Stone masonry has been popular for centuries and remains one of the elite forms of construction and art. This has been done for many years due to its strength, durability, and aesthetic value. For anyone planning to start on new construction using stone masonry construction, fixing , or even gaining conventional knowledge in stone masonry, it is invaluable to take into consideration such techniques in the construction of strong structures that will enable them to produce houses that shall stand for many years. This post will define the craft of masonry as well as discuss some of the techniques that have been innovated.
What is Stone Masonry?
It is the construction of structures by putting stones into appropriate forms for walling and other works including walls, pavements, and foundations. An example of construction masonry is the choosing, treating, and arranging of stones bonded with mortar or cement. Whether one is occupied with putting up a new stone masonry building or simply supporting a building through a repair wall, the practice will be similar. It is used in artistic designs and various functional applications.
Stone Masonry Construction: The Basics
Stone masonry construction usually requires maximum care, starting with choosing the appropriate material. The quality of stone specification has a crucial role in defining the structural strength of the building and its appearance. When proper stones are chosen, the bed or substructure must be ready and properly done for a strong foundation.
The stones are followed by the structures design and the mortar is then used to bind the stones together. Intraditional stone masonry, a stone may be laid with no mortar at all, where the sheer mass and arrangement of the stone provide the only support required. However, most stone constructions are bound by mortar for security. Whether one is fixing stones in the construction of a foundation or wall, the right fixing techniques are significant to ensure that they last long.
Traditional Techniques
Skills inherent in stone masonry have been preserved over centuries and they are still applicable now. The oldest and one of the most efficient techniques is the non-mortise technique of the dry-stone walls. Dry stone walls are strong and generally applied in the construction of garden walls and fences
The other conventional mansory technique is carving, in which artists sculpt rocks into design and any model. This technique has frequently been deployed in historical monuments, cathedrals, and palaces; thus, aesthetically enhancing the stonework. Although it has been associated with the strength and durability of structures, walls, and buildings today, it is more of an art of sculpture, design, and making beautiful structures that fit the environment.
Stone Masonry Repair: Restoring and Maintaining Structures
Periodically, structures made from stone materials may wear and tear, naturally by weather conditions or by contracting and expanding the structure foundations. It is necessary to repair these buildings because they need to last longer. The repair work generally includes the assessment of damaged locations with blemishes like cracked stones, joint openings, and poor mortar.
Stone masonry is a work where actuality and aesthetics bear the same significance. The knowledge of the basic construction skills of traditional and stone masonry , as well as, the practical experience in masonry repair will prepare you for these tasks. Knowledge of these three factors must be achieved regardless of whether the construction is newly created or old, to obtain the beauty and durability of the structure. The durability and elegance of stone will remain an important factor in shaping construction for many years to come.