Author: Haroon Khalil

This is usually called the water absorption test. This is a simple test conducted on all stones. It consists of keeping a cubical specimen of the stone of about 50 g weight immersed in water for 24 hours and finding the volume of the absorbed water. This is represented as a percentage of absorption by…

Simple field tests are the absorption test, Smith’s test, the toughness test, the hardness test, the acid test and the crystallization test.

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).

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. General Building Works Stones are used for foundations, walls and superstructure. Stones with a high mechanical strength and…

Preservation of stones is intended to protect the structure against the action of weathering agents and also to protect the good appearance of the face work. The durability of stones increases remarkably if the stones are properly preserved. Preservation is effected in the following ways:

Various agencies which are responsible for the deterioration of stones are discussed below. 1. Rain Rain is one among the main causes for wetness on stones. This wetness is dried by the sun. The process of wetting and drying go a long way in deteriorating the stone. Gases and acids contained in rain water may…

Durability of stones depends on the environment at which they are constructed. For proper durability assurance, it is necessary to know the agencies which deteriorate stones and to take adequate steps to preserve the quality of stone during its lifespan.

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…

The following methods of quarrying are listed based on the outcrop of the rock and the purpose for which stones are intended to be used. 1. Digging In soft rocks, stones are obtained merely by digging with the help of hand tools, viz., pick-axes, hammers, chisels, etc. Only those stones that occur in the form…