build one Stonewall It is much more important than it seems. In addition to having a practical purpose (demarcating areas, limiting slopes, etc.), they also fulfill a natural function. They integrate into the landscape as another element, can accommodate numerous small animal species and allow the use of concrete and cement to be avoided.Materials that create CO2 emissions during their production and transportation. Additionally, building dry stone walls (without the use of any mortar) is an ancient technique that contains ancestral wisdom that must be preserved.
to exist There are many ways to build these types of walls, first of all there are many types of walls and for many purposes. A low, narrow wall is not the same as a five-foot wall that must withstand more pressure. However, there are general rules that should be taken into account for all of them.
Friends of Ecoinventos, the reference portal for ecological studies in our country, explain which stone types, which techniques and which tools we will need.
Multiple stone types
when it comes stone typesIt must be said that this will depend on where we are in Spain. So, in the Mediterranean, limestone, which is common in that area, will be used in these walls, but if we live in the north, perhaps slate would be the best option.
The most commonly used stones are:
limestone: Its variety of tones and ease of working make it popular in stone wall construction. It is durable and adapts to different architectural styles.
Granite: Known for its hardness and durability, granite is ideal for load-bearing walls and retaining walls. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing it to fit multiple designs.
Panel: It is a stone widely used in stone walls due to its flatness and ease of stacking. It is also durable and offers a unique texture and color that gives the wall a different look.
Sandstone: It is easy to carve and shape, making it suitable for detailed walls. Its various colors can be chosen to complement the natural environment or architectural design.
R.field goose: This type of stone, usually collected from fields or mined from the soil surface, provides a more rustic look and is usually cheaper.
Masonry: Equal-cut stones are ideal for a more formal, symmetrical look, but they are generally more expensive due to the cutting and preparation process.
Prepare basic tools
As for the materials and tools we will need, the variation can be huge and depends on each builder. There are some that are full of tools, while others build exquisite walls with just three or four of them. In any case, the following stand out:
chisel and hammerIt is the basic stone for shaping and breaking stones and always obtaining the dimensions we need.
String to mark guide lines that should structure the layout and overall dimensions of the wall.
Level and plumb line to ensure the verticality of the wall and the correct leveling of the stones.
lift truck: It is necessary for moving stones from one place to another.
Apart from that some good gloves To avoid injury to hands.
Construction system (without using any mortar):
Stones are placed according to their size.. The basic rule is to place the stones according to their length, not their width. So the longest part should face outwards, but most of its volume should be ‘tucked’ inside the wall. This makes the wall solid because if this criterion is not followed, it will be easy to collapse at the slightest opportunity.
stones They must be tightly and well connected to each other. Wall parts need to be compressed as much as possible and in maximum contact with each other, as this will give rigidity to the whole and prevent it from collapsing partially or completely. To do this, you should avoid leaving gaps and filling them with smaller stones or even gravel. The whole must be as homogeneous as possible.
stones They should not form columns. To ensure the strength of the wall, each new stone we place must be placed at the junction of the two stones underneath. In this way, the structure is strengthened. However, for this the stones must be aligned correctly.
Avoid creating protrusions. The stones of the wall panels should be placed in a way that does not create excessive protrusion. For this, you need to choose the parts carefully and cut them appropriately if necessary. The important thing is not to have completely smooth wall surfaces (which is impossible), but to present an aesthetic and meticulous appearance.
In these two videos you can see two different examples of dry stone construction that can help you get an idea of the process:
These are just some general criteria, but on the internet you will find many pages detailing the technique for each type of wall that requires specific needs.
We should not forget that at the end of the last decade, UNESCO declared the dry wall construction technique, an ancient knowledge shared by many peoples on the European continent, as a World Heritage Site of Humanity.
Reference article: https://ecoinventos.com/reglas-esenciales-para-construir-un-muro-de-piedra/#more-240910
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