Building stones: types and properties

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:43

Building stones have become widespread in the decorative design of premises and personal plots, as well as in the construction of various objects.

What are the types

There are two types of building material, differing in their origin - it is artificial and natural. All rocks actively used in construction are natural:

• gravel;
• pebbles;
• limestone;
• sandstone;
• slate;
• dolomite;
• granite and others

They differ not only in characteristics, such as frost resistance and strength, but also in appearance - structure, pattern and shade. Therefore, the scope of their application depends on the available properties, the main of which are determined by GOST.

Building stone of natural origin is widespread in the interior and exterior design of buildings, this is achievedthe presence of extensive color variations and the possibility of obtaining original patterns and compositions. Many of these materials are quarried, cut into individual slabs, and polished. The result is a stone with a unique texture and pattern.

A variety of medium-grained rocks, pebbles, fragments of granite and marble are used to create mosaics that act as decorative design details and interior decoration material.

Pros and cons

Today, natural building stone is represented by various types in a wide price segment. But all its varieties have common advantages, among which the following are worth noting:

• Sustainability. This is one of the safest materials for he alth, so it is actively used in premises for any purpose.
• Durability. Even after many years and change in appearance, the building stones look beautiful and noble.
• Resistance to mechanical stress and fire.
• Variety of structures, patterns, types, which allows you to create an original unique interior.
• Many options are reasonably priced.

The main disadvantage is the large mass of the named material, leading to the need to strengthen the foundation. High absorbency also contributes to additional weight gain.

Currently, wild building stones can be found more and more often - this is a universal material,with extensive color variations. High strength characteristics provide a wide range of applications - both decorative and building.

Products

“Leave no stone unturned” - this common expression is quite suitable for the specifics of the extraction of many varieties of the described material. Despite the durability of the stone and high reliability, it must be used in accordance with its intended purpose. An example is marble for finishing a flight of stairs. The creation of an external structure from such a stone is undesirable, since it will quickly lose its appearance due to strong temperature changes and high water absorption capacity. It is also worth noting the need to contact specialists when installing plates from such an expensive and capricious material.

Shell rock and cap

Shell rock is often used for laying piers and wall structures. It can also replace the usual brick due to easy processing. At the same time, exposure to high temperatures, causing burnout and destruction of the structure, limits its scope.

Stone has a high level of heat capacity, durability and reliability, so buildings made from it are cool in summer and warm enough in winter months. This contributes to the fact that various construction works are often carried out with such material.

The stone-cap is assigned to be used as a material for the construction of the first and basement floors in residentialbuildings, subject to the subsequent creation of a concrete floor. The material absorbs moisture from the environment due to the high level of lime in the composition, so it is additionally finished with mineral wool or foam. If the insulation rules are not followed or poor-quality materials are used, the house will be too damp and cold.

Stone mining is characterized by the production of a large amount of coarse dust called tyrsa. It acts as a substitute for sea and river sand and is generally used to prepare cement mortars. This gives them additional strength and prevents shedding during hardening. There are two varieties: white and yellow tyrsa. The latter is mainly used in the creation of masonry and is distinguished by a rather large fraction.

Human-made material

Artificial building stone is not a modern invention, its manufacture has a long history, as an example, brick. Today, the range of such materials has expanded significantly, various options have appeared that imitate natural stones, while it is rather difficult for a non-specialist to distinguish them. Artificial stone is divided according to its purpose into several types: for pavement, interior and exterior finishing works.

• The molded gypsum material is only suitable for indoor use, due to low frost resistance and significant absorption of moisture from the surrounding air. The concrete analogue is morefrost resistance, but also more expensive.
• Ceramic material is produced by high temperature treatment in special furnaces.
• Polyester stone has high decorative and strength characteristics, it contains mineral fillers.
• The liquid material is made from mineral components and an acrylic binder with a liquid structure.
• The acrylic version is highly thermoplastic so it can be further molded.

Pros and cons

Artificial building stones have many positives, including the following:

• Reusable.
• Distinctive strength and reliability when used properly.
• Moisture resistance, while it can be increased by processing with special compounds.
• Easy installation.
• Light weight.
• High level of hygiene due to the absence of the smallest cracks and damage.
• Less cost compared to natural option.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that some types of building stone have a limited scope, and cannot be used as a material for creating load-bearing structures.

Crushed stone properties

Crushed stone is one of the most common building materials. Heit is used in the creation of roads, the design of parks, and is also present in the composition of concrete. It is made from rocks and has a loose structure.

The strength of the material is determined by exposure to high pressure and crushing in a special tank. A broad labeling scheme is used that defines the specific application.

Characteristics of frost resistance reflect the number of freezing cycles without loss of original properties, these parameters are specified in GOST 8269-87. It is also worth noting the radioactivity. It is crucial when choosing a material for the construction of residential facilities.

Production method

Crushed natural stone for construction work can be of artificial and natural origin. The last option is made from crushed rocks. There are many types, for example, marble, dolomite, bas alt and others. Its main characteristics depend on the structure and size of the grains.

Construction waste is used to make artificial material. It has also become quite widespread, but has some limitations due to its lower strength level. At the same time, it costs less than its natural counterpart and is indispensable in the formation of the lower layer of roads and the creation of concrete.

Granite and gravel crushed stone

Granite stone is mined from rocks and incorporates components such as quartz and mica. It goes through a special processing for grinding, after whichdivided into different factions. The material acts as a filler to create concrete with high strength and decorative elements in the design of sites and alleys. It is distinguished by the presence of components with different shades and a structure that acquires a mirror surface after polishing.

The gravel is small and rounded. It is characterized by a rough structure and the absence of impurities in the composition. Ravine or mountain stone is used in landscape design when decorating flower beds and artificial reservoirs.