The use of masonry began with unreinforced dry-stack (mortarless) construction. For millennia, stone has been laid dry without mortar. The Great Pyramid of Giza (c. 2600 BC) is an example of limestone and granite ground smooth and fits tight without mortar (Figure 1). There are numerous examples of residences, walls, fortresses, and towers constructed using dry-stack masonry throughout the world. Unreinforced, these structures rely on gravity and friction to maintain their stability.
…
Author Archives : David T. Biggs, P.E., S.E., Dist.M.ASCE, FSEI, HonTMS
David Biggs is a Principal of Biggs Consulting Engineering, Saratoga Springs, NY. He is the Chair of the Dry-Stack Task Group for TMS and a former member of the STRUCTURE Editorial Board.
After 30 Years, a Friary Project continues to Provide Valuable Lessons
In 1981, a young architect and the author were tasked with designing a friary at Siena College in upstate New York. The friary is a residence for the Franciscan Friars who are administrators, professors and staff members at the college. The building (Figure 1) includes two residential wings and a large entrance and common area. …