Dry Stone Construction: History and Analysis
Comprehensive technical thesis on dry stone construction methods in southeastern France, documenting the historical evolution and practical applications of this traditional masonry technique. The work traces the origins of dry stone construction back approximately 3800 BC to the Chassean civilization, following its development through successive periods and regional variations. It examines authentic dry stone structures including protective boundary walls, traditional bread ovens, bories (small stone dwellings), apiés (beehive-shaped stone walls), restanques (terraced retaining walls), and water collection basins, explaining how each served specific functions within the landscape. The document provides an extensive technical glossary containing over 60 specialized terms essential to dry stone work, detailed guidance on traditional hand tools and their proper use, materials selection methodology, and contemporary heritage conservation applications. Includes historical photographs and technical drawings that clarify both construction principles and structural details, making this thesis valuable as both a historical reference and a practical implementation guide for anyone studying or working with dry stone masonry. Table of Contents: - Acknowledgements .... page 3 - Introduction .... page 4 - Technical Glossary .... page 5 - Chapter 1: Dry stone construction in the south-east of France .... page 9 - Chapter 2: The tools .... page 39 - Chapter 3: The materials .... page 49 - Chapter 4: Dry stone today .... page 60 - Conclusion .... page 69 - Bibliography and websites .... page 70 - Training and associations .... page 72
