Parragraph+Writing+2.+stone

Stone is a natural material often used in construction. Its advantages are: its durability, adaptability to sculpture treatment and that it can be used in its natural form. **On** the other hand, it is difficult to quarry, transport and cut; it is weak in tension, expensive and it’s unstable when loads are pushing at angles.


 * In relation to stonework,** Stone can be used in constructions in two different ways: The simplest and cheapest is Rubble, which is a mortar-bounded broken stones, and ashlar masonry (regularly cut blocks), the most suitable for monumental architecture.

Stone masonry doesn’t depend on strong bondings for stability because it can only support downward loads. Entablatures and loads pushing in other angles may create problems with stability. Arches also require more support when they are made of stone. Considering that stone resist deformation better that any bonding material, the best stone and brick bonding require that the blocks are placed so that the vertical joins in one course aren’t aligned with the joins in the course above and below.

It is so strong it can provide monolithic supports like in columns and piers, and beams like in lintels.

Even though stone has been replaced over time by cheaper and more efficient manufactured products, it is still widely used in the surfaces for its practical and expressive qualities.



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