Category: Construction
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Different Classes of Masonry Part 1: Ashlar
Ashlar is the highest grade of stone work, and features extensive stone cutting and tight fitting joints. Ashlar work is difficult, but very durable due to the precision required.
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Building Better Masonry
Masonry is rewarding undertaking. There is no “magic” behind building enduring structures, rather, stone masonry is easily learned with practice.
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Tapered Arches
Building an arch that is tapered by making the haunches thicker than the crown is a clever way to make a strong bridge without increasing the “hump.”
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Capping Stone Walls
The stones atop of a stone wall are fairly easily dislodged, especially for mortarless builds. Here are some ideas to help keep everything in place.
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Building Solid Foundations on Weak Ground
Where a stone arch bridge must be founded on soft ground, there are several simple steps can be taken to prevent settling of the structure.
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Mortarless (Drystack) Retaining Walls
Mortarless stone retaining walls have to resist the perpetual thrust of the soil they are withholding. Here are several ways this can be done.
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The Keystone
The keystone, while generally no more important than any other arch stone, does require some special attention to fit properly.
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Effective Arch Thickness
Effective arch thickness is the measure of how much of an arch’s thickness is supporting weight. This means that even imperfect arches can be strong.
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Cutting Stone
Stone cutting is a useful skill which allows for building better masonry. Various stones have specific ways they need to be cut for good results.
