Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
resistant to moisture penetration.
This is especially important for
igneous and metamorphic rock
species, which can cause condensa-
tion problems on the external walls
of a normal warm room, no matter
which mortar is used. With the
exception of marble, sedimentary
rocks are best suited for this pur-
pose.
For heated buildings stone is best
used for foundations. The exceptions
are limestone and sandstone which
can be used for wall construction, but
even sandstone is susceptible to
frost. Both limestone and sandstone decay in the same way as concrete when
exposed to aggressive air pollution.
Figure 13.10: Dry-stone walling of specially cut stone.
Structural brickwork
Brick structures have been used for thousands of years in many cultures. In
Europe it was not until the middle of the twentieth century that brick was
Figure 13.11: Openings in stone walls.
