What is petrographic analysis, what can it reveal, and why is it such a valuable tool in the evaluation of dimension stone? Article by Thomas Baggs Petrography is the study of dimension stone in thin section by means of a…
Author: mrymnn
Slip testing: Expert Q&A
What is a good slip rating? Is there more to slip resistance than identifying slippery surfaces? Here we chat with materials testing specialist Kate Tonkin, head of the finish evaluation department at Stone Initiatives. Kate shares some insights into the…
The risks with pedestal systems and how to manage them
The use of pedestal installation systems for porcelain and other ceramic tiles has increased in popularity. But there are drawbacks and risks associated with pedestal systems, particularly when porcelain is involved. It is vital that appropriate tests are carried out…
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Case study: Moonta Mines National Heritage Project
The vital role of mortar analysis in heritage restoration Just a couple of decades ago it was common for heritage structures to be restored with cement. The mindset tended to be along the lines of “chuck some cement in, make…
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10 things to know about stone testing
Testing is the starting point for determining the suitability of a specific stone for a particular application. This can include testing the strength of the stone by determining its resistance to crushing and bending; testing the stone’s wear resistance and slip…
Heritage mortar: Stories told through analysis
Analysis of a sample from a 1930s Melbourne monument reveals the fascinating stories that can be discovered through mortar testing for heritage conservation projects. Article by Mark Milevski At Stone Initiatives, we receive a wide range of mortar types for…