Artificial stones | Procedure | Walls | forms:
What Is Artificial stones:
Artificial stones are also known as cast stones or reconstructed stones. These are also called synthetic products.
Procedure follows for the making of artificial stones:
1) Natural stone is crushed to less than 6mm.
2) Stone dust is removed.
3) An ad mix is made of 3mm to 6mm stones, 1 part of stones less than 3mm, and one part of cement according to volume.
4) The necessary pigment is added to the mixture to produce the desired color effect. Its weight should not exceed 15 percent of the cement by weight.
5) The required quantity of water is added and the entire mixture of materials is done.
6) The mixture thus prepared is transferred to specially constructed molds.
7) It is allowed to harden and its surface is kept wet. Artificial stones in block form to use.
8) Polishing is done if required.
9) White cement can be used instead of ordinary cement to produce a light shade.
Also read: Quarrying of stones and natural bed of stones
Forms of artificial stones:
1) Cement concrete :
Cement concrete is a mixture of fine aggregate, cement, coarse aggregate and water. It may be cast-in-situ or pre-cast. It is widely used at present. If steel is used with cement concrete, it is known as reinforced cement concrete or R.C.C.
2) Mosaic tiles:
Mosaic tiles are pre-cast tiles made of concrete, with marble chips on top of them called mosaic tiles. They are available in different desks and are currently widely adopted.
3) Terrazo :
Terrazo is a mixture of marble chips and cement. It is used for bathrooms, residential buildings, temples,WC etc.
Following are the advantages of artificial stones:
1) Cavities may be kept in artificial stones. These are used to convey pipes, electric wires, etc.
2) Grooves can be kept in artificial stone, while it is being cast. These are useful for fixing various fittings.
3) It can be cast in the required shape.
4) It can be made in one piece and therefore avoids the hassle of getting large stones for lintels, rays, etc.
5) It can be made stronger than natural stones.
6) It is cheaper and economical to profitably consume smaller quantities of stone.
7) It is more durable than natural stone.
Also, read related topics: Structure of rocks