Limestone
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 09 60 00
Description
- Limestone is one of the most abundant sedimentary rocks. Limestone is calcareous sedimentary rocks formed at the bottom of lakes and seas with the accumulation of shells, bones and other calcium rich goods. It is composed of calcite (CaCO3). The organic matter upon which it settles in lakes or seas, are preserved as fossils. Over thousands and millions of years, layer after layer is built up adding weight. The heat and pressure causes chemical reaction at the bottom and the sediments turn into solid stone, the limestone. It is a medium-hard stone of fine, sandy appearance with occasional prominent grains or veins. It originates from various countries, including Portugal, Egypt, Italy, France, Israel, Spain, and England. [1]
Applications
Slabs
- Countertops
- Floors
- Cladding
- Pavement
Stone Bricks
- Paving Walls
- Hard Surfaced Walls
Stone Blocks
- Garden Furniture
- Structural Stone
Other uses
- basins, sinks, back splashes, bathtubs, shower ledges, stair treads, and baseboards.
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- Polished
- Honed
Surface forms / shapes
- Slabs
- Tiles
- Blocks
- Stones
Properties
- Physical Properties of Limestone
Physically, Limestones are quite impervious, hard, compact, fine to very fine grained calcareous rocks of sedimentary nature.
- Hardness 3 to 4 on Moh's Scale
- Density 2.5 to 2.7 Kg/cm3
- Compressive Strength 60-170 N/mm2
- Water Absorption Less than 1%
- Porosity Quite low
- Weather Impact Resistant
- Chemical Properties of Limestone
Chemically, they are calcareous rocks principally of calcic minerals with minor amounts of alumina, ferric & alkaline oxides.
- Lime (CaO) 38-42%
- Silica (SiO2) 15-18%
- Alumina (Al2O3) 3-5%
- MgO 0.5 to 3%
- FeO + Fe2O3 1-1.5%
- Alkalies 1-1.5%
- Loss On Ignition 30-32%
Note :- Limestone, like marble and other calcareous stones, are referred to as acid sensitive. Calcareous stones are readily dissolved in acid, therefore acidic products should not be used on limestone and marbles.[2]
Cost analysis
- $5-$12 / SqFt:
Material properties
Primary structural use
- Non-structural - applied material
- Self-Supporting, primarily surface decoration in both large sheets and blocks as well as tiles.
Material performance
Limestone is classified by ATSM C548, Specification for Limestone Dimension Stone, into three densities
- Type I- Low Density
- Type II- Medium Density
- Type III- High Density
Dimensional and opening restriction
Floor Tiles:
- 12" or 16" square, to 36" x 24"; 4/10" 3/5" or 3/4" thick.
Counters:
- 25" or 36" wide, 6'1/2" or 10' long.
Environmental impact
- Limestone is a long-lasting completely natural material.
- It's greatest environmental cost is in transportation, as it is often required far from home.
LEED
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Life Safety & Rating Standards
Flammability rating
N/A
Coefficient of friction
- Honed finishes have a higher coefficient of friction and are recommended for use as flooring in commercial applications.
- On wet or outdoor surfaces, a riven or textured surface can be added to the limestone to reduce slipping.
References
- Bowers, Helen. Interior Materials & Surfaces: The Complete Guide. New York: Firefly Books, 2004.
- McGowan, Maryrose. Specifying Interiors: A guide to Construction and FF&E for Residential and Commercial Projects. New Jersey: Wiley & Sons, 2006.
Notes
- ↑ http://www.mineralszone.com/stones/limestone.html
- ↑ http://www.mineralszone.com/stones/limestone.html
Student contributions
- Kathleen Mannix, Spring 2009
