03/02/2020

BUILDING STONES
Introduction
STONES: These are naturally occurring compact, solid and massive materials
that make the crust of the earth. Technically the stones are called rocks.

Essentially all building stones are rocks in nature but not all rocks are useful
building stones.

Stones have been used in all types of construction since time immemorial that is
in the construction of the pyramids of Egypt, Eiffel tower, Taj Mahal, Red Fort,
Great China wall etc

The greatest thing about stones is that they are natural and doesnot need to be
manufactured. Stones, clay, timber had been the most commonly used
construction materials by the man right from the beginning of civilization till the
advent of Portland cement in the 19th century.
1

Why is the use of stones decreasing in the building construction in the

modern times?

• Stones are not available everywhere.

• Transport of stones from distance places is costly

• Competition from concrete since concrete is a versatile material.

1
 03/02/2020

Classification of stones
A. Geological classification
This classification is based on the mode of formation of the rock
from which the stone is obtained.
1. Igneous rock.
These are formed by the natural process of cooling and
crystallization from originally hot and molten materials.
They are the most abundant rock on earth when considered depth
wise.
Classes of igneous rocks
i. Plutonic rocks e.g granites, syenites and gabbros
ii. Volcanic rock e.g basalts and trap
iii. Hypabyssal rocks e.g porphyries

2. Sedimentary rock
These are the most widespread rocks found covering a great part of the
surface of the earth. They are formed from any type of pre-existing rocks by
a simple process of their break down into smaller particles under the
influence of natural agencies like wind, water, ice and atmospheric gases.

The sediments produced by the natural agencies are then transported by

these natural agencies to riverbeds, lake basins, seas, oceans where their
deposition takes places for millions of years.

Gradually these particles are compressed and compacted by their own

weight into hard massive rocks.

2
 03/02/2020

Classes of sedimentary rock

i. Clastic rock e.g sand stones, shales etc
ii. Chemically formed e.g Limestones, gypsum, anhydrite and rock salt.
iii. Organically formed e.g limestones
3. Metamorphic rock
These are originally either igneous or sedimentary rock. The process for
their change under the influence of increased temperature, pressure and
chemical environment is called metamorphism.

When any existing rock gets subjected to increased temperature or chaned

stresses and chemically active fluids it undergoes a slow but definite
changes in its original structure and chemical constitution.

Example: Marble, Quartzite, Gneiss, Slate etc.

5

B. Chemical classification

1. Siliceous rocks- SiO2 >50% Very good building stones

examples include Granites, Quartzites, Gneisses

2. Calcareous rocks- CO3 > 50% Very good building stones

examples include Limestones, dolomites, marbles etc

3. Argillaceous rocks- Clays >50% Soft and untrustworthy as

building stones examples include clay stones, silt stones, slates
etc

3
 03/02/2020

C. Structural classification

1. Massive or unstratified rocks

- Occur in huge unlayered masses
- Igneous and metamorphic rocks

2. Stratified rocks
- Occur in distinct layers (beds) of the same of different colours and
composition separated by bedding planes.
- Sedimentary rocks e.g limetsones

3. Foliated rocks
- Occurs in well define bands of different composition.
- They do not yield building stones of any good quality e.g slates

Factors that are considered in selection of stones for

construction

i. Type of the building- residential, commercial, monumental

ii. Building location for optimal benefit-cost, appearance and

durability

iii. Cost of construction with stones-availabity, extraction,

transport, dressing and quality of stones

4
 03/02/2020

Qualities required in stones

a. Strength

b. Hardness

c. Water absorption

d. Appearance/ colour

e. Workability

f. Durability
9

Standard Test for Building stones

In accordance with individual country’s relevant standard codes, testing
methods and values. ( Read and summarize the procedures in ASTM and
BS for the following test)

• Test for compressive strength

• Test for transverse strength

• Test for water absorption

• Test for weathering resistance

• Test for durability

10

5
 03/02/2020

QUARRYING STONES
It’s the process of extraction of suitable stones from their natural place of
occurrence for use in construction.

a) Selection of quarry site

-Availabilty of sound rock
- Distance from area of construction
- Availability of water

b) Preparatory steps
-Method of quarrying
-Preparation of a layout
-Removal of overburden

c) Method of quarrying
-Quarrying without blasting using hand tools and light machines
-Quarrying with blasting
11

DRESSING OF STONES
This is a process of giving stones proper size, shape and finish to the
roughly broken stones as obtained from the quarry.

Methods of dressing stones

a) Manual dressing- using skilled workmen with chisels, hammer and

abrasives

b) Mechanical dressing- Using special saw fitted machines (rock cutters),

grinding and polishing machines

Common tools used in manual stone dressing include hammer and chisel

12

6
 03/02/2020

Deterioration of stones
Stones like any other materials deteriorate with time. Some undesirable
changes are likely to develop in them after years of their exposure to natural
agencies like wind, water and temperature
Causes
-Frost action
- Temperature changes
- Wind actions
- Chemical actions
Preservation of stones
-Careful selection
-Careful construction
-Application of preservatives

13

Artificial stones
It is a stone like mass made by mixing crushed stone pieces with cement
and water in the presence of a coloring pigment.
Example. Terrazzo and mosaic tiles

14