Quarrying Influences on Stone Durability

Quarrying influences on stone durability is to be discussed here. The quarrying process have a great bearing on the weathering properties of stones.

Differences in Stone Strength

Differences in the strength of stone result from differences in quarrying method, mineralogical composition, and in size, shape, and manner of contact of the individual grains, all of which can be made out by an experienced observer. Not only can an experienced person detect differences in the qualities of stone from various parts of the same quarry extracted and mined through different methods, but he can also make comparisons with stone from other known localities.

Stones from Top Ledges

Stone from top ledges of limestone, granite, and slate and from the exposed faces of the rock bed is likely to be less hard and durable. Highly absorbent stone should not be quarried in freezing weather since the rock is likely to split.

Blasting and Cutting Method

The method of blasting and cutting also influences the strength of the stone and its resistance to freezing and temperature changes. Small, uniformly distributed charge of blasting powder has a lesser weakening effect than large concentrations of explosives.

Porous Stone Durability

A porous stone is less durable than a dense stone, since the former is less resistant to freezing. Also, rocks with tortuous pores and tubes are more apt to be injured by freezing than those of equal porosity having straight pores and tubes.

Hammering and Durability

Repeated hammering in cutting is likely to injure the stone. Polished stone is more enduring than rough surfaced work, since the rain slides off the former more easily.

Stones from Stratified Rocks

Stones from stratified rocks should be placed along the natural bed in order to secure maximum weathering resistance. Pyrite, magnetite and iron carbonate oxidize in weathering and cause discoloration of the stone in which they are present. Since oxidation is accompanied by a change in volume, the surrounding structure is weakened.

Summing Up

Stone is often more or less injured through improper methods of quarrying and dressing or careless handling. Methods employed in quarrying the stone is fundamental point to obtain stones with high durability. The knowledge that a quarry has the capacity to furnish as needed the required quantity of stone of the desired quality is an important matter. A quarry is sometimes poorly equipped with machinery; men may be scarce; orders for stone may be plentiful; and as a consequence inferior stone is placed upon the market for the better grade. All of these will directly impact the final outcome.

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Sources

www.brainkart.com/article/Durability-Of-Stones_3585/

www.jstor.org/stable/30055512?seq=2#metadata_info_tab_contents