Stones

Stones are a material used for construction. They can be used in its natural state but can also be modified by the man. However stones are adaptable and durable, they have some difficulties like quarry them, transport them and cut them. There´s three type of stones: Rubble (the cheapest and simplest one), ashlar masonry (strongest, most suitable and usually in rectangular forms) and the entablatures (they vaults and arches in a way that they become a support). Stones are used in construction because most of them are strong enough to provide supports and beams. Also some of the styles stones can be used for roofing. They has been used since the Stone Age, although it has been replaced for cheaper and more efficient products, it´s used still for its practical qualities.

Ashlar masonry: it is the strongest and most suitable stonework for monumental architecture. They are regularly cut blocks (usually rectangular). Entablatures: are the upper sections of a classical order that rest on the capital of a column

Stone masonry in contrast with brick does not depend on strong bonding for stability where it supports only direct downward loads. Stone resist deformation better than any bonding material

The entablatures of an ancient Greek temple were bonded by small bronze dowels, but the weight creates problems of stability when loads push an angle. Because of its weight and the precision with which it can be shaped, stone masonry does not depend on strong bonding for stability.

The strongest and most suitable stonework for monumental architecture is ashlar masonry. The simplest and cheapest stonework is rubble

The stone resists deformation better than any bonding material. Rubble is simplest and cheapest than ashlar masonry.