Materials and Method of Construction

Building Stones &

Ceramic Tiles

Munawar HussainCivil Engineering DepartmentMNS-University of Engineering and Technology Multan

Rock : A large concreted mass of earthy

or mineral matter

Stone : Quarried or smaller pieces of rock for a specified function such as a building block

GEOLOGICAL CLASSES OF ROCKS

Igneous: Formed by cooling and thus solidfying from a molten state. (Granite, Basalt)

Sedimentary : Formed by a process of cementation of small particles that result from the disintegration of rocks. (Limestone, sandstone)

Metamorphic Rocks : Formed by gradual changes in the structures of either igneous or sedimentary rocks caused by heat, water, pressure. (Marble, Slate)

Stone Masonry

Commercial Stone Types

For commercial purposes, building stone is classified into six groups according to ASTM C199.

• Granite• Limestone• Quartz-based• Slate• Marble• Other

COMMONLY USED BUILDING STONESGranite : • Intrusive igneous rock• Granite is a strong, hard & non-

porous rock• It is a desirable foundation &

building material.

Quartz Based: • Sedimentary Sandstone: from

quartz deposits• Brownstone, and some varieties

of bluestone are varieties of sandstone

Limestone : Sedimentary rock• It is used as a concrete aggregate• It is used in the production of

cement & lime

Marble : Metamorphosed limestone

• Harder than limestone• Used for interior work or wall or

column facing

Slate : Metamorphosed clay• Used for flooring, interior or

exterior wall facing.

Stone Masonry

Stone Selection

High density and low water absorption correlate with greater durability.

Stone Masonry

Stone MasonryMay also be dry set, stacked without mortar or set on shims with sealant-filled joints.

Stone Masonry

Rubble MasonryUnsquared stone blocks

Stone Masonry

Rubble MasonryRandom: Laid without continuous horizontal jointsCoursed: Laid with continuous horizontal joints

Stone Masonry

Ashlar MasonrySquared blocks

The various types of Ashlar masonry can be classified under the following categories are

1) Ashlar fine2) Ashlar rough3) Ashlar rock or quarry faced4) Ashlar facing5) Ashlar chamfered6) Ashlar block in course

Ashlar Masonry

Ashlar fine Ashlar rough

Ashlar Masonry

Ashlar rock or quarry faced

Ashlar Masonry

Ashlar facing

Facing

Ashlar chamfered

Ashlar Masonry

Ashlar block in course

Lifting Appliances for Stone Masonry

• Pin Lewis• Chain Dogs• Chain Lewis• Three Legged Lewis

PRODUCTION STEPSQuarrying: Big chunks are cut at the side, loosened at

the bottom by wedging & removed by cranes

Shaping & Finishing: Taken to the factory & cut and finished to the desired shapes.

PROPERTIES OF STONES1. Durability : mainly abrasion2. Strength3. Both strength & durability are affected by the texture &

mineral composition, chemical charactersitics & physical characteristics.

4. Porosity5. Water Absorption6. Coefficient of thermal expansion7. Fire resistance

Uses of Stones1) Building foundations, walls, piers, pillars, and architectural

works.

2) Lintels, Beams, beams Arches, domes etc.,

3) Cladding Works

4) Dams, light houses, monumental structures.

5) Paving jobs

6) Railway, ballast, black boards and electrical switch boards

Pakistan Stone Development Company http://pasdec.com.pk/

Ceramic Tiles: The Basics• Ceramic means “fired clay” and tile means “covering.” • Common raw materials are sand, clay, talc, feldspar.• A ceramic tile is just clay that's formed, glazed and

baked.

Figure: Wall & floor tiles.

Tile, Ceramic (clay) - Glazed

• Glazed (fired) in a high temperature kiln

• Stone Look -slate or other finishes

• Metallic Glazed (fired) • Colors, textures, shapes

are in the thousands

Clay body - Fired - Not glazed or coated

• Mexican Tile – Saltillo(In the family of terracotta tile, but more rustic)

• Mosaic Tile (Small - square, hex, rectangle)• Porcelain Tile (Stone Look" has stone

texture and colors pressed into the face)• Quarry Tile(Top is a wood pattern quarry

tile)• Terracotta Tile

Tile, Ceramic (clay) - Unglazed

Other Types of Masonry

Terra cotta cladding

Site Selection

• It means selection of best site for the project which provide • Safety • Economy

• It is a project specific job.• It depends on the

1. Requirements of user/client2. Use of Project3. Finance available

General Rules for site selection

• It should provide minimum disturbance to the residents of the area.

• Site should be selected that it provides good drainage.• Site should be easily accessible.• Construction material should be easily available.• Transportation of construction material is easy.

Orientation of Buildings & setting out of Civil engineering ProjectsWhat is Orientation of buildings?

It is defined as the art of placing a building in such a position that its front faces a particular direction.

Object of Orientation of BuildingsTo place the building so as to suit its surroundings.To provide natural comfort to users.To provide privacy to inmates.To protect residents from dust and noise pollution.To place the building in such direction that its minimum portion comes in contact with direct rain showers so as to avoid dampness in building.

Factors effecting Orientation of BuildingsFollowing factors are important for deciding the Orientation of Buildings.

1. Surroundings of the SiteThe building should be so oriented that it suits surrounding of the site.

2. Approach to road or streetApproach to nearby road means a good orientation.

3. Sun Movement.Sun path and sun rays are important in deciding the placement of different rooms in a building.

Sun Movement.

• Sun is the important source of energy, natural light and Temperature.

• If sunrays are properly falling on the building then it will provide a good living conditions in the buildings.

Arrangement of Different rooms in a Residential Building w.r.t Sun Movement

• Drawing or Living rooms SE W• Dining rooms SE SW• Bed rooms SE NW• Verandah S W• Kitchen NE SE• Stairs, Stairs case & stores NE NW