Lesson 1Mineralogy and rock classifications: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphicDis section review mineralogical composition an rock classification of construction stones, distinguishtin igneous, sedimentary, an metamorphic groups, an explain how mineral content an texture influence engineerin behaviour an durability in service.
Essential rock‑forming minerals in stoneIgneous building stones and usesSedimentary stones: limestones and sandstonesMetamorphic stones: marbles and slatesMineralogy effects on durabilityLesson 2Thermal properties: coefficient of thermal expansion, heat capacity, thermal conductivityDis section examine how stone respond to temperature changes, coverin thermal expansion, heat capacity, an thermal conductivity, an explain how dese properties affect crackin risk, joint detailin, insulation, an long-term dimensional stability.
Linear thermal expansion coefficientsThermal conductivity test methodsVolumetric heat capacity of stoneThermal shock and cracking riskDesign of movement joints in stoneLesson 3Aesthetic and finish properties: color stability, polishability, staining tendencyDis section address aesthetic an finish-related properties of stone, includin color stability, polishability, an stainin tendency, an explain how mineralogy, surface treatments, an environment influence long-term visual performance an maintenance.
Color measurement and stability testsPolishability and gloss retentionStaining mechanisms and preventionSurface treatments and sealersWeathering of exposed stone facadesLesson 4Durability metrics: freeze–thaw resistance, salt crystallization, chemical weatheringDis section cover durability indicators fi stone in harsh environments, focusin on freeze–thaw cyclin, salt crystallization, an chemical weatherin, an link laboratory test results to service life prediction an selection of suitable stone types.
Freeze–thaw cycling test proceduresSalt crystallization damage mechanismsChemical weathering and dissolutionDurability classification of stone typesService life prediction for claddingLesson 5Hydraulic properties: water absorption, capillarity, permeabilityDis section analyze hydraulic properties of stone, includin water absorption, capillary uptake, an permeability, an explain how moisture transport affect freeze–thaw damage, salt attack, biological growth, an di performance of protective treatments.
Water absorption test standardsCapillary rise and suction curvesIntrinsic permeability of stoneMoisture effects on strength and decayWater‑repellent treatments and limitsLesson 6Mechanical properties: compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticityDis section present key mechanical properties of stone, such as compressive an tensile strength an modulus of elasticity, an discuss test methods, scale effects, anisotropy, an how fi use dese parameters in structural design an safety checks.
Uniaxial compressive strength testsIndirect tensile and flexural testsStatic and dynamic elastic modulusSize, defects, and scale effectsDesign values and safety factorsLesson 7Wear properties: abrasion resistance, impact resistance, Mohs hardnessDis section detail wear-related properties of stone, includin abrasion resistance, impact resistance, an hardness, an explain how dese parameters guide material selection fi pavements, stairs, floorin, an other high-traffic or mechanically stressed applications.
Böhme and Taber abrasion testsImpact resistance and drop testsMohs hardness and scratch testingSlip resistance versus surface wearSpecification for heavy‑traffic pavementsLesson 8Physical properties: specific gravity, bulk density, porosityDis section introduce basic physical properties of stone, includin specific gravity, bulk density, an porosity, an explain dem measurement, interrelations, an influence on strength, thermal behaviour, transport properties, an handlin logistics.
Specific gravity and relative densityBulk density and unit weightTotal and effective porosityLinks between density and strengthSampling and laboratory proceduresLesson 9Surface and microstructure: grain size, porosity distribution, microcracksDis section explore stone surface an internal microstructure, includin grain size, porosity distribution, an microcracks, an show how petrographic features control strength, durability, anisotropy, an appearance under different loadin an exposure conditions.
Grain size and fabric characterizationOpen versus closed porosity in stoneDetection of microcracks and flawsAnisotropy from bedding and foliationMicrostructure–property correlations
