Lesson 1Mineralogy and rock classifications: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphicThis part reviews the mineral makeup and rock types of building stones, separating igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic kinds, and shows how minerals and texture affect engineering performance and lasting strength in use.
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 conductivityThis part looks at how stone handles temperature changes, covering thermal expansion, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity, and explains how these affect cracking risks, joint details, insulation, and long-term size 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: colour stability, polishability, staining tendencyThis part deals with aesthetic and finish properties of stone, including colour stability, polishability, and staining tendency, and shows how minerals, surface treatments, and environment affect long-term looks and upkeep.
Color measurement and stability testsPolishability and gloss retentionStaining mechanisms and preventionSurface treatments and sealersWeathering of exposed stone facadesLesson 4Durability metrics: freeze–thaw resistance, salt crystallisation, chemical weatheringThis part covers durability measures for stone in tough conditions, focusing on freeze-thaw cycles, salt crystallisation, and chemical weathering, and connects lab tests to service life predictions and choosing right 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, permeabilityThis part analyses hydraulic properties of stone, like water absorption, capillary rise, and permeability, and explains how water movement causes freeze-thaw damage, salt attack, biological growth, and 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 elasticityThis part presents key mechanical properties of stone, such as compressive and tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, and discusses test methods, scale effects, directional differences, and using these in structural design and 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 hardnessThis part details wear properties of stone, including abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and hardness, and explains how these guide material choice for pavements, stairs, flooring, and high-traffic or stressed areas.
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, porosityThis part introduces basic physical properties of stone, including specific gravity, bulk density, and porosity, and explains their measurement, links, and effects on strength, thermal behaviour, water movement, and handling.
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, microcracksThis part explores stone surface and internal microstructure, including grain size, porosity spread, and microcracks, and shows how rock features control strength, durability, directional behaviour, and appearance under loads and exposure.
Grain size and fabric characterizationOpen versus closed porosity in stoneDetection of microcracks and flawsAnisotropy from bedding and foliationMicrostructure–property correlations
