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Dimensional Stone Testing @ Testing Engineers, Inc. (TEI)


Since our inception in 1954, testing of “Dimensional Stone” has been an integral part of laboratory testing activities at TEI.  Over the years we have established a great deal of expertise in evaluation of dimensional stone. Our experienced staff utilizing the latest laboratory equipment can set up tests specific to certain applications, or can perform standard ASTM* test procedures for different types of dimensional stone.

What Types of Dimensional Stone are Tested?

  • Marble
  • Limestone
  • Granite
  • Quartz Based
  • Slate
  • Traventine

What Types of tests are Typically Performed?

There are various tests typically performed on dimension stones.  The following table lists the physical requirements and test methods for various types of dimension stones. TEI has the capability to perform all these tests.

 

Stone Type & ASTM* Specification

 

Class

Water Absorption, Max, %

ASTM C97

Density, Min, lbs/ft3

ASTM C97

Compressive Strength, Min, psi

ASTM C170

Modulus of Rupture, Min, psi

ASTM C99

Abrasion Resistance, Min,

ASTM C241

Limestone

ASTM C568

I

II

III

12

7.5

3

110

135

160

1800

4000

8000

400

500

1000

10

10

10

Sandstone

ASTM C616

I

II

III

8

3

1

125

150

160

4000

10000

20000

350

1000

2000

2

8

8

Marble ASTM C503

I

II

III

IV

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

162

175

168

144

7500

7500

7500

7500

1000

1000

1000

1000

10

10

10

10

Granite

ASTMC615

 

-

 

0.4

 

160

 

19000

 

1500

 

25

 *American Society of Testing & Materials

Additional tests that may be required for specific projects are listed below.

  • Flexural Strength (ASTM C880)
  •  Abrasion Resistance (ASTM C241/C1353)
  • Coefficient of Friction (ASTM C1028) 
  • Strength of Individual Stone Anchorage in Dimension Stone (ASTM C1354) 
  • Shear/Bond Strength of Dimension Stone (ASTM C482) 
  • Bond Strength of Dimension Stone in Tension (ASTM C1583)  

What Do You Need for Stone Testing?

You may need your stone product tested for any number of the following reasons:  

  • If you an importer or manufacturer of dimension stone and need the product tested for promotional/sales or certification purposes.
  •  Installers of stone may need testing to determine service performance and/or compliance with job specifications.
  • Stones may need to be tested as part of building defect investigation.
  • In slip and fall cases where abrasion resistance and friction tests may be required by the legal profession.  


 

 

 

 


Stone veneer on high-rise building were tested for strength of anchorage prior to installation.

 

 

 

Sample of stone from above building following testing of anchorage (ASTM C1354).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shear Bond Test of Stone over Lath. Overall View (ASTM C482)

 

 

 

 Modulus of Rupture Test Set-Up