Granite Boulder Challenges and Craftsmanship
This past week, we looked at historic methods that were used for cutting large boulders. People still actually do this today, to some extent. Cutting stones in this way is of course much more rare than it was in historic times because there were no other options. We think this is a fun topic to look at because it explores historic methodologies. It also takes a view of things from a different angle. Normally, we look at how masonry buildings are built and restored. Here though, we’re looking at this topic of harvesting the raw materials.
In this past week’s blog article, we looked at the really interesting topic of how massive stone materials can be split. One person can split a massive granite folder, by themselves. That’s kind of incredible, just by itself. But granted a boulder of this size, although slightly smaller than a compact vehicle, may weigh as much as 5 + times the weight of a car.
Although steel is even heavier than granite, the entirety of the car is not made of just solid steel. In fact, there is a cab, in most vehicles, which is empty, other than the air that fills it. For example, let’s say a typical compact car weighs. 3000 lbs. Solid granite stone weighs roughly 170 to 180 pounds per cubic foot.
The picture below shows some of the deep gouges made into the area of intended breakage in the stone. Although these holes create scars in the face of the stone, the fracturing can be done in a relatively straight and controlled form. This leads to lower overall wastage in the fine dressing phase of the stone masonry preparation..
Looking at the calculation of the comparative weight between stone and other heavy things, it should become apparent that it would be impossible for people to lift an entire granite stone and carry it out of somewhere like a creek bed in the woods, if they were working alone. If they were working with a team of men, it would still be extremely difficult, almost impossible and haul-off .
Even with wagons and oxen it would still be almost impossible. But people didn’t take giant boulders out of creek beds in the woods, even in historic times. Instead they would cut the raw stone there. They would break the stone apart into smaller, more manageable sizes. Still though, it should be fascinating to us today that the raw cutting of the stone could be done with just one man.
The picture below shows the pattern in area of intended fracture. We’re only able to see this area closely and well as it was originally configured because for some reason the workers stopped their work midway..
The removal of a gigantic boulder of this type has these obvious practical limitations especially from remote areas. This explains why the manual controlled field braking of larger stones was done. This past week we explained the tools used in the process to show how it’s split. The one thing we didn’t talk about though was why it works.
This particular method works well for stones like granite because although granite is extremely difficult to break by crushing, it’s still considered a brittle material. In this particular context if a material is brittle, it doesn’t mean that it fails or fractures easily, but it means instead that it will fail or fracture suddenly without significant prior deformation. You could also say that materials of this type absorb a relatively low amount of energy before actually breaking. As well, similar to the suddenness of the breakage, the breakage also happens to take place without significant bending. Instead it has a tendency to shatter.
The picture below shows the view across the area of the stream in the woods. It’s not that these stones just occur at the stream area. They happen to be scattered below the majority of the topsoil and plant covering through the range of the wooded area. In the stream area specifically though, they have become exposed and bare.
Our company, Dupont Tuckpointing and Masonry, specializes in masonry restoration, historic brick repointing, and tuckpointing services in the Washington D.C. area. These buildings are uniquely historic, and their preservation requires skilled masons who are technically trained in the best practices and knowledge of proper restoration techniques.
We understand the significance of maintaining the architectural integrity of these historic structures, and our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional craftsmanship. Whether you require masonry restoration, tuckpointing, or brick repointing services, we are here to help.
At Dupont Tuckpointing and Masonry, we take pride in our work and strive to ensure that every project is executed with the utmost care and attention to detail. We are committed to preserving the rich heritage of Washington D.C.’s built environment for generations to come.
If you have any questions or needs regarding masonry restoration, historic brick repointing, or tuckpointing services, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would be delighted to assist you and provide you with the expertise and quality workmanship that your historic property deserves.
You can reach us by telephone at (202) 796-7644 and you can reach us by email from the contact form on our website at https://duponttuckpointingmasonrydc.com/contact-us/.
