Points to be Considered During Construction of Stone Masonry
The construction of stone masonry is more costly than brick masonry, but stones are more durable, hard, and strong as compared to brick.
The weight of stones are heavy, they are not available in regular in size. So, the construction with such materials has some difficulties, but we can overcome such difficulties as well as we can get a better construction by taking some measures and care during the stonework.
Following are the 15 important points to be remembered or considered during the construction of stone masonry:
1. The stones which will be used in stone masonry must be enough strong, hard, durable, and well-seasoned.
2. It should ensure that the stones are well watered before using them. Otherwise, they will absorb water from the mortar, which leads to reduces the strength of the mortar joint.
3. All the stones should be laid on their natural bed.
4. The dressing of stones should be done properly as per the requirements of the work.
5. As possible as the unnecessary vertical joints should be avoided.
6. Remains gaps between stones should be well filled by stone chippings and set with mortar.
7. In stone masonry, chips, or small pieces of broken stones should not be used.
8. Double scaffolding should be adopted if the stonework is carried out at a higher elevation.
9. The stonework should be carried out slowly and properly by skilled labor.
10. Mortar may be used as mud, lime, or cement, but in the case of basements or sites subjected to water-logged conditions, cement mortar or hydraulic lime mortar should be used. However, for stone masonry, lime mortar is the most appropriate mortar.
11. It should be seen that no tensile stress is developed in masonry because they are very weak in tension.
12. As far as possible the stonework should be raised uniformly.
13. The mortar used for the work should be properly proportioned as specified.
14. The vertical faces of the stonework should be checked by means of a plumb bob.
15. Large flat stones should be laid under the ends of girders, roof trusses, etc.
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Different Joints in Stone Masonry