The Owner Built Home & Homestead
(Page 3 of 15)
Several simplified systems of rock identification have been
devised to assist the mason in his choice of building
stone. Rock classification can be physical, differentiating
between unstratified and stratified rock, or it can be of a
chemical nature, dividing rock into its siliceous (sandy),
agrillaceous (clayey) or calcareous (limey) composition.
The classical classification of rock, however, is based
upon geological origin—ingeous, sedimentary and
metamorphic. A composite classification system of the more
common building stones, along with their significant
construction properties is presented below.
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This chapter is one of the few with no bibliography at the
end. The dearth of books may be a continuance of the
"closed shop" stone masonry conspiracy mentioned earlier:
In any event there are no contemporary manuals on
laying up building stone. The Audel reference text on
masonry is typical of what is currently available: The
stone masonry techniques and tools discussed date back to
antiquity. The correct hammer and chisel are identified, as
is the manner of squaring huge marble building blocks.
A number of unlikely research sources were used to compile
this chapter; but primarily the actual stone-laying
experience of the author over the past fifteen years forms
the nitty-gritty of what is to follow.
The rock classification system illustrated above can prove
of only general value to the Owner-Builder mason.
Let's have a closer look at choosing your rock and building
with this natural resource. Accessibility of the
rock must be one of the prime criterion. An expensive
quarrying or hauling operation can be a deterrent
sufficient to dissuade one from using this material in his
building. In some instances a particularly hard
rock is called for-as in floors and steps. Rock with
cleavage (a splitting quality) is generally a more valuable
characteristic than a block-like monolithic quality.
Of course we desire to build a durable wall, and one that
will withstand rain, wind, frost, heat and fire. A building
stone "life" ranges from 10 to 200 years. Frost damage is
common to softer and porous rock. Again, if rock is not
laid on its natural bed-face, frost action will tend to
laminate the layers. Another important rule: The strength
of the mortar should equal the strength of the rock. An
excessively rich mortar is more pervious than a weaker
mortar because shrinkage-cracking occurs in rich mortar.
Mortar joints are the most vulnerable part of the wall to
moisture penetration.
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