Contribution of Natural Stones in the Sustainable Development of Constructions — Potentialities and Examples from the Algerian Alpine Chain.

This study is an essay that overviews the main North Algerian geological resources that can provide building stones. The stone potentialities were identified based on the carrying out-of-field investigations and the analysis of a high number of buildings. Taking into account the geological context of the study area, an inventory of these potentialities is suggested. The recognised stones have been characterised by using petrographic studies and physicomechanical tests. In addition, this study outlines the advantages of using building stones in Algeria to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. These advantages were classified into four axes of interest. The first concerns about environmental protection and the population’s physical health preservation. The second deals with the reconciliation with nature and the protection of people’s moral health. The third focuses on the reconciliation with history and the cultural development of peoples. The fourth relates to promoting an alternative economy of local materials and promoting sustainable tourism. The description of these axes was illustrated by historical and contemporary examples that summarise the major building stone potentialities in North Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]