Resource Library

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM All Chapters Locked secured document

The Dimension Stone Design Manual is the stone industry’s single-source reference for dimension stone design and construction facts and details. The 2024 edition includes major revisions regarding natural stone installation and new Horizontal Installations and Vertical Installations chapters. It also includes newly created and consistently formatted drawings and graphics. New graphics explain coursed ashlar, split-face stone, and dry-stack detailing. Expanded anchorage graphics showcase additional anchor types currently in use. Graphics have also been updated to include continuous insulation components and thermal separations where necessary. All new graphics are compliant with ASHRAE codes. Also included are descriptions and technical data of individual natural stone varieties; general installation guidelines; guidelines and typical detailing for horizontal surfaces, vertical surfaces, countertops, wet areas, and furniture; and maintenance of exterior and interior stone installations.

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 14 - Vertical Surfaces Locked secured document

There are 4 sections to this chapter: Design Criteria, Exterior Installation Systems, Interior Installation Systems, and Troubleshooting and Cautions. Independently supported veneer, stacked veneer, grid support systems, strut systems, integrated curtainwall systems, and preassembled panelized systems are defined. Interior veneer of mechanically anchored design and adhesively attached designs are discussed. Stone base and requirements for anchorage are included. A variety of soffit hanging systems are detailed, as are basic fireplace surround attachments. This section includes 25 pages of graphics with industry proven attachment details. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Design Standards | Commercial | Residential | Cladding | Anchoring

Dimension Stone Anchorage Theory, Practice, and Components Locked secured document

This bulletin is intended to serve as a general guide to the practice of mechanically anchoring dimension stone. Reading this document will not make one a stone cladding engineer, in fact, it is not written with the intent of guiding engineers. It was prepared as a guide to the trades-person, and provides general valuable insight as to how stone anchorage devices interface with the stone panels and the building structure. Common anchorage devices are discussed, as well as some guidance regarding why certain anchor device selections may be more appropriate than others in particular situations.

February 1, 2010

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM - Historical Versions

Since its initial publication in 1971, the Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM) has been the stone industry’s single-source reference for dimension stone design and construction facts and details. Published by the Natural Stone Institute (previously the Marble Institute of America or MIA), the DSDM serves as the authoritative source of information on the suitable application of natural stone products and supports standards of natural stone workmanship and practice. The current DSDM is version 2024 and is available for download in this Resource Library as a separate item. This product allows you to download past versions of the DSDM and earlier marble standards published by the Natural Stone Institute. You will receive a zip file that includes: • Dimension Stone Design Manual 8.0 (2016) • Dimension Stone Design Manual 7.2 (2011) • Dimension Stone Design Manual 7.1 CH 13-15 (2010) • Dimension Stone Design Manual VII (2007) • Dimension Stone Design Manual VI (2003) • Dimension Stone Design Manual V (1999) • Dimension Stone Design Manual IV (1991) • Dimension Stone Design Manual III (1985) • Dimension Stone Design Manual II (1983) • Dimension Stone Design Manual IR (1976) • Dimension Stone Design Manual I (1971) • Marble Engineering Handbook (1962) • Marble Engineering Handbook (1960) • Interior Marble (1964) • Interior Marble (no date) • Exterior Marble (1961) • Exterior Marble (1955)

January 9, 2025

Anchoring Stone Cladding to Studs

We’re in the early design phases for a small bank building. We’d like to consider stone panels for the façade, but the building will be stud frame, and might be wood studs. Is it possible to anchor stone cladding to studs?

November 12, 2024

Technical Q & A | Commercial | Cladding | Anchoring

Anchoring versus Adhering

We’ve been asked to bid on a job with 6 ft x 6 ft x 1¼" [1.8 m x 1.8 m x 30 mm] exterior granite panels. We’re assuming it will have to be anchored rather than adhered. Would this be an application where a back anchor, like a Type 31, Fischer, or Keil might work?

November 12, 2024

Anchoring Stone Panels Locked secured document

We’re in the early design phases for a small bank building. We’d like to consider stone panels for the façade, but the building will be stud frame, and might be wood studs. Is it possible to anchor stone cladding to studs?

