Dimension
stone
Dimension
stone is a natural rock material being queried for the purpose of
obtaining blocks or slabs of different shape and size. It is a
traditional building material and is mostly used for the construction
of either for structural or decorative uses.
In past, for hundreds of years or even more, this stone has been the
main load bearing material used in construction of major buildings and
bridges. Today, it has been largely replaced by steel, reinforced
concrete and aluminum sheets leaving dimension stone to be used in a
decorative.
Most of the rocks are unsuited for dimension stone. They are either
too fractured, too weathered, too inconsistent or just plain
unattractive. The rock types which are most commonly used for
dimension stones are Granite, Limestone and Sandstone.
Granite, gabbro and other such coarse grained igneous rocks are very
durable for outside decoration of buildings. All these rocks have low
porosity and permeability and they are relatively slowly reactive
minerals.
Limestone and sandstone, in the last century were very popular as
building stones. But, unfortunately they are susceptible to the acidic
rainfalls chemical attack and also to the mechanical wear when used as
steps and floor tiles. They are also considered more porous and
permeable than igneous rocks.
The susceptibility characteristic of limestone together with the
susceptibility of calcite to dissolution by acids in rainfall make the
two cemented sandstone strongly subject to weathering. Building
limestone, sandstone and other porousrocks are mostly used on interior
walls of buildings where the natural colors and texture of the two can
be used to great advantage.
Uses of Dimension Stones
| PRODUCT |
USES |
| Sandstone blocks |
Foundations, stonewall |
| Polished marble slabs |
Cladding building, bathroom
vanities |
| Polished granite slabs |
Headstones, kitchen counters |
| Slate |
Roofing shingles, pool table
tops, floor tiles |
|
