Technical Data Sheet
Corncockle Sandstone
Corncockle Quarry
Dunhouse Quarry Works, Staindrop Darlington,
County Durham DL2 3QU,England
Contact : Dunhouse Quarry Ltd
Tel. +44 (0) 1833 660 208; +44 (0) 1833 660 749
FAX +44 (0) 1833 660 748
Email : [email protected]
Web site : http://www.dunhouse.co.uk
Grid reference : —- —-
Compiled May 2000
This data sheet was compiled by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Where possible, data collected in earlier surveys has been used to help interpret the test results, BRE (1997). The data sheet was compiled in 2000 using the results of tests carried out at BRE. The work was carried out by BRE as part of a Partners in Technology Programme funded by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Dunhouse Quarry Co. Ltd and does not represent an endorsement of the stone by BRE.
General
Corncockle Quarry is near Lockerbie. Bed thickness varies from 0.25 – 1 m and the quarry can supply blocks of up to 0.6 x 4 x 2 m and sawn material packaged and produced at Dunhouse Quarry by Dunhouse Quarry Co. Ltd. There are ample reserves and the quarry is opened as required to replenish stock levels (currently 250 m3).
Petrography
Corncockle is a pale red brown, non-calcareous, fine to medium grained sandstone of Permian age with dark flecks and coarser laminae occurring occasionally.
Expected Durability and Performance
It is important that the results from the individual tests are not viewed in isolation. They should be considered together and compared to the performance of the stone in existing buildings and other uses. Sandstone is traditionally acknowledged as generally being a very durable building and paving stone and have been used extensively in many towns and cities in the UK. Corncockle sandstone appears to be a durable stone that will have moderate resistance to acid rain or air pollution. However, the moderate weight loss in the sodium sulphate crystallisation test indicates only moderate resistance to salt damage (for example in coastal locations or from de-icing salts). Frost test results indicate the stone should also have high frost resistance. The compressive and flexural strength of the stone is low for a sandstone in comparison with other sandstones. The density and strength data indicate that the stone should be suitable for use in medium trafficked areas.
Overall, Corncockle should be suitable for use in many aspects of construction including flooring, paving, and load bearing masonry. Caution would be required in using it in heavily trafficked areas or areas where a long service life is needed. The stone is not used for cladding.
Test Results – Corncockle
(Test methods Note 1 = EN1341, Note 2 = EN 1342, Note 3 = EN 1341 /BRE 141, Note 4 = BRE 141, Note 5 = based on earlier BRE data)
Tests were carried out at BRE in 1997. N.D. = not determined