Topic Summary
Dry stone walls are typically constructed with faces of interlocking stones that carry the load, and a mix of stones and earth in the center to add rigidity and keep out the elements. Walls should taper inward as they go up in height. Carefully built walls naturally resist earthquakes, fires, and insects.
Dry-stone technology is best known for rock fence and retaining wall construction, but examples of dry stone buildings, bridges, viaducts, canals, and other structures also can be found. Dry stone construction is naturally beautiful and environmentally friendly, using locally available materials assembled exclusively with simple tools and manpower.
Skilled dry stone masons can be hard to find today, but there are organizations in many countries around the world that are trying to raise awareness and promote the preservation of existing structures, as well as train masons in dry stone methods and encourage the construction of new structures.
