Stone Materials in Construction: Extraction, Processing & Applications

Stone Materials in Construction

Stone materials are frequently used in construction due to their strength, durability, and resistance to weathering. Common applications include stone walls, cement pavements, and concrete pillars.

1.1 Extracting and Processing Stone

Stone is extracted from natural deposits. Some types, like marble and granite, exist as large blocks in quarries and require cutting into smaller pieces. Others, such as gravel and sand, are aggregates—fragments or grains of various sizes.

Stone Blocks

Certain stones, like granite and marble, are extracted in large blocks, which are then cut, shaped, and finished.

Quarrying

Large stone blocks are removed from the Earth's crust using methods like controlled explosions, mechanical drilling, and expansive cement. A diamond wire saw then cuts the stone into smaller pieces for transport to a processing plant.

Processing

At the processing plant, the stone undergoes the following:

• Cutting: Diamond and ceramic saws cut the stone into smaller, thinner sheets. Wedges and presses can also break the stone.
• Shaping: Lathes shape the stone sheets.
• Polishing: Machines with abrasive discs smooth the stone's surface.

Aggregates

Aggregates form through the erosion of stone by water, wind, and other forces. They are also produced in quarries when large stone blocks are cut and broken down.

Before use, aggregates must be processed:

• Cleaning: Foreign objects like wood and dirt are removed, usually through washing and drying.
• Crushing: Gravel grains are crushed into smaller pieces using jaw crushers or impact crushers.
• Sorting: Grains are separated by size (diameter) using machines employing vibration, compressed air, or water.

River Rock vs. Crushed Rock

Aggregates from rivers, called river rock, have smooth, round pieces often used for decoration and pavements. Crushed rock, with its irregular edges, provides more friction and is used for paths, roads, and concrete production. River rock is extracted directly from rivers and washed, unlike crushed rock.