Ornamental stones

Abstract

The present chapter introduces stone as a construction and building material. State-of-the-art information on aspects concerned with terminology from the stone sector, as well as a summary of the general production chains, are firstly presented. Afterwards, stone materials are presented according to several of the existing classes. Views on microstructural features and physical-mechanical differences between classes were also included. The subsequent section, more extensive, describes the physical-mechanical properties, test methods, test standards and main regulations for the several stone construction products. Harmonized standards for stone products and factory production control requirements according to CE marking requisites are described, followed by a detailed description of the test methods and the usual physical-mechanical behaviour of the main stone classes. Following, stone construction products and their requirements are introduced according to specific applications. A particular analysis of the fixing systems for stone cladding is made. The final part of this chapter is dedicated to conservation, durability and maintenance of stone construction products. A final approach to stone life cycle was also included. Therefore, the aim of the present chapter is mainly to describe the stone construction product requirements, suitability criteria and the methodologies inherent to the technology for applying natural stone products.