Geology of Building Stones

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Questions and Answers

What type of rock is formed from cooled molten volcanic lava?

Sedimentary

Stratified

Metamorphic

Igneous (correct)

Which of the following is a common example of sedimentary rock?

Marble

Limestone (correct)

Granite

Gneiss

What characterizes metamorphic rocks when transformed by heat and pressure?

They are formed from sediment deposits.

They are primarily siliceous.

They display foliation. (correct)

They exhibit stratification.

Which type of rock does not show distinct layering?

Un-stratified rock Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of siliceous rocks?

Silicates Signup and view all the answers

Which is true regarding stratified rocks?

They can be easily split into slabs. Signup and view all the answers

Which metamorphic rock is formed from limestone?

Marble Signup and view all the answers

Argillaceous rocks are primarily composed of what material?

Alumina Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of quarrying?

To produce natural stones for construction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of quarrying mentioned?

Fracturing Method Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is essential when selecting a quarrying site?

Proper transportation facilities Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken regarding blasting times?

Blasting should not be carried out in late evening or early morning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods minimizes wastage of stone during quarrying?

Wedging Method Signup and view all the answers

What is the line of least resistance (LLR) important for during blasting?

To ensure the safety of workers Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to handle detonators and explosives separately?

To avoid accidental detonation Signup and view all the answers

What should be marked to notify of the danger zone during blasting?

Red flags Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of nitroglycerine is contained in granulated powder explosives used in quarrying?

5 – 15% Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dynamite is rated by its equivalent percentage of strength with 'straight' nitroglycerine?

Low freezing dynamite Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of dressing and polishing stones?

To preserve completed stone work Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is NOT mentioned as a method for dressing and polishing stones?

Hydrochloric acid Signup and view all the answers

What effect does coal tar have when used as a stone preservative?

Completely changes color Signup and view all the answers

Hammer dressed stones are dressed in what style?

With rough, rustic edges Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of using boiled linseed oil on stone surfaces?

Discolors the stone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dressing methods is related to achieving a smooth surface for masonry?

Fine tooled dressing Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum acceptable water absorption percentage in the Water Absorption Test?

0.6% Signup and view all the answers

In Smith’s Test, what conclusion can be drawn if the water turns muddy?

The stone contains earthy substances. Signup and view all the answers

Which test assesses the stone's resistance to abrasion?

Toughness test Signup and view all the answers

On Moh’s scale, which mineral is ranked as number 4?

Fluorite Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Acid Test in evaluating stones?

To confirm presence of calcium carbonate Signup and view all the answers

What temperature is the oven set to during the Crystallization Test?

100 degrees Celsius Signup and view all the answers

What indicates a good building stone in the Acid Test after immersion in HCL?

Sharp edges remaining intact Signup and view all the answers

Which one of these statements about the Toughness Test is true?

It is used to check the stone's durability under hammering. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of artificial stones compared to natural stones?

Artificial stones have no defects or cavities, making them more durable. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of artificial stone is created by mixing crushed granite with cement?

Imperial stone Signup and view all the answers

How are concrete blocks primarily used in construction?

As steps, window sills, and for masonry work. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the bituminous stone?

It provides noise, wear, and dust resistance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a property of artificial stones?

They are always less expensive than natural stones. Signup and view all the answers

What is required in terms of sample size for toughness or compressive strength tests?

At least 10.0 x 12.5 x 7.5 cm in size. Signup and view all the answers

What materials make up artificial marble?

Portland gypsum cement and sand. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes garlic stone?

An economical stone made from iron slag and cement molded into flagstones. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Attrition Test on stones?

To assess the rate of wear for stones used in road construction Signup and view all the answers

During the Crushing Test, what is measured to determine the strength of the stone?

The maximum weight of the stone before it fractures Signup and view all the answers

What procedure is involved in the Freezing and Thawing Test?

Freeze a stone sample after immersion in water, then thaw it repeatedly Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Coefficient of Hardness in the Hardness Test?

It helps assess the wear resistance of the stone Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum allowable percentage fine for aggregates in concrete for ordinary use as per the Impact Test?

45% Signup and view all the answers

How is the rate of wear calculated in the Attrition Test?

By comparing the initial weight to the final weight and calculating the percentage Signup and view all the answers

What is used to simulate impact conditions in the Impact Test?

A hammer dropped from a specific height Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests uses Dorry’s testing machine?

