Building stones have become widespread in the decoration of rooms and personal plots, as well as in the construction of various objects.
What are the types
There are two types of building material that differ in their origin - this is artificial and natural. Natural are all rocks that are actively used in construction:
- gravel;
- pebbles;
- limestone;
- sandstone;
- slate;
- dolomite;
- granite and others
They differ not only in characteristics, such as frost resistance and strength, but also in appearance - structure, pattern and shade. Therefore, the scope of their application depends on the available properties, the main of which is determined by GOST.
Building stone of natural origin is common in the internal and external design of buildings, this is achieved by the presence of extensive color variations and the ability to obtain original patterns and compositions. Many of these materials are mined in quarries, cut into individual slabs and polished. The result is a stone with a unique structure and pattern.
A variety of medium-grained rocks, pebbles, fragments of granite and marble are used to create mosaics that act as decorative design details and material for interior decoration.
Advantages and disadvantages
Today, natural building stone is represented by various species in an extensive price segment. But all its varieties have common advantages, among which the following should be noted:
- Environmental friendliness. This is one of the safest materials for health, therefore it is actively used in rooms of any purpose.
- Durability. Even after many years and a change in appearance, building stones look beautiful and noble.
- Resistance to mechanical stress and fire.
- A variety of structures, patterns, types, which allows you to create an original unique interior.
- Many options have a reasonable price.
The main disadvantage is the large mass of this material, leading to the need to strengthen the foundation. High absorbent properties also contribute to additional weight gain.
Nowadays, wild building stones are more and more common - this is a universal material, characterized by extensive color variations. A wide range of applications, both decorative and construction, is ensured by high strength characteristics.
Products
“Do not leave stone upon stone” - this common expression is quite suitable for the specifics of mining many varieties of the described material. Despite the durability of the stone and high reliability, it should be used in accordance with its intended purpose. As an example, marble can be used for finishing stairwells. Creating an external structure from such a stone is undesirable, since it will quickly lose its appearance due to strong temperature differences and high water absorption capacity. It is also worth noting the need to contact specialists when installing plates from such an expensive and capricious material.
Shell rock and cap
Shell rock is often used for laying piers and wall structures. It can also replace the usual brick due to easy processing. At the same time, exposure to high temperatures causing burnout and destruction of the structure limits its scope.
The stone has a high level of heat capacity, durability and reliability, therefore, in buildings made from it, it is cool in the summer and warm enough in the winter months. This contributes to the fact that various construction works are often carried out with such material.
The stone cap is used as a material for the construction of the first and ground floors in residential buildings, subject to the subsequent creation of concrete floors. The material absorbs moisture from the environment due to the high level of lime in the composition, so it is additionally finished with mineral wool or foam. If you do not follow the rules of insulation or use low-quality materials, the house will be too damp and cold.
Stone mining is characterized by the production of large quantities of coarse dust called tyrsa. It acts as a substitute for sea and river sand and, as a rule, is used for the preparation of cement mortars. This gives them extra strength and prevents shedding during hardening. There are two varieties: tyrsa white and yellow. The latter is mainly used in the creation of masonry and is distinguished by a rather large fraction.
Material created by man
Artificial building stone is not a modern invention, its manufacture has a long history, brick can be given as an example. Today, the range of such materials has expanded significantly, various options have appeared that mimic natural stones, while it is rather difficult for a non-specialist to distinguish them. The artificial stone is divided according to its purpose into several types: for bridge, internal and external finishing works.
- Molded gypsum material is suitable only for indoor use, this is due to low frost resistance and significant absorption of moisture from the surrounding air. The concrete analogue is more frost-resistant, but also costs more.
- Ceramic material is made in the process of processing high temperatures in special furnaces.
- Polyester stone has a high decorative and strength characteristics, it contains mineral fillers.
- The liquid material is made from mineral components and an acrylic binder with a liquid structure.
- The acrylic version is characterized by a high degree of thermoplasticity, so it can undergo additional molding.
Advantages and disadvantages
Artificial building stones have many positive aspects, which include the following:
- The possibility of repeated use.
- Distinctive durability and reliability subject to proper use.
- Moisture resistance, while it can be increased by processing with special compounds.
- Easy installation.
- Light weight.
- High level of hygiene due to the absence of the smallest cracks and damage.
- Lower cost compared to the natural option.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting that some types of building stone have a limited scope, and also can not be used as a material for creating load-bearing structures.
Crushed stone properties
Crushed stone is one of the most common materials for construction work. It is used in the creation of roads, the design of parks, and is also present in concrete. It is made from rocks and has a loose structure.
The strength of the material is determined by exposure to high pressure and crushing in a special tank. A wide marking scheme is used that determines the specifics of the application.
The frost resistance characteristics reflect the number of freezing cycles without loss of initial properties, these parameters are indicated in GOST 8269-87. Also worth noting is radioactivity. It is crucial when choosing material for the construction of residential facilities.
Production method
Crushed stone from natural stone for construction work can be of artificial and natural origin. The last option is made from crushed rocks. There are many types, for example, marble, dolomite, basalt and others. Its basic characteristics depend on the structure and size of the grains.
For the manufacture of artificial material used construction waste. It has also gained sufficient distribution, but has some limitations caused by a lower level of strength. At the same time, it costs less than a natural analogue and is indispensable in the formation of the lower layer of roads and the creation of concrete.
Granite and gravel crushed stone
Granite rock from rock is mined and incorporates components such as quartz and mica. It goes through a special treatment for grinding, and then is divided into various fractions. The material acts as a filler to create concrete with high strength and decorative elements in the design of sections and alleys. It is distinguished by the presence of components with various shades and structure, acquiring a mirror surface after polishing.
Gravel is small and rounded. It has a rough structure and the absence of impurities in the composition. Gully or mountain stone is used in landscape design when decorating flower beds and artificial ponds.