Rubble masonry
Rubble masonry, also known as rubblework, is the use of undressed, rough stone, generally for the construction of walls.
The most basic form of rubble masonry is dry-stone rubble walls which are very common in rural locations and popular with landscapers looking for a traditional aesthetic. The rough, unhewn stones are piled on top of one another without mortar, and are often laid in irregular horizontal courses.
Alternatively, the stones can be bound with cement or lime mortar, although in this case, a greater degree of stone selection may be required to avoid excessively wide mortar joints. Stones can be bonded by laying longer ones both along the face and oriented lengthwise across the depth of the wall. Selected stones are laid to form roughly square angles at quoins and around openings.
Polygonal rubble walling is where stones are split-faced and roughly dressed to suit a specific pattern or design. Random rubble walls involve stones of varying sizes and joint widths with small wedge-shaped fillets bedded into the mortar between them.
Rubble masonry can also be used as the outer surface of a wall, particularly common in medieval cathedrals and historic buildings, and as a core infill between external and internal wall faces.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Registered building inspectors
Building types and conflicts of interest updates explaineed.
Engineering services still struggle with labour shortages
According to latest quarterly services survey of the sector.
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.