NASCLA Accredited Commercial General ContractorMasonryMedium
A project requires constructing a stone masonry wall using irregular, rough-faced stones without uniform courses. Which type of stone masonry is this considered?
- ADimension stone masonry
- BCoursed masonry
- CAshlar masonry
- DRubble masonry
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Rubble masonry
Rubble masonry uses irregular, unshaped, or roughly shaped stones laid without uniform courses. Ashlar masonry, in contrast, uses finely dressed and cut stones with uniform beds and joints, often in regular courses.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Dimension stone masonry refers to stones cut to specific sizes and shapes, which is contrary to the irregular nature described.
- B. Coursed masonry implies stones laid in continuous, level horizontal layers, which is not typical for irregular rubble.
- C. Ashlar masonry uses precisely cut and dressed stones, which contradicts the description of irregular, rough-faced stones.
Rubble Masonry
A type of stone masonry that uses irregular, rough, or natural-shaped stones, often laid without continuous horizontal courses, contrasting with finely dressed ashlar masonry.
- Stones are unshaped or roughly shaped.
- Joints are often irregular.
- Can be 'random rubble' (no courses) or 'coursed rubble' (roughly leveled courses).
- Economical due to minimal stone dressing.
Memory trick: Ashlar is 'A'rtful, Rubble is 'R'aw.