Lesson 1Mineralogy and rock classifications: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphicThis part looks at the mineral makeup and rock types of building stones, separating igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic ones, and shows how the minerals and texture affect how strong they are and how long they last when used.
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 checks how stone handles heat changes, including expansion, heat storage, and heat flow, and explains how these affect cracking, joint design, insulation, and size stability over time in our hot Ugandan weather.
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 tendencyThis part deals with the look and finish of stone, like color holding up, how well it polishes, and staining risks, and shows how minerals, treatments, and weather affect the visual appeal and upkeep over years.
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 weatheringThis part covers how stone holds up in tough conditions, like freeze-thaw cycles, salt buildup, and chemical wear, connecting lab tests to how long it will last and picking the right stone types for Uganda's climate.
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 studies water-related properties of stone, like soaking up water, capillary rise, and permeability, and explains how water movement causes freeze-thaw damage, salt problems, growth of moss, and how treatments work.
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 main strength properties of stone, like compression and tension strength plus elasticity, and discusses tests, size effects, directional differences, and using them in building design and safety here.
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, like resistance to rubbing, impacts, and hardness, and shows how to choose materials for roads, steps, floors, and busy areas with heavy foot or vehicle traffic.
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 traits of stone, like specific gravity, bulk density, and porosity, and explains measurements, links between them, and effects on strength, heat behaviour, water flow, and transport ease.
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 inner structure, like grain size, pore spread, and tiny cracks, showing how rock features control strength, lasting power, directional traits, and looks under load or exposure.
Grain size and fabric characterizationOpen versus closed porosity in stoneDetection of microcracks and flawsAnisotropy from bedding and foliationMicrostructure–property correlations
