Natural Stones Durability

Natural stone durability is the focus of the present study. We all have heard about natural stone durability but what factors impact durability of natural stone and what types have the highest durability. The high-pressure resistance values of many natural stones have given the material a reputation of being an everlasting material. Natural stone is also the most durable material with the lowest abrasion values for floor coverings. Coverings of granite or similar hard stones show hardly any signs of wear even after decades of use.

Various Compressive Strength

Each type of stone lends itself to various construction applications based on its properties. For instance, certain types like basalt and granite have superior characteristics like high compressive strength and durability and hence employed in major construction works. However, there are stones that their characteristics such low compressive strength and presence of harmful materials in their constituents makes them suitable for minor construction works, for example, gneiss.

Natural Stone Durability

Natural stone durability is dependent on its composition, which can affect strength and appearance, and environmental exposure factors. Even though a particular stone may be thought of as uniform, it is still a natural material with varying composition and physical properties. These properties can vary significantly, even for stone removed from slightly different areas of a single quarry or formation. Small variations in some stone types can result in significant differences in durability performance in service.

Stone Use and Exposure

Stone durability is greatly influenced by its use and exposure. A stone that performs well in one application or geographic location will not necessarily perform well in all applications and locations. Factors that contribute to accelerated deterioration of stone include exposure to moisture, freeze/thaw cycles, temperature extremes, rain acidity, and crystallization of salts. While all of these factors are influenced by project location and local climate, several of these factors are further influenced by application or location on the building.

Final Statement

Many types of stones such as basalt, marble, limestone, sandstone, quartzite, travertine, slate, gneiss, laterite, and granite, which can be used as construction materials. The stones used for building construction should be hard, durable, tough, and should be free from weathered soft patches of material, cracks, and other defects that are responsible for the reduction of strength and durability. Stones for construction purposes are obtained by quarrying from massive solid rocks. Granite is very popular for kitchens due to its durability and strength.

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Sources

www.wje.com/assets/pdfs/articles/WJE-PRIMER-StoneDurability.pdf

sturgismaterials.com/10-reasons-to-use-natural-stone/

cmpstone.com.au/what-is-the-best-stone-for-building/