Proposed ASTM Standards on Stone-Sample Prep
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.. – A new ASTM International standard on dimension-stone preparation is now in development.
The proposed ASTM WK31179, Practice for Selection and Preparation of Dimension Stone Test Specimens, resulted from discussions concerning how easily test results for dimension-stone test specimens can be influenced by improper or non-uniform preparation methods.
The standard is being developed by Subcommittee C18.08 on Selection of Dimension Stone, part of ASTM International Committee C18 on Dimension Stone.
According to Chuck Muehlbauer, Marble Institute of America (MIA) technical director and C18.08 chair, the value of the new standard is, “that a document will be available that communicates with the quarrier and sawyer of the stone products the importance of preparing the specimens as mandated by the test procedure.”
In addition, Muehlbauer notes that ASTM WK31179 will provide discussion and graphics to reduce confusion regarding anisotropic and surface machining aspects of the specimen.
“It will also provide a means of eliminating certain tested conditions when those conditions will not provide influential design data for stone-systems designers,” Muehlbauer says. “This will result in either reduced testing cost or diversion of testing budget to another condition that will provide influential data.”
Because the majority of dimension stone products in many countries, including the United States, are imported, Muehlbauer says that the primary users of ASTM WK31179 will be those involved in import/export activities, to assure that they are getting the necessary test specimens with compliant preparation practices to the purchaser.
Interested parties are invited to participate in the standards developing activities of C18.
Original publication ©2011 Western Business Media Inc. Use licensed to the author, Emerson Schwartzkopf.
Get all the latest in the industry with The EDGE, the e-newsletter from Stone Update. Free subscriptions are available here.
