Last week, we looked at a few different retaining walls that had a strong resemblance to a dry stack stone wall. Retaining walls are rarely created with dry stack stone. For several different reasons, alternative types of wall construction for assembly types are preferred for retaining walls. Today we will take a look at alternative types of walls that may be found both in retaining wall or exterior building wall construction. All of these types of walls happen to be stone, both ashlar and rubble stone masonry may be used in wall construction, but by comparison rubble masonry walls have some significant distinct characteristics from brick masonry walls. The picture below shows the exterior face of an rubble stone masonry wall set in a roughly 3/4 inch mortar joint. Rubble masonry and typical historic brick masonry differ significantly in terms of their construction methods, materials, and structural integrity. Ashlar stonework is a type of masonry construction that uses rectilinear cut stone blocks, often rectangular or square in shape, often referred to as “dressed” stone masonry units. These stones are laid in horizontal courses and tightly interlocked with each other, creating a monolithic and structurally robust wall system. The preciseness of the stones and the tight interlocking allow for a superior load-bearing capacity and structural stability. In the earliest ages of ashlar masonry, it was commonly used in the construction of important buildings, such as castles, fortifications, and monumental structures, where strength and durability were paramount. On the other hand, historic brick masonry typically involves the use of fired clay bricks laid in horizontal courses with mortar joints. Bricks are smaller and less precise than ashlar stones, and their structural interlocking relies heavily on the mortar joints and the bonding pattern used. Typical bonding patterns, such as English bond or Flemish bond, were designed to improve the structural integrity of the brickwork by staggering the vertical joints and creating a stronger bond between the courses. The evolution of these masonry techniques was driven by the availability of materials and the development of construction techniques. Ashlar masonry emerged as a highly skilled craft, as it required quarrying, cutting, and dressing large stones with precision tools. This method was labor-intensive and reserved for prestigious projects. Brick masonry, on the other hand, became more widespread as the production of fired clay bricks became more efficient and economical. Brick masonry was more accessible for a wider range of construction projects, from residential buildings to commercial structures. While ashlar masonry offers superior structural strength and interlocking, brick masonry relies more on the mortar and bonding patterns to achieve structural integrity. Both techniques have played significant roles in the evolution of construction methods and architectural styles throughout history. The pictures below and above show rubble masonry walls, essentially Stones walls built with stone that is not dressed or cut. There is no rectilinear shape to these stones and really they’ve only been shaped slightly to possibly fit together but not in a rectilinear form. Just like historic brick masonry walls, these type of rubble historic stone walls also need to be treated with care, have upkeep and maintenance performed on routines timetables and schedules and need repointing and or tuck pointing. The proper name though for this type of procedure really is repointing. Which requires a specific low compressive strength motor, Granite steering walls, for example, or one type of Stonewall which can actually handle a higher compressive strength or higher compressive resistance mortar. key differences between rubble stone masonry and brick masonry: Rubble Stone Masonry:
Brick Masonry:
While rubble stone masonry relies primarily on the mortar and the weight of the stones for stability, brick masonry derives its strength from the interlocking of individual units and the bonding patterns employed. Rubble stone is a more rudimentary and vernacular technique, while brick masonry is a more standardized and refined construction method. The choice between these two masonry types often depended on the availability of materials, desired structural performance, and the skill level of the masons involved in the construction process. We can HelpOur company focuses on historic restoration more than modern building upkeep, maintenance and construction, but our company understands both types of construction very well and a full picture well-rounded approach is needed in any niche in the construction industry. Although we focus on historic restoration, repointing, tuckpointing and historic brick repair, our company also has technical knowledge and competencies in the areas of modern and contemporary construction as well as we become one of the leaders in that area of the market today. Understanding both historic and modern or contemporary construction is useful because both aspects help understand the challenges and potential solutions for challenges in building science and construction. We can help with a variety of historic masonry restoration needs and upkeep, from modest tuckpointing and or repointing to complicated and extensive historic masonry restoration. Infinity Design Solutions is a historic restoration specialist contractor specializing in both historic masonry restoration such as tuck pointing our repointing, and brick repair. If you have questions about the architectural details or facade of your historic building in Washington DC, reach out and say hello and if we can help we’ll be glad to assist you. You can email us or call us on the telephone at the following link: contact us here. <p>The post Dry Stack Walls – Part II of II first appeared on Infinity Design Solutions.</p> Via https://www.ids-dmv.com/masonry/dry-stack-walls-part-ii-of-ii/
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About UsInfinity Design Solutions LLC (IDS) is a full service general contracting company in the heart of the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. We focus on repair and renovation of buildings and facilities in both historic designated neighborhoods and the commercial-zoned central business district of the city. Follow Us
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