Lesson 1Mineralogy and rock classifications: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphicThis section looks at the mineral makeup and rock types of construction stones, sorting out igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic kinds, and shows how minerals and texture affect how they hold up in engineering and long-term 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 checks how stone handles temperature shifts, covering thermal expansion, heat capacity, and conductivity, and explains how these traits impact cracking risks, joint work, insulation, and size stability over time.
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 section deals with aesthetic and finish traits of stone, like color hold, polish ability, and staining risks, and shows how minerals, surface work, and surroundings affect looks and upkeep in the long run.
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 goes over durability measures for stone in tough spots, focusing on freeze-thaw cycles, salt build-up, and chemical wear, linking lab tests to how long it lasts and picking the 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 section breaks down hydraulic traits of stone, like water uptake, capillary rise, and permeability, and explains how water movement leads to freeze-thaw harm, salt damage, growth of mould, 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 section lays out key mechanical traits of stone, such as compressive and tensile strength plus elasticity modulus, covering test ways, size effects, directional differences, and using them in structure design and safety.
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 traits of stone, including abrasion hold, impact toughness, and hardness, and shows how these guide picking materials for roads, steps, floors, and busy or stressed spots.
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 traits of stone, like specific gravity, bulk density, and porosity, explaining measurements, links between them, and effects on strength, heat behaviour, water flow, 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 digs into stone surface and inner structure, covering grain size, porosity spread, and tiny cracks, showing how rock features control strength, lasting power, direction effects, and looks under loads and weather.
Grain size and fabric characterizationOpen versus closed porosity in stoneDetection of microcracks and flawsAnisotropy from bedding and foliationMicrostructure–property correlations
