Stone pitching is a construction technique using medium sized rocks set into mortar, primarily designed to control and manage the flow of water.
Understanding Stone Pitching
Based on the reference provided, stone pitching is specifically defined as a method employing medium sized rock set into mortar exposing the stone. This hard surface treatment serves a critical function in managing water flow velocity and direction.
How Stone Pitching Works
The primary purpose of this construction is functional: it is designed to spread the flow across the hard surface and around the protruding rock. This scattering effect helps to dissipate the energy of flowing water, preventing erosion and stabilizing the area.
Think of it as creating a rough, durable channel or surface that makes fast-moving water slow down and spread out, rather than concentrating its force in one spot. The exposed rock provides the necessary roughness to achieve this flow dispersion.
Key Characteristics
- Materials: Utilizes medium-sized rocks.
- Binding Agent: Rocks are fixed using mortar.
- Finish: The stone surfaces are exposed.
- Function: Spreads water flow.
- Location: Across a hard surface, often in areas where water velocity needs control (e.g., drainage channels, spillways).
This technique is a specific type of flow dissipater, although other methods like solid concrete structures can also serve this purpose.
