An Insight On Rubble Masonry

Rubble masonry is stone masonry whereby roughly dressed or undressed stone are laid in specific mortar. Unlike other types of masonry, the joints found in rubble masonry have varying thickness. This masonry is divided into three categories namely:

1. Random

2. Squared

3. Dry

Random rubble masonry

This is the type of rubble stone masonry whereby hammer dressed or undressed stones are used. In this case, there are three types:

Un-coursed random rubble masonry

Un-coursed random is when stones are laid without the use of courses. It is one of the cheapest and roughest types of masonry. This is the reason why it is preferred for areas where varying appearance is required.

Stones used in this kind of masonry vary in shapes and sizes. All projecting corners of stones have to be slightly knocked off before lying. Joints are filled and flushed, and plumbing is not done on vertical joints. Large stones are used at jambs and at corners to increase their strength. Un-coursed random rubble masonry is best suited for construction of low height walls in ordinary buildings.

Coursed random rubble masonry

In this case, stones are laid in layers that have equal height. Almost perfect level courses are used to lay stones. Headers of one of the coursed height are placed at designated intervals. Stones usually used in coursed random rubble masonry are hammer dressed. This masonry is suitable for construction of boundary wells, go downs, residential buildings etc.

Squared rubble masonry

Squared is when the faces of stones are squared on beds and joints. This is done by chisel dressing or hammer dressing before laying is done. The two types of squared rubble masonry are:

• Coursed square rubble masonry: suitable for construction of modern residential buildings, markets, schools, hospitals, public buildings, and so forth. It is also recommended for construction in hilly areas as stone is easily available.

• Un-coursed square rubble masonry: it is suitable for construction of building in hilly areas since a variety of stones are available.

Dry rubble masonry

Dry stones is another name used to describe dry rubble masonry. In this case, stones are laid during construction, without using any mortar. It is classified as ordinary masonry and usually used for construction of walls with a height of 6 meters or less. Take note it can be used for walls with a higher height. In such a scenario, three adjacent courses have to be laid in at 3 meter levels.

Bottom line

Rubble masonry is mostly used for buildings that need a design of some sort. For example, a house that needs a rugged look can be constructed using one of these types of rubble masonry. Even though rubble masonry is used in ordinary buildings, it is not a common practice.