Introduction and Main Types of Building Stones
The availability of different types of stones that can be used for construction purposes is investigated here:
• These stones are obtained by quarrying from solid massive rocks.
• Each type of stone has its unique properties that make it suitable for various construction applications. For example, stones like basalt and granite have high compressive strength and durability, making them ideal for major construction works.
• However, some stones have low compressive strength and contain harmful materials in their constituents, making them suitable only for minor construction works. Gneiss is an example of such a stone.
• Stones are not only used as building materials but also for decorative purposes.
Types of Stones Used for Building Constructions:
Basalt Stone:
•Basalt stone is a type of stone commonly used in road construction, concrete production, and masonry works for bridge piers, river walls, and dams.
Basalt stone is very hard and difficult to shape into fine shapes, but it has a dark gray to black color.
Granite:
• Granite is another type of stone used in building construction, with applications including bridge piers, retaining walls, dams, curbs, and stone columns.
• Granite has a low absorption value, the least porosity, and good resistance to frost and weathering, but poor resistance to fire.
• Polished granite can be used as table tops, and cladding for columns and walls, and it takes polish well.
• The color of granite varies from White Granite to pink Granite.
Sandstone:
• Sandstone is used in heavy construction and masonry works, but weathering makes it unsuitable for building. Slate: Slate is used for roofing and pavements, with varying strength and colors.
Limestone:
• Limestone is suitable for construction if it is dense, compact, and free from cavities and cracks. Laterite: Laterite is used as a building stone but needs plastering, with varying colors and strength.
Marble:
Marble is used for facing and ornamental works, with high compressive strength and excellent polish.
Gneiss:
• Gneiss is used for minor construction, with varying strength and colors.
Quartzite:
• Quartzite is used as building blocks and aggregate for concrete, with varying colors and strength.
Travertine:
• Travertine is used for paving and has a porous surface and concentric texture.