April 18, 2024

Technical Q & A | Commercial | Exterior | Cladding | Anchoring

Deadload-Bearing Clip Designs Locked secured document

I’m looking through a Natural Stone Institute technical bulletin on stone anchorage. It shows two types of deadload-bearing clip designs, one with bent tabs and the other with a welded tab. Neither of the details show a gusset within the bent plate portion of the clip. In my particular project, we have a very thick batt of insulation which creates a long moment arm in the clip. This would require the clip to be extremely thick, and with the current price of stainless steel being so high, I’d like to look at using a gusseted clip to shave off some weight. Is this commonly done?

January 29, 2024

Technical Q & A | Commercial | Exterior | Cladding | Anchoring

Adhered Anchor Height Limits Locked secured document

In the Dimension Stone Design Manual, it says that stone tiles must be anchored if they are above 15’-0”. This seems rather strange. Is a stone tile installed 16 feet above the ground somehow heavier than one that is installed 14 feet above the ground?

November 1, 2019

Anchor Location Locked secured document

It has always been the practice in our company to locate anchors as quarter-points. Recently, an architect on a project said he had attended one of your seminars and was told that the correct spot is one-fifth points. When did this change? It’s always been quarter-points in the industry!

July 1, 2019

Wire Tie Anchor Capacity Locked secured document

I’ve been asked to provide calculations for wire tie connections used in an interior cladding application. Do you have any capacity data for these connections?

November 1, 2018

Testing Hairpin Anchors Using Adhesive per ASTM C1242 Locked secured document

We have submitted details and calculations for the hairpin anchoring of a limestone to precast concrete panels for a project. Our details call for the use of an adhesive in the holes in the stone panels into which the hairpin legs are fitted. The design team is insisting that we test the anchors without the adhesive, since the ASTM C1354 procedure recommends testing it this way. For this particular stone, we know that the anchor will not perform well without the adhesive, so testing it without the adhesive is a waste of time and money. Are there any other documents that discuss the inclusion or elimination of adhesives for anchor testing?

July 1, 2018

Do Anchors Pass or Fail with ASTM C1354? Locked secured document

We just received the report from the testing lab for the testing of our stone anchors. They tested them using an ASTM C1354 procedure. We are a bit puzzled by the report, since it doesn’t say if the anchors passed or failed. Shouldn’t this be part of the report?

January 1, 2018

Specifications for Architectural Granite

The granite industry is keeping pace with architectural progress and changing demands. Technological developments have revolutionized quarrying and fabrication methods, reducing costs and leading to new applications. Attractive new finishes, new construction techniques and new jointing methods have created an abundance of options for building design and construction. Reflecting these changes, the recommended specifications which follow have been completely revised and updated. Inquiries regarding any proposed use of granite, whether conventional or innovative, are invited by member companies of the association.

January 1, 2018

Split-Face Ashlar

Installing Split Face Ashlar Stone

October 1, 2017

Why Not Fasten the Stone Anchors Directly to the Studs and Eliminate the Track? Locked secured document

I’m looking at Detail #2 on Page 15-D-2 of the Dimension Stone Design Manual. It seems to me that the horizontal track mounted to the face of the studs is superfluous. Why can I not simply fasten the stone anchors directly to the studs and eliminate the track?

September 1, 2017

Testing Strap and Split-Tail Strap Anchors Locked secured document

Q: We are installing a small exterior façade using stainless steel strap anchors. The specs require us to test the anchors in the stone. We argued against that requirement, since strap anchors have been used in stone for generations and surely they’ve been tested before, but we were unsuccessful in that argument. We’re now getting ready to test the anchors. The single tab anchors aren’t a problem, but we’re not sure how to test the split-tail anchors. We think the anchor should be tested while engaged in two pieces of stone, just as it is in the job, but the guys at the lab are saying that that’s too difficult to set up in the lab, so they want to test the anchor with one stone only. Wouldn’t this give us low results, since the load is not balanced?

May 1, 2017

Testing Hairpin Anchors for Precast Projects – with drawings Locked secured document

Q: We are sending test samples to a laboratory to test hairpin anchors in a 1¼” granite clad precast system. Do we need to cast the concrete to the stone to test the anchor, or can we just do a pull test on the anchor installed in the granite pieces?

March 1, 2017

When to Test Anchors in Two Directions Locked secured document

I’m reviewing some anchor tests submitted on a project of ours. There are aluminum anchors that carry both dead load and wind load, but I only see testing performed in one direction. Why would they not be tested in both directions of load?

