Lesson 1Mineralogy and rock classifications: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphicDis section review mineralogical composition and rock classification of construction stones, we go separate igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic groups, and explain how mineral content and texture affect engineering behavior and durability when 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 conductivityDis section look at how stone react to temperature changes, covering thermal expansion, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity, and explain how dese properties affect cracking risk, joint detailing, insulation, and 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 talk about aesthetic and finish-related properties of stone, including color stability, polishability, and staining tendency, and explain how mineralogy, surface treatments, and environment affect long-term visual performance and 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 for stone in harsh environments, focusing on freeze–thaw cycling, salt crystallization, and chemical weathering, and link laboratory test results to service life prediction and 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, including water absorption, capillary uptake, and permeability, and explain how moisture transport affect freeze–thaw damage, salt attack, biological growth, and de 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 and tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, and discuss test methods, scale effects, anisotropy, and how to use dese parameters 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 hardnessDis section detail wear-related properties of stone, including abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and hardness, and explain how dese parameters guide material selection for pavements, stairs, flooring, and 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, including specific gravity, bulk density, and porosity, and explain dem measurement, interrelations, and influence on strength, thermal behavior, transport properties, and handling 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 and internal microstructure, including grain size, porosity distribution, and microcracks, and show how petrographic features control strength, durability, anisotropy, and appearance under different loading and exposure conditions.
Grain size and fabric characterizationOpen versus closed porosity in stoneDetection of microcracks and flawsAnisotropy from bedding and foliationMicrostructure–property correlations
