Tag: Stones
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Cleaning the Stones
Cleaning stones either for maintenance reasons or construction should be done carefully so as not to damage the stones. Stones have a natural weather-resistant coating that should be respected.
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Working with Sandstone
Sandstone is an excellent building stone that is easily worked. Often found naturally in nice blocks and slabs, this stone is also easily cut however the builder desires.
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Splitting Limestone
Splitting and hillside quarrying of limestone with feathers and wedges is a simple process. Here are some practical tips we found that make splitting this versatile building stone easier.
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Choosing Stonecutting Hammers
Choosing the correct hammer can aid considerably in stonecutting. The weight of the head, the material of the handle, and whether the hammer is blunt or pointed all play an important role in the usage of the tool.
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Rubble Arch Building: Choosing the Stone
Though some care is used in selecting and placing the stones in a rubble arch, rubble masonry can be readily used to build a strong arch for a stone arch bridge.
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Hinges and the Arch
Hinges are a part of how an arch collapses. In this post we investigate hinges, how they can be formed, and the ramifications for a stone arch bridge.
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Repairing Broken Stones
Repairing damaged stones is possible, at least if the damage is not too severe. Mechanical ties, grouting, and even epoxy binders are options for repairs where it is preferable not to actually replace the damaged stones.
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Cowley County Loses a Stone Arch Culvert
A moderate-sized stone arch culvert near Dexter, Cowley County, Kansas, that had been damaged in 2024 has been replaced with a modern structure. This unique structure was the largest of several similar ones in the area.
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Grouting a Rubble Arch
Grouting a rubble arch is an important part of building a stone arch bridge with rubble masonry. In this post we investigate the process used to fill in the gaps in the joints of the arch.