Lesson 1Mineralogy and rock classifications: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphicThis section reviews the mineralogical makeup and rock classification of construction stones, differentiating igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic types, and explains how mineral content and texture affect engineering performance and durability 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 section looks at how stone reacts to temperature changes, covering thermal expansion, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity, and shows how these traits impact cracking risk, joint design, 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: colour stability, polishability, staining tendencyThis section deals with aesthetic and finish-related properties of stone, including colour stability, polishability, and staining tendency, and explains how mineralogy, surface treatments, and environment affect long-term visual performance 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 section covers durability measures for stone in tough environments, focusing on freeze-thaw cycles, salt crystallisation, and chemical weathering, and connects lab test results to service life predictions and selection of appropriate 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 section analyses hydraulic properties of stone, including water absorption, capillary uptake, and permeability, and explains how moisture movement influences freeze-thaw damage, salt attack, biological growth, and effectiveness 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 section presents key mechanical properties of stone, such as compressive and tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, and discusses test methods, scale effects, anisotropy, and application in structural design and safety assessments.
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 section details wear-related 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 mechanically 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 section introduces basic physical properties of stone, including specific gravity, bulk density, and porosity, and explains their measurement, relationships, and effects on strength, thermal behaviour, transport properties, 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 section explores stone surface and internal microstructure, including grain size, porosity distribution, and microcracks, and shows how petrographic features control strength, durability, anisotropy, and appearance under various loading and exposure.
Grain size and fabric characterizationOpen versus closed porosity in stoneDetection of microcracks and flawsAnisotropy from bedding and foliationMicrostructure–property correlations