Hardness Test Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Building Stones

Rocks are classified into three major categories: Geological, Physical, and Chemical.
Geological rocks are further broken down into Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic.
Physical classification includes Stratified, Un-Stratified and Foliated.
Chemical classification includes Siliceous, Argillaceous, and Calcareous.
Examples of igneous rocks are Vesicular basalt and Red granite.
Examples of sedimentary rocks are Limestone and Sandstone.
Examples of metamorphic rocks are Gneiss and Marble.

Geological Composition

Igneous rocks form from cooled volcanic lava (magma). Examples include basalt and granite.
Sedimentary rocks are formed from the gradual accumulation of disintegrated rocks. Examples include sandstone and limestone.
Metamorphic rocks are produced by the transformation of other rocks due to heat and pressure. Examples include gneiss and marble.

Physical Composition

Stratified rocks have distinct layers that can be separated, like slate, sandstone, and limestone.
Un-stratified rocks lack distinct layers, like granite, basalt, and trap.
Foliated rocks, found in metamorphic rocks, have a tendency to split along a certain plane/direction, known as S-taconite.

Chemical Composition

Siliceous rocks contain primarily sand or silicates (SiO2), such as quartz, sand, granite, and basalt.
Argillaceous rocks are mainly composed of alumina (Al2O3) and clay minerals, including slate and laterite.
Calcareous rocks contain calcium carbonate and lime, such as limestone, marble, and dolomite.

Quarrying of Stones

Quarrying is the process of extracting stones from rock beds.
A quarry is the place where stones are obtained.
Methods of quarrying include digging/excavating, heating, wedging, and blasting.

Selection of Quarrying Sites

Criteria for selecting quarrying sites include sufficient quality, proper transportation, affordable labor, proper drainage, and avoiding permanent structures.

Methods of Quarrying

Digging/Excavating: Using tools like crowbars to extract stones.
Heating: Heating rock surfaces to cause unequal expansion and fracturing.
Wedging: Splitting rocks using wedges at cleavage planes or seams, particularly useful for soft rocks.
Blasting: Employing explosives for quarrying hard rock, following safety procedures such as carefully done tramping.

Quarrying Tools

Specific tools are used for different quarrying techniques, including wedges, hammers, drills, jumpers, and chisels.

Precautions During Quarrying

Blasting procedures are to be conducted during appropriate times, with safety zones clearly marked, and appropriate first aid facilities available.
Strict adherence to safety guidelines, including proper storage of explosives and use of appropriate protective gear (rubber gloves), is crucial.
Proper record-keeping in relation to the explosives and quarrying activities is necessary.

Explosives in Quarrying

Various explosives are used in quarrying, including granulated powder, nitroglycerine dynamites, and ammonia dynamites.
The choice of explosive depends on the specific conditions and properties of the rock to be extracted.

Dressing of Stone

Methods for dressing stones include pitched faced, hammer dressed, rock faced, rough tooled, punched dressed, and fine tooled.

Methods of Dressing and Polishing Stones

Methods such as applying linseed oil (raw or boiled) and solutions of alum and soap can be employed to protect the dressed stones.

Treatments for Stone Decay

Barium hydroxide (baryta), used for calcium sulphate based decay.
Paraffin, used as a paint medium.
Paint, does change color.
Coal tar, can harm some types of stone.

Artificial Stones

Definition: Building materials made with cement, sand, and crushed stone.
Properties: Molded into different forms, and reinforced to enhance strength and desired finish.
Types: Concrete blocks, ransom stone, Victoria stone, bituminous stone, imperial stone, artificial marble, garlic stone.

Tests on Rocks

Representative samples collected from different strata, at least 25kg in weight, and free from seams or fractures.
Test pieces should be in a certain size (cm in size).

Simple Field Tests

Water Absorption: Measures the amount of water absorbed by a sample of stone in 24 hours (Water absorption should not exceed 0.6%).
Smith's Test: Used to assess stone durability or weathering quality, by submerging the stone in water for 24 hours and observing if the water turns cloudy, good; muddy, the stone contains earthy substances.

Laboratory Tests

Attrition Test: Determines rate of wear of stones, conducted in a machine.
Crushing Test: Measures the compressive strength of the stone using a compression testing machine.
Freezing and Thawing Test: Evaluates the durability of the stone subject to freeze-thaw cycles.
Hardness Test: Evaluates resistance to abrasion by rubbing a sample against a steel disc.
Impact Test: Measures impact resistance useful in runways or airports.

Microscopy Test

Examines mineral constituents, grain size, texture of the stone, cementing materials, and presence of harmful materials.

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Description

This quiz explores the classification and composition of building stones, focusing on igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Learn about their geological, physical, and chemical characteristics while getting familiar with various examples. Test your knowledge and understanding of these fundamental geological concepts.