is
level courses. Headers of one recommended for constructing walls
coursed height are placed at of height not more than 6m. In case
certain intervals. The stones are the height is more, three adjacent
hammer dressed. courses are laid in squared rubble
masonry mortar at 3m intervals.
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Ashlar Masonry:
It is the type of stone masonry in which finely dressed stones are laid in
cement or lime mortar is known as ashlars masonry. In this masonry are
the courses are of uniform height, all the joints are regular, thin and
have uniform thickness. This type of masonry is much costly as it requires
dressing of stones.
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1. Ashlar Rough Tooled Masonry
In this type of ashlar masonry, the beds and sides
are finely chisel dressed but the exposed face is
dressed by rough tooling. This dressing gives the
masonry a rough exposed finish to the masonry.
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3. Ashlar Facing
This type of ashlar masonry is used to give the building
an exposed and good aesthetics. The exposed faces of
the stones are rough tooled and chamfered.
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5. Chamfered Ashlar Masonry
It is a special type of ashlar rock faced in which the strip
provided around the perimeter of the exposed face is
chamfered at an angle of 45 degree to a depth of 25 mm.
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1. Machu Picchu, Peru
The ‘dry stone walls’ technique is known for its
peculiarity of constructing stone walls without
binding the stones within with mortar. This Inca
site of Machu Picchu has such dry stone walls.
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2. Pyramid of Menkaure, Cairo
This is the smallest of the triad of pyramids located on the
Giza plateau, on the southwestern outskirts of Cairo in Egypt.
It is built from granite and limestone. The mortuary temple
complex was constructed using ashlar granite.
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3. Royal Tombs, Mycenae, Greece
Ashlar masonry was used in the building
of the so-called ‘beehive’ dome. Hard
rocks are the perfect kind for shaping
into ashlar stones. Since the rock has to
be heavily chiseled, a soft rock cannot
be used due to the risk of fractures.
Thus, rocks like granite, bluestone, and
sandstone are used in ashlar masonry.
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ESTIMATES
You need to determine the dimensions and the type of stone wall
you want to build before you can proceed. Determine the height,
width and length of the wall. You also need to decide whether
you are going to build a dry stack or a wet stack wall. The wet
stack wall uses mortar between the rocks or stones to add
additional strength to the wall.
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Determine the length of the stone wall in feet.
Step 2
Calculate the wall width. Rock wall width should always be 2/3 of the wall height.
Use this formula to calculate the wall width: Y = 2/3X; where X = wall height, Y =
wall width; For example, if a rock wall is 3 feet high, the width should be 3 x 2/3 (or
.666) = 2 feet.
Step 3
Calculate the total volume of stone needed by using the formula: length x width x
height = volume in cubic feet. For example, if the wall length is 30 feet, the width is 2
feet and the height is 3 feet. The volume of the wall is 30 x 2 x 3 = 180 cubic feet.
Step 4
Calculate the tonnage of rock needed by converting the cubic foot volume into tons.
Use the standard formula of 15 cubic feet of rock = 1 ton of rock. Divide the total
cubic foot volume of rock by 15 to determine the number of tons of rock to purchase.
For example, 180 cubic feet of rock divided by 15 = 12 tons of rock to complete a 30 x 2
80 x 3 foot wall.
Dry Stack Material Volume
Determine the volume of gravel needed for a dry stack stone wall foundation using
the formula: length x width x height = volume in cubic feet. The stone wall foundation
requires a 4-inch bed of gravel. For example, if the wall is 30 feet long, the width is 2
feet and the height is 4 inches (or 1/3 of a foot, or .333 feet). The volume of gravel
needed for the foundation of the dry stack stone wall is 30 x 2 x .333 = 20 cubic feet.
Step 2
Determine the volume of gravel needed for the wall portion of a dry stack stone wall
using the formula; length x width x height divided by 3 = volume in cubic feet. A dry
stack rock wall uses gravel to fill gaps between the rocks in the wall. For example, if
the wall length is 30 feet, the width is 2 feet and the height is 3 feet, the volume of
gravel needed to construct this wall is 30 x 2 x 3 = 180 divided by 3 = 60 cubic feet.
Step 3
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Wet Stack Material Volume
Determine the volume of gravel needed for a wet stack stone wall foundation
using the formula: length x width x height = volume in cubic feet. The stone
wall foundation requires a 4-inch bed of gravel.
Example: if the wall is 30 feet long, the width is 2 feet and the height is 4
inches (or 1/3 of a foot, or .333 feet). The volume of gravel needed for the
foundation of the wet stack stone wall is 30 x 2 x .333 = 20 cubic feet.
Step 2
Calculate the tonnage of gravel needed by converting the cubic foot volume
into tons. Use the standard formula of 15 cubic feet of gravel = 1 ton of gravel.
Divide the total cubic foot volume of gravel by 15 to determine the number of
tons of gravel to purchase. For example, 20 cubic feet of gravel divided by 15
equals 1.333 tons. You will need to order 2 tons of gravel for this wall.
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Step 3
Determine the number of bags of mortar mix needed to complete a wet stack
rock wall by using the formula: 1 bag of grout for every 5 cubic feet of rock
wall. Divide the total cubic feet of the rock wall by 5 to determine the number of
bags of mortar required to complete the wall. For example, a 180 cubic foot
rock wall divided by 5 equals 36 bags of mortar mix.
Step 4
Calculate the amount of sand required to add to the mortar mix. Equal
amounts of sand and mortar mix are combined with water when making
mortar. Each bag of mortar mix weighs 100 pounds. Use the formula: 100
pounds of sand for each bag of mortar mix. For example, 36 bags of mortar
mix will require 3,600 pounds of sand. You will need to purchase 2 tons of
sand to build this wall.
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