|
|
|
 |
|
| |
Stone In Civil Engineering |
| |
|
|
| |
Hard Landscape |
| |
|
|
| |
The choice of natural stone for a civil engineering project is usually dictated by either of two reasons, durability or appearance.
DURABILITY
Correctly selected natural stone is widely used where protection from water erosion is required. It is used in reservoir work for headwalls and embankments, water overfalls and sluices, as well as exposed pumping stations and treatment plants. Its suitability over other man made materials is well demonstrated on the many major reservoir and never structures completed around the turn of the century.
It is used in a random form in water courses as a protection to erosion either in the form of a random laid paving or pitching which is thick enough and bulky enough to withstand the force of the water without movement. This is sometimes in the form of the rough placement of large boulders.
Specification for the pitching should state the average thickness required (usually 150mm to 250mm thick) and the maximum volume of a stone. It is best bedded and jointed in a no-tines concrete into a well compacted base.
APPEARANCE
Many bridges and structures now constructed in reinforced concrete need to be made to blend into local surroundings. Stone is the natural choice as it presents a very durable as well as a very aesthetically pleasing finish. It can be obtained in the colours and finishes best suited to the locality so that essential new civil engineering projects can blend into the countryside.
Specification for these works usually call for a 100mm thickness of stone, tied back to the concrete structure by stainless steel and the cavity between to be filled solid with concrete or mortar. Where a more random stone finish is called for such as a rubble the thickness would usually be 200mm.
Knowledge of which type of stone is required will lead to early discussions with the quarry supplier to enable the best specification to be finalised.
PERFORMANCE
The need for correct selection for the given application is vital.
DIMENSIONS
Stone is available in an almost unlimited range of sizes, to suit the application required. Early discussion with the chosen supplier will decide the most economical size to choose, which is suitable for the purpose.
SUPPLIERS AND CONTRACTORS
Available from the Stone Federation Great Britain. Where pitching is required then the supplier will usually need to be within a reasonable haulage distance.
STANDARDS
Natural stone masonry generally should be carried out in accordance with BS 5390: 1976 "Code of Practice for Stone Masonry". Structural design should follow the provisions of BS 5628: Part 1:1978 "Structural use of Unreinforced Masonry" or BS 5628: Part 2: 1985 "Structural use of Reinforced and Prestressed Masonry" as appropriate.
Non-loadbearing cladding, using thin elements of relatively large face area, is covered by BS 8298: 1989 "Code of Practice for Design and Installation of Natural Stone Cladding and Lining". |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 Back |
|
|
