@kamundu..stones have a crushing strength of 5kn/mm2 and above.Concrete has strength of 15 to 25kn/mm2 depending on the mix ratio specified in the structural design.

Some quarry stones are weaker than others. Almost all machine cut stones are weak coz its expensive to cut hard stone with machines. Thats why we find machine cut stone in juja but not in the naivasha,nakuru region where the stone is harder.

The hard stones can replace concrete columns based on the architectural and structural design.

Ahsante @rahatupu

@ Kamundu,

You are not alone- i did mine like so ten years ago and has not noted any structural defects. My structural engineer had done his the same way!

@patcho..you dont have to worry if 4 years later there are no signs of cracks. Chances are that you used very strong machine cut stone , you have not used heavy roofing e.g concrete tiles, you havnt used ceramic floor finishes e.t.c.
I have personally overseen g+3 buildings without columns . Structural engineers are important in pulling such stunts coz they ensure design is optimized.

@patcho..welcome

this has been the most educative thread for me on this forum! thanks all for sharing. am commencing a 290sqm maisoneitte in a months time and in the spirit of sharing will keep updating on progress.

Just done the security/site store. i got mbaos from a previous site and paid a nominal price 5k for them but had to buy 30 mabatis. this is only a temporary structure so i was advised to buy reject mabati at 530 each for 2.5m for gauge 32 which i think is fair. construction labour costed 3500.

I must admit that this is the best post on construction, i was encouraged and started off my construction in early March, on my 1st break now having roofed the house. The experience is awesome! My foundation also took about a month, had to do columns and "suspend" the house since the area is black cotton, we went down 6-8 feet. I now need to do the fence but am worried i have to do columns once again this deep and suspend the wall, is there a cheaper and easier way of doing the stone perimeter wall? I would be glad to share my experience but don't know where to start.

@African coloner. The soil is mixture of cotton soil and some other soil (not sure if its red soil) but it doesnt get sticky like cotton soil.the land slanting slightly, meaning on the upper side i did 3 courses, while on the lower side 7 courses. the size of the house is 130 sq metres, 3 bedroomed bungalow

how long does it take to build a 1 storey 3 bedroomed house @ a4architect