Introduction of Stones

Stone is one of the most important construction materials in civil engineering. Rocks are derived from rocks, which make up the Earth’s crust, and have no specific shape or chemical composition, but are mixtures of two or more minerals. A mineral is a substance formed by natural inorganic processes and has a specific chemical composition and molecular structure. They are strong, durable and elegant in appearance.

The main uses of stone as a building material are:

1. As a principal material for foundation of civil engineering works, and for the construction of walls, arches, abutments and dams.
2. In stone masonry in places where it is naturally available.
3. As coarse aggregate in cement concrete (crushed form of rock).
4. As a roofing material in the form of slates.
5. As a flag or thin slab for paving.
6. As a soling material in the construction of highways and runways.
7. As ballast for railway tracks.
8. As a veneer for decorative front and interior of buildings.
9. Limestone for construction of important buildings like temples, churches and mosques.
10. Limestone for the manufacture of cement and as a flux in blast furnace.

Numerous examples of magnificent buildings made partly or wholly of stones can be given from different parts of the world. The Taj Mahal, Red Fort and temples of Jagannath, Puri and Mahabalipuram are best-known buildings of our country made up entirely of stones.