Build a stone wall with stones of different shapes and sizes

When building a stone wall with stones of different shapes and sizes, the following skills of workers are put to the test:

Stone Selection and Matching Skills

- Discernment Ability: Workers need to be able to quickly identify the texture, grain, and shape characteristics of the stones, and determine whether they are suitable for different parts of the wall. For example, stones with hard texture and regular shape are used for areas with greater stress such as the corners of the wall.

- Matching Ability: It is necessary to make reasonable combinations according to the size and shape of the stones, so that the stones fit each other. For instance, use smaller stones to fill the gaps between larger stones to ensure that the surface of the wall is smooth and the overall structure is stable.

Masonry Skills

- Foundation Construction Skills: Workers need to master the standards for the depth and width of the foundation trench excavation, and carry out foundation pouring according to the design requirements of the wall to ensure that the foundation is level and has sufficient bearing capacity, providing stable support for the wall.

- Masonry Techniques: Workers should proficiently master the skills of placing stones in the appropriate positions, using appropriate force and angle to make the stones fit closely. At the same time, they should ensure that the mortar is applied evenly and with a moderate thickness to achieve a good bond between the stones.

- Wall Alignment Skills: During the construction process, workers need to frequently use tools such as a spirit level and a plumb line to check the verticality and levelness of the wall, and adjust the deviations in a timely manner to ensure that the wall is vertical and smooth, and avoid situations such as tilting or unevenness.

Structural Grasping Skills

- Overall Structural Planning: Workers should have a clear plan for the overall structure of the wall. Considering factors such as the height, length, and purpose of the wall, they should reasonably arrange the distribution of the stones to enhance the stability and seismic resistance of the wall.

- Treatment of Reserved Spaces and Openings: If there are door and window openings or other reserved spaces in the wall, workers need to accurately calculate and cut the stones to ensure that the size of the openings is accurate and the surrounding structure is stable. At the same time, reinforcement treatment should be carried out to prevent cracks or deformation at the openings.