Good building stone have different properties. These features of building stones help in building construction.
Each building stone that is utilized for development can’t fulfill all the ideal requirements. For instance, when the stone fulfills the requirement of strength and durability, it may not do the same with other necessities such as ease of dressing. Consequently, it is the job of the site engineer to investigate properties that are needed for good building stone.
Good building stone has the following properties.
Table of Contents
1. Crushing Strength
For a good building, stone crushing strength should be more than 100 N/mm3 to bear the applied load. If the stone failed to bear this load then the stone can not use for the purpose of construction.
2. Hardness
The coefficient of hardness for a good building stone should be between 14 to 17 or more than 17.
3. Toughness
The toughness Index should be more than 19.
4. Texture
It should have a crystalline structure. It should be free from any rack or cavity.
5. Durability
There should be a natural bed on stone. If a natural bed appears then it considers durable.
6. Appearance
Appearance should be good and color should not fade with time.
7. Wear
Wear in attrition test should equal or less than 3 %.
8. Specific gravity
Specific gravity should be greater than 2.7 %.
9. Water Absorption
The percentage of water absorption should not be more than 0.60 %.
These were the important properties of a good building stone. Every homeowner should consider these properties before the start of the construction work.
Benefits Of Good Building Stone
- Good building stones provide excellent durability, ensuring the longevity of structures.
- They offer high compressive strength, allowing them to bear heavy loads and resist external forces.
- Building stones come in various colors, textures, and patterns, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of constructions.
- They require minimal maintenance, reducing costs and efforts in upkeep.
- Good building stones exhibit excellent fire resistance, ensuring safety in case of fire.
- They have natural thermal insulation properties, regulating the temperature inside buildings.
- Building stones provide sound insulation, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment.
- Using natural building stones promotes sustainability in construction.
- They are resistant to weathering agents, such as rain, wind, and sunlight, ensuring long-lasting structures.
- Buildings constructed with good building stones generally have higher resale value, yielding better returns on investment.
Faqs
Building stones are natural or artificial materials used in construction for buildings and structures.
Good building stones have high strength, durability, resistance to weathering, low water absorption, and are easy to work with.
Compressive strength ensures that stones can bear loads without crumbling or breaking.
Durability means stones can withstand environmental factors and maintain their structural integrity over time.
Excessive water absorption can cause cracking and weakening of stones, so low water absorption is desirable.
No, only certain rocks like granite, sandstone, limestone, and marble are suitable for building purposes.
Yes, artificial stones like concrete blocks and precast concrete panels are commonly used in construction.
Common tests include compressive strength, water absorption, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and chemical resistance.
Aesthetic appeal can be enhanced through polishing, honing, sandblasting, or surface treatments like acid washing or flaming.
Building stones can be sustainable when responsibly sourced, locally available, and durable, or when using recycled or reclaimed stones.