General Principles of Construction of Stone Masonry

The construction procedure for stone masonry is slightly different from that of brick masonry. Unlike in brick masonry, in stone masonry stones of different sizes and shapes are used and accordingly there is slight variation in construction. However, basically the requirements of vertical joints not being continuous, thickness of mortar joints and quality of mortar, verticality and perpendicularity of bonds, and the overall stability of wall are same in both. Even in stone masonry, procedures differ slightly between rubble and ashlar masonry constructions. However, the following general principles of construction should be observed while supervising the stony masonry construction:

1. Stones should be hard, tough and durable.
2. Pressure acting on the stone should be perpendicular to the bedding planes.
3. Stone masonry work should not be designed to take any tension.
4. Stones should be well watered before use.
5. Through stones should be used sufficiently such that they cover about 15–25% of the area in elevation.
6. Stones should be laid on its natural bed.
7. Extreme care has to be taken by providing proper bond to prevent formation of vertical joints.
8. Hearting of masonry should be properly packed with chips and mortar.
9. Verticality of the faces of the masonry walls should be checked with a plumb rule.
10. Portions of the masonry should be raised uniformly throughout its length.
11. Cement mortar and sometimes rich lime mortar may be used.
12. Proper dressing of stones has to be done wherever needed.
13. Surfaces of the stone masonry should be kept wet while the work is in progress and also till the mortar has set.
14. All laid fine dressed stonework should be protected against damage during further construction.