Masonry Construction: Techniques and Considerations
Masonry manufacturing considers stonework formed of natural stones, arranged and mutually supported by ashlar juxtaposition. In factories, building a monolithic wall requires dividing the clump, a geometric problem resolved through stereotomy: dividing full or partial works in harmony with construction requirements.
Character and Mechanical Conditions
Material must meet character and mechanical conditions, as well as economic and aesthetic aspects. From a constructive point of view, this corresponds to theoretical and practical considerations. Theoretically, the dihedral system, supplemented by a perspective view, is chosen to represent the cutting.
Practically, we transform the irregular shapes of quarried stones into regular shapes. This operation, known as stone labra, involves shaping the ashlar geometrically after starting up in the faces and joints. The blocks are indicated in the project to scale 1/100 or 1/50, necessitating the use of size plans, called ashlar montea. These plans, defined by three projections, allow us to measure the 3-dimensional sound capable. A keystone, for example, is covered by a thick stone ‘a’ and size ‘b’, reaching 5-10 cm on each side in the case of granite.
Always aim for the simplest possible cutting method. Use templates for curved surfaces, either complete or partial. Sometimes, a contraplantilla is also desirable.
Processing Methods
It is essential to establish a head until another perpendicular plane is obtained. Use a square and remove material until a normal face is achieved. Subsequently, create faces perpendicular to the first obtained.
The trade of mason uses tools for roughing, coarse, and strong work, used with both hands, such as the pick, hammer, pickaxe, escoda, and bush hammer. Tools for treating various types of chisel and pointers, hit by the mace or porrillo, are used for terminations. Sideboards use the Martellino bush hammer.
Elevation and Ashlar Seat
Due to their size, stones have weights that can be managed without machines. Within the workshop, they are transported via a platform. An elementary procedure involves rollers, cylinders of hardwood placed beneath the stone, which is pushed with a lever.
For elevation, pulleys are used depending on the size of the stone. Other coupling systems for lifting include wedges, scissors, pliers, and cranes.
Placement of Stonework
The first layer of the wall is partially buried, as the foundation is usually 20-25 cm below ground level, called the erection. The first seat is slab by torta, the second seat is by wedges.
For arches and vaults, the seat and received two stones that make up these buildings, it is necessary to have an auxiliary element that serves to support the stones, this item is called by cimbra.
To conclude the execution, retundido and relabrado are used. Metal clips used include staples, Toledano anchors, anchor pins, billets, and spikes.
Common Defects in Stonework
- The ashlar is incorrectly made.
- The stone may have coca-rota (defects).