ARCHITECTURAL MASONRY – PRODUCT TECHNICAL DATA
COMPOSITION
Architectural masonry blocks and quoins are manufactured in accordance with BS6073 parts 1&2:1981 in two-part homogenous semi-dry or wet cast mix. Using naturally occurring aggregates, sand, Portland cement and integral waterproofer, pigments are added where necessary.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
Cast Stone Dressings
When tested in accordance with BS1881:Part 116:1983 and BS1217:1997 and the United Kingdom Cast Stone Association, the cast stone was tested over three 150mm cubes giving an average crushing strength well in excess of 25KN/mm2.
Ashlar Blocks And Quoins
When tested in accordance with BS1881:Part 116:1983 and BS6073: parts1 & 2:1981, the cast stone was tested over ten samples of blocks at a size of 440x215x100mm, giving an average strength above 10KN/mm2.
STRUCTURAL USE
All cast stone heads and cills are decorative and are not designed to be load-bearing. Load bearing products can be manufactured in a wet cast method of manufacture and are available on request.
Quoins, Plinths and String Courses can be used in load-bearing situations when used in compression.
All units are reinforced where necessary with handling reinforcement.
DENSITY
The typical average density of stone from stock architectural masonry is 2150kg/m3.
DRY SHRINKAGE
The average dry shrinkage of three specimens sampled and tested in accordance with BS6073:Part 1 was as follows: Face Mix <0.04% Backing Mix <0.06%
WEATHERING
Many factors influence the way cast stone weathers, such as design, exposure, climate and surrounding. All pigments used are colourfast and durable and conform to BS1014. Stone from Stock architectural dressings will weather in a similar manner to natural stone when exposed to similar conditions.
CEMENTITIOUS EFFLORESCENCE
As with all reconstructed stone and cement-based products, there is the possibility that the temporary phenomenon known as efflorescence will occur causing lightening of colour. This will reduce over a period of time with natural weathering.
HEALTH, SAFETY & WELFARE
The contractor shall ensure that health, safety and welfare measures required or by virtue of the provision of any enactment or regulation or the working rules of the industry are complied with.
