Category: 4: STONES

Granite is an optimal choice and is considered one of the strongest stones for buildings, exterior wall cladding, paving, monuments and a multitude of other exterior and interior projects. Limestone — Limestone is generally a relatively soft stone, rated between three and four on the Mohs scale.

Because of crystallization on reaction with some chemicals, the stones may show a loss of weight and some defects. This test consists of immersing a cubical specimen of 40 mm side in a sodium sulphate solution for 2 hours and then drying it in an oven at 100°C. This procedure is repeated for five times.…

Building stones must be tested to assess their properties to use for various purposes. Some tests are simple which can be conducted in the field, and some can be tested only in a laboratory. Accordingly, they may be grouped as field tests and laboratory tests (IS: 1121, 1974 and IS: 1124, 1998). 2.11.1 Field Tests…

Stones have to be selected for a specific work based on the strength and other properties including durability. Stones needed for building exposed to different environments and stones needed for other civil engineering works are discussed below. 2.10.1 General Building Works Stones are used for foundations, walls and superstructure. Stones with a high mechanical strength…

Generally the stones obtained after quarrying have a rough surface and are irregular in shape. The process of bringing the stones to a regular shape and required finish is known as dressing. The purposes of dressing are as follows: Two types of dressing are in use, viz., quarry dressing and site dressing. Quarry dressing is…

The explosives generally used are blasting-powder, dynamite, gun-cotton, blasting-gelatine, cordite and gelignite. From the time of getting an explosive for use, it has to be properly stored, cautiously handled and effectively utilised. The following precautious are to be meticulously adhered to: 1. Storing Explosives are stored in a specially built buildings called magazines. A magazine…

Quarrying is the process by which stones are obtained from rock beds. Quarry is the place from where the stone is obtained. Quarrying differs from mining in which various operations are carried out for exploring minerals such as coal, quartzite, etc. from a mine under the ground. 2.7.1 Quarry Location Before starting to quarry, the…

2.6.1 Granite Granite is used for stone columns, road metal, ballast for railways, bridge components, etc. It is found in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 2.6.2 Sandstone Sandstone is used for building and ornamental purposes and also as road metal. It is available in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya…

Stones of geological origins have been identified and classified as building stones which are used for different purposes. They are discussed subsequently. 2.4.1 Granite It is a deep-seated igneous rock, hard, durable and available in different colours. It has high crushing strength and is capable of sustaining high weathering. 2.4.2 Basalt and Trap Basalt and…

Different civil engineering constructions use stone. It is necessary to find their suitability under different conditions. The following properties need to be examined before their use: Appearance and Colour Stones must look good in appearance and be of uniform colour. Such a quality is essential for stones to be used for decoration work. Light-coloured stones…