Lesson 1Mineralogy and rock classifications: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphicThis section looks at mineral composition and rock types for construction stones, separating igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic groups, and shows how minerals and texture affect engineering performance and durability in everyday 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 changes, covering thermal expansion, heat capacity, and conductivity, and explains how these affect cracking risks, joint details, insulation, and long-term size stability in our climate.
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 properties of stone, like colour stability, polishability, and staining risk, and shows how minerals, surface treatments, and environment impact 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 section covers durability measures for stone in tough conditions, focusing on freeze-thaw cycles, salt build-up, and chemical wear, linking 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 section analyses water-related properties of stone, including absorption, capillary rise, and permeability, and explains how moisture movement causes freeze-thaw damage, salt attack, biological growth, and treatment performance.
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, like compressive and tensile strength and elasticity modulus, discussing test methods, scale effects, directional differences, and use in structural 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 properties of stone, including abrasion, impact resistance, and hardness, explaining how these guide choices 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 section introduces basic physical properties of stone, like specific gravity, bulk density, and porosity, explaining measurements, links between them, 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 section explores stone surface and internal structure, including grain size, porosity layout, and tiny cracks, showing 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
