Construction stone

[edit] Introduction

Stone is a building material used since ancient times. Because of its material qualities, hardness and resistance to weathering, professionals continue use it as a key construction material today. Stone is a natural element and as a material must be quarried, extracted and worked until it is ready for use in construction. It offers a guaranteed form of construction and long useful life.

If we compare stone with other construction materials, such as adobe or wood, it has some advantages, for example requiring little maintenance despite a long useful life. It is often a high thermal mass material and can therefore help in controlling internal environments particularly in warm climates.

[edit] Applications of stone in construction

In terms of classification, one must distinguish based origin, the material they contain, and the process that created them. It is necessary to distinguish between minerals and rocks, because they are often both commonly referred to as “stones” but their geological purpose is different. A mineral is a chemically homogeneous substance. Whereas a rock is a mixture of minerals.

So, how are they classified based on their origin and isometrics?

[edit] The use of stone depends on type

To choose a type of stone, the professional must know the characteristics and differences between each one. To determine a match for construction needs.

Although they are commonly call stones, in the case of the mineral, this has been a chemically homogeneous substance. The combination of various minerals creates rock. So, which one is to use to build large buildings in the city?

[edit] Magmatic or igneous rocks

Specifically, it is born from magma. when it cools or rises to the surface of the earth to form igneous rocks. The best known magmatic or igneous rocks are granite and diorite, which are quite similar and often used as interior elements.

Another example of igneous rocks is basalt. In general, this type of rock can be found on railway tracks. Their uses for this type of civil construction due to their strength and durability. However, there are many uses given to this type of rock in construction, namely:

[edit] Granite

This type of stone is abundant and has great firmness. Therefore, it is one of the most used stones in construction. It is an ideal element to manufacture surfaces, fireplaces, bathrooms, kitchen surfaces and more.

[edit] Basalt

It has great hardness despite being a fine grain. Due to its characteristics, its general uses are to make steps, pavements or cobblestones, foundations, and any engineering work.

[edit] Pumice

Another name by which it is known is pumice stone. Its uses are in construction. But in this field, it is quite useful to make a mixture of cement and light concrete. It is also used as an ornamental rock.

[edit] Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are made up of other rocks (hence their name). Through accumulation and thanks to a process of erosion, transport and sedimentation of other rocks, sedimentary rocks are born. Of course, it must be subject to both a chemical and physical process. So that they become consolidated materials, useful for construction. The most common sedimentary rocks in construction are:

[edit] Laja (Piedra Laja Oxidada ?)

Used to build floors, facades, and chimneys.

[edit] Limestone

Useful for making monuments and walls.

[edit] Travertine

Perfect for floors, façades, and furniture. So, it is useful for both indoors and outdoors.

[edit] Metamorphic Rocks

As the name indicates, these are rocks that have changed their shape. For example, when an igneous or sedimentary rock is subject to high temperatures or pressure. This process generates a change in its minerals. And consequently, in the shape and arrangement of the grains. All this change gives rise to a new type of stone, the metamorphic.

In construction, the most popular metamorphic rocks are marble and slate. In the case of marble. Its uses are to apply on hard areas. Its objective is to provide resistance to inclement weather. For this reason, they are regularly used to make many things. Like fountains, sculptures, floors, facades, and kitchen countertops.

Meanwhile, slate is used for interior or exterior cladding as well as masonry. In addition to being resistant, this type of rock offers an excellent design that improves the appearance of the construction.

[edit] Why Use Stones for Construction Works?

Stones has many positive qualities in construction, it’s not just about strength and toughness; but also excellent appearance, high absorption, porosity, density and thermal mass.

The truth is that there is no perfect type of stone for construction. Rather, it is all about choosing the one that best suits the owner of the building. A professional knows how to distinguish the type of stone and its usefulness for construction.

In general, consider the resistance of the stone. Thanks to this, we avoid the disintegration of the walls over time. However, must also consider the minerals that compose it. As this affects the cooling time and the structural shape of the stone.

In addition to this, the specialist considers the colour and texture of the stone. In this way, it is determined if it is a stone for exteriors or if it used to create furniture. Considering each of the characteristics of the stones will allow the specialist to make a good decision, and thus ensure that his work meets the needs and expectations of the owner of the building.

For more information see: Types of stone.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Building with structural stone.
• Choosing stone.
• Clunch.
• Coade stone.
• Cosmati work.
• Defects in stonework.
• Finding stone to conserve historic buildings.
• Flint.
• Freestone.
• Igneous.
• Inspecting stone sample panels.
• Iraq, Afghanistan, Gulf War Memorial.
• Julian Opie Art Wall CitizenM Tower of London Hotel.
• Kentish ragstone.
• Knapping.
• Metamorphic.
• Masonry.
• Modern Stonemasonry.
• Natural stone cladding.
• Natural stone flooring.
• Natural stone for Interiors.
• Natural stone tiles.
• Natural stone.
• Patio stone.
• Penarth Alabaster.
• Portland Stone.
• Puddingstone.
• Purbeck marble.
• Roof slates.
• Sandstone.
• Sedimentary.
• Sustainable stone.
• Sourcing stone to repair Exeter Cathedral.
• Stone dressing.
• Two New Ludgate Portland Stone Feature Wall
• Types of materials.
• Types of stone.
• Use of Stone in Monks Lantern Weybridge.

Comments

[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.