January 1, 2017

Testing Hairpin Anchors for Precast Projects Locked secured document

Q: We need to test some hairpin anchors for a granite-clad precast project. Can we just test the anchors in the stone, or do we need the concrete on the backs?

November 1, 2016

Anchor Slots: Field Cut or Fabricate in Shop? Locked secured document

I’m reviewing shop drawings that were submitted for stone cladding of a small retail facade. The supplier has marked the drawings indicating that all anchor slots will be field cut. I would prefer to see them shop fabricated, as it is my belief that the same level of quality control cannot be achieved in the field. Is there a standard that mandates shop fabrication?

March 15, 2016

Maximum Panel Size Locked secured document

We’re being asked to install some absolutely huge (nearly 8 ft long, 2 cm thick) Carrara panels in a lobby project. This is absurd! What is the maximum recommended panel size for interior cladding?

March 1, 2016

Pressure Test for Anchored Veneer Locked secured document

We’re nearly completed with installing an anchored veneer project. We had the system engineered and we installed the stone per the engineer’s design. Now at the last minute, the owner has retained a curtainwall consultant to do pressure tests on the building to verify that the system will hold up. The project is in a hurricane region, so we’re concerned due to the high loads that will be used in the test.

January 1, 2016

Technical Q & A | Commercial | Exterior | Cladding | Anchoring

Anchor Slot Width Locked secured document

We are supplying a small project of anchored veneer, and the customer is requesting a 2 mm wide anchor slot to receive a 1 mm thick stainless strap. This seems extremely tight to us. We think it should be at least 3 mm to allow for some forgiveness.

November 1, 2015

Maximum Distance between Horizontal Leg of Anchor and Expansion Bolt Locked secured document

I attended one of your lectures on Stone Anchorage methods at the recent AIA show. You discussed how the expansion bolt connecting strap anchors to the backup structure needs to be kept close to the horizontal leg of the anchor. Is there a given dimension defining “how close”?

September 1, 2015

Preparing Anchors for ASTM C1354 Testing Locked secured document

We prepared some anchor samples for a job that we’re doing and sent them to a lab to test them per ASTM C1354. We did the samples exactly like we will do the job, setting the anchors in epoxy. We thought this was the right thing to do to best represent what’s on the job, but the guy at the lab is telling us that we can’t use the epoxy for the testing. Why would it not be tested as it’s installed?

July 1, 2015

Stone Panel Size Limits Locked secured document

We have been asked to bid a cladding project in 1600 x 1800 x 20 mm marble panels. Is there a document that limits the size of stones that can be supplied?

March 1, 2014

More Anchors vs. Thicker Stone Locked secured document

Our firm has designed a low rise building with a façade of rather long pieces that are roughly 5’0” long and 2’0” high. It is mechanically anchored to a cast-in-place concrete backup wall. Due to the 5’0” length, the engineering calcs show that it won’t work with 4 anchors per stone if 3 cm stone thickness is used. We feel the stone should be thicker, but the contractor wants to just add more anchors. Is one solution better than the other?

January 1, 2014

Copper Wire Installation Method vs. Stainless Steel Straps Anchors Locked secured document

We have designed a stone lobby wall with 3/4” thickness. Our drawings showed stainless steel strap anchors. The contractor is proposing to anchor with a copper wire and plaster. We have never seen this type of connection before. Is this an endorsed method for securing heavy stone panels?

November 1, 2013

Panel Size, Anchoring and Warping Locked secured document

We have a textured finish that is done with percussive methods for a project that has exterior panels with sizes up to 30" x 60". The panels are warping due to the finish. The supplier says they can prevent the warping if we increase the thickness, unfortunately that will make them heavier than 15 pounds per square foot, and we can no longer adhere them per code. Is there another option?

November 1, 2013

When to Use Stainless Steel Strap vs. Wire Anchors to Secure Stone Panels Locked secured document

We have designed a stone lobby wall with 3/4” thickness. Our drawings showed stainless steel strap anchors. The contractor is proposing to anchor with a copper wire and plaster. We have never seen this type of connection before. Is this an endorsed method for securing heavy stone panels?

November 1, 2013

Anchor Exterior Cladding, Mechanical Locked secured document

We are bidding a small exterior façade, and the bid documents require the stones to be mechanically anchored. As we are primarily a tile contractor, our crews are not very experienced in anchoring stone. Is there a detail that we could submit that shows both anchors and thinset, so we could use the thinset just as a safety measure in case the anchors don’t hold?

