Author: stonemtg

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 it strong and that’s that.” But experts in the heritage field are now seeing the […]

Top 10 project highlights in stone

Stone Initiatives is celebrating 20 years of expert testing, analysis and guidance on the use of dimension stone. Our team looks back at 10 project highlights over the past two decades, from advising on significant new architectural projects, to helping to preserve some of Australia’s precious heritage-listed structures. 2003 126 Phillip Street, Deutsche Bank Place Sydney, […]

Case study: Currency Creek Railway Viaduct Restoration

Stone Initiatives has provided analytical heritage services for the restoration of a 157-year-old railway viaduct located in the South Australian township of Currency Creek. Engaged by Aecom, Stone Initiatives carried out testing and analysis to inform the repair of the viaduct’s piers, including identification of original stone types, compositional analysis of buttresses and mortar analysis. […]

Get to know Jim Mann, Principal, Stone Initiatives

For Jim Mann, testing is about more than just numbers, and a rock is not simply a rock. The principal of Stone Initiatives says that every piece of natural stone is as unique an individual as a person is; we just have to be willing to read them. With an extensive background in earth sciences […]

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 methods, processes, risks and responsibilities around slip resistance testing. Interview with Kate Tonkin What kind of surfaces do […]

20 years on: A conversation with Jim Mann

Principal and founder Jim Mann reflects on 20 years of Stone Initiatives, including the influence of fashion on testing regimes, and how the stone industry is becoming more sustainable. Interview with Jim Mann How does it feel to be celebrating 20 years of Stone Initiatives? I’m proud of what Stone Initiatives has become and how the company has […]

Architect Greg Holman: natural stone in design

Natural stone is a striking and inventive feature across many architectural projects by renowned firm Harry Seidler & Associates. Project architect Greg Holman shares why natural stone is a go-to product for built environment design – from the ‘crackling’ green onyx at iconic Grosvenor Place, to the radiating lines of travertine at Riparian Plaza that are an […]

Engineered stone ban builders and specifiers

This expert Q&A with scientific officer Thomas Baggs answers your pressing questions about Australia’s engineered stone ban. What does it mean for builders and specifiers? Q&A updated April 26, 2024 Why is engineered stone being banned in Australia? There is a link between working with engineered stone and the development of silicosis, a deadly lung disease, in […]

Expert Q&A: Slip testing for netball courts

Materials testing specialist Kate Tonkin answers what you need to know about slip resistance testing for netball courts – from tips on reducing the slipperiness of a court, to guidance on testing frequency and when to consider resurfacing. What slip resistance standards or guidelines relate to netball courts in Australia? New surfaces (or relayed/resurfaced courts) should be slip […]

Snapshot: Thomas Baggs, Co-Director

With specialisations in failure investigation and mineralogical testing services, Thomas Baggs is a keen problem solver who enjoys a challenge. Get to know Tom, Co-Director and Scientific Officer (Finishes Evaluation Services) at Stone Initiatives. What inspired you to work in stone and materials testing? I have always had an interest in rocks and geology, so I studied it at […]