Guides: Mortar Trades: Stonemasonry

eBooks

Stone House Construction A comprehensive study of Australian stone building techniques in a residential context, for people with an interest in building or renovating.

Building Stone Decay Stone buildings and monuments form the cultural centres of many of the world's urban areas. Frequently these areas are prone to high levels of atmospheric pollution that promote a variety of aggressive stone decay processes. Because of this, stone decay is now widely recognised as a severe threat to much of our cultural heritage.
Structural Masonry Designers' Manual (3rd ed.) This major handbook covers the structural use of brick and blockwork and will be useful to masonry designers, structural engineers, and bricklayers. A major feature is a series of step-by-step design examples of typical elements and buildings. The book has been revised to include updates to the code of practice BS 5628:2000-2 and the 2004 version of Part A of the Building Regulations.

NEW - Manual of Natural Stone Natural stone is one of the oldest building materials of all, and yet it still offers immense architectural potential. With the right expertise, architects can effortlessly fulfil contemporary requirements and create outstanding buildings - from solid to mixed constructions, and even curtain façades. Atlas Naturstein reveals planning principles for building with natural stone, and provides information on processing techniques and expansion details. Examples of real-world projects show how natural stone can be used in a variety of applications to create outstanding architecture.
Art and Craft of Stonework Shows readers a variety of techniques used to shape and place stones in their yards and ideas for creating paths and walls.
The Craft of Stonemasonry Techniques are explained here with an accessible but detailed approach, and supported by step-by-step photographs.
Living Homes: Stone Masonry, Log & Strawbale Construction Takes you through the planning process to design an energy and resource efficient home that won't break the bank.
Masonry Complete An easy-to-use reference for homeowners covering all home masonry projects from the most basic to advanced.
Masonry Skills Covers fundamental principles, basic practices, advanced techniques, and new trends and developments in both residential and commercial masonry.
Safety for Masons A valuable resource that demonstrates safety practices important for a masonry career.

Building Stone Magazine - online Building Stone Magazine, founded by the Building Stone Institute (BSI) – now the Natural Stone Institute – is the trusted source of natural stone information for architects, landscape architects and interior designers
Discovering Stone - in library Discovering Stone has a primary focus on the local natural stone sector, which includes reviews of industry producers and suppliers. The publication also examines key aspects of stone installation and selection

Stonecraft - 14 minutes 30 seconds Made by Film Australia 1984. Directed by Paul Humfress. Episode 2 of this informative series about specialised and rare crafts and skills. Weathered stonework at the Sydney Technical College, built in 1891, is being restored and, where necessary, replaced. The greystone needed comes from Wondabyne Quarry. Stonemason George Proudman explains the process of restoration, from choosing the stone and tools required, to the methods used for fitting replacement stone.

Artisans of Australia In this video, six Australian artisans talk about their craft, showing the various processes in which they are involved. Contents Timbercraft (18 min.) -- Stonecraft (14 min.) -- Glasscraft (20 min.) -- Ironcraft (16 min.) -- Solid plastering (13 min.) -- Decorative paint work (15 min.)
Lime in Mortar Training video covering the effects of lime in water, from Polytechnic West
Masonry Anchors Visual Training Aid Video topics include: mechanical anchors, chemical anchors, construction chemicals, anchor selection, heavy duty anchors, medium duty anchors, light duty anchors, safe working loads, installation of mechanical anchors, and installation of chemical anchors.

Cleaning Stone Masonry - PDF - Heritage Council Cleaning/maintenance programs can be the first phase of a complete renovation package designed to improve the public image and the occupancy levels of a historic building.
Preservation of Masonry Walls - PDF - National Trust This PDF contains the philosophies and techniques for identifying and overcoming problems associated with masonry walls.
Principles of Cleaning Masonry Buildings - (1982) PDF - National Trust Cleaning a building, monument or statue is an important part of restoration to retain the appearance of its architectural details.
Sealing & Maintaining Natural Stone - PDF Published by the Australian Stone Advisory Association. Information on protecting, cleaning and maintaining natural stone.

Bricklayers and Stonemasons: 13:20 Mins Once your students have taken the tour and seen what the skilled construction trades have to offer, they will want to know more about specific jobs that may interest them. This fast-paced program provides a concise profile of bricklayers and stonemasons, looking at educational background, apprenticeships, salary, and the work itself. (13 minutes)
Mastercrafts : Stonemasonry: 15 Mins Monty looks at stonemasonry. Carpenter Nigel Woodford, 45, electrical testing engineer Simon Tack, 40, and art and design tutor Suzanne Jones, 39, take up their places as passionate amateurs in the shadow of a stately Elizabethan home - Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire. It takes four to five years to train properly as a stonemason. During their six-week intensive course, the rookies learn the foundations of the craft
Tools of the Trade: Inside the Mason's Toolbox: 23:35 Mins The eye of an artist coupled with the mind of an engineer: that’s a mason. Over the course of this program, viewers will learn about commonly used masonry tools; the attributes of brick, block, tile, stone, cast concrete, and mortar mixes; fasteners, wall ties, and mortar joint reinforcements; estimating material amounts; and on-the-job safety. (24 minutes)

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A Stonemason Needs:

Useful Career Links:

Australia ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) There mission is to lead cultural heritage conservation in Australia by raising standards, encouraging debate and generating innovative ideas.
Australian Stone Advisory Association A not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of Australian stone at home and overseas.
Concrete Masonry Association of Australia CMAA is the peak body that represents the concrete masonry manufacturers of Australia. This includes bricks, blocks, pavers and retaining walls.
Housing Industry Association Australia’s largest residential building organisation.
Master Builders Association Australia Master Builders is the only national voice representing all sectors of the industry.
MIA + BSI: Natural Stone Institute The Marble Institute of America (MIA) and Building Stone Institute (BSI) merged in 2016 and became known as MIA+BSI: The Natural Stone Institute.