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viejogatomalo

Sep 5, 2006, 9:39 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1858 views)

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Rock Construction

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After observing the many streets both paved and under after a good rain, I have wondered why the use of rock isn't used more in construction. My feeling is that it is warmer in appearance and looks structurally sound. But perhaps not. I"m sure because of availability that it has certainly been considered in the past, however there are few examples in house construction. Certainly retaining/privacy walls are common but that seems to be it.
Thank you
R

(This post was edited by viejomalogato on Sep 5, 2006, 9:40 AM)

patricio_lintz

Sep 5, 2006, 11:27 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1844 views)

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Re: [viejomalogato] Rock Construction

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That's a good question. All of the rock used in my retaining walls was free, from my lot and the hillside above it. However, a wall made of rock has to be as wide as the widest rock. The bricklayers have to use a lot of time chipping rock and chinking requires a lot of mortar.

Maybe the answer is in the amount of mortar required for irregularly shaped rock. Still, the mortar used has a generous amnount of Cal and yellow sand in it. Rock is usually used as the material of choice for building up a level foundation on hilly lots, so why not continue as the walls?

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bournemouth

Sep 5, 2006, 11:37 AM

Post #3 of 3 (1840 views)

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Re: [patricio_lintz] Rock Construction

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Maybe because of the way here that walls are first built and then chiselled out to allow for plumbing and wiring. I sometimes think the builders spend more time knocking down than they do putting up.