July 1, 2013

Exterior Cladding Performance Test – ASTM C1201 Locked secured document

I attended one of the general stone education sessions by the MIA at the recent StonExpo. In the presentation, there was mention of a test method for structural performance of stone cladding, but it didn’t get into any level of detail or description of the test method. What exactly does this method test?

March 1, 2013

What Material Can You Use to Fill a Dowel Hole? Locked secured document

We have some cubic granite pieces that are pinned into a concrete foundation, and the spec says to epoxy the pins into the holes in the granite. But the holes drilled by the fabricator are about 1½” diameter, and the pins are only ¾”. That’s going to take a lot of epoxy – is there a cheaper product that can be used?

April 1, 2012

Anchoring of 2 cm Stone Locked secured document

We have 2 cm travertine panels going into a large tenant space lobby. The architect wants us to use strap anchors because he believes they are stronger. We prefer to use wire ties due to the thin stone. Is there something that documents the acceptability of wire ties in this application?

November 1, 2011

What Material to use When Setting a Wire Tie Anchor, ASTM C1242 Locked secured document

What should actually be used for the “spots” when setting with wire tie anchors? I’ve always heard this referred to as “wire and plaster,” but I’ve also seen references that say that plaster isn’t allowed, and it should be mortar. Which should it be?

September 1, 2011

Removal of Existing Granite and Anchoring: Re-installation Locked secured document

We are starting to remove panels from a 1920’s era historically significant façade, after which we will build new structural backup walls, and then replace the historical stone panels over the new walls. The granite panels are 4” thick and are held in place with heavy straps. To remove them, we have simply been cutting the straps. When we reinstall them, can we simply cut new anchor slots, or must we remove the embedded portion of the existing straps and use the same anchor slots?

August 1, 2011

Stone Anchoring: C1201 Test to Avoid “Zippering” Locked secured document

We’re anchoring some stone panels with continuous aluminum extrusions that are 4 ft. long. There’s a consulting engineer involved who won’t approve our engineer’s calcs because we didn’t test the anchor at 4 ft lengths. He claims that “zippering” of the kerf could occur. What is he referring to?

June 1, 2011

Anchor Placement on 3 cm Thick Cladding Locked secured document

I’m reviewing a shop drawing submission for a small low-rise façade on a retail property, and I’m confused by the contractor’s anchor placement. The stone is 1¼” thick, but the anchors are only ½” back from the face. Logically, shouldn’t they be at 5/8” back from the face, which would be the center of the panel’s edge?

June 1, 2010

Anchor Details Explained Locked secured document

Why are there so few sizes shown for anchors in the MIA’s Dimension Stone Design Manual? That book would be a lot more useful if the anchors were fully dimensioned so we could just plug the details into our shop drawings.

February 1, 2010

The Art of Deflection Locked secured document

Of the many issues the C-18 committee discussed regarding thin wall adhered veneer and proposed specifications, expansion joint spacing, stone weight, system weight, maximum height, inspections, etc., nothing inspires heated debate like the issue of allowable deflection of the back up structure. The contention began with a proposed requirement of a maximum allowable deflection of L/1000. L is the span, or the free length of the back up structure between supports. So, if the distance from the floor to the structure above is 10’, then that is the span. L/1000 then, is 120” (10’) divided by 1000 or 0.120”, about 1/8”. What this means is that a 10’ wall should only move 1/8” at the center of the span when the full design wind load is applied.

November 1, 2009

Anchoring Sinks to Stone Countertops Locked secured document

I am curious why the Dimension Stone Design Manual doesn’t include any cautionary statement about anchoring sinks to the underside of 2 cm countertops. I don’t think these stones are strong enough to carry the sink; sinks under 2 cm countertops should always be carried by the cabinet frame in my opinion.

October 1, 2009

Considerations in Determining the Appropriate Anchors, C1354 Locked secured document

Where can I find a specification for the minimum anchor depth in stone? The Indiana Limestone Institute website says: “The minimum depth of anchor embedment, the minimum center to center distance and the minimum edge distance shall be in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations (expansion bolts and similar anchors). It is good practice to install expansion bolts to an embedment depth greater than the recommended minimum depth. This results in substantial increases in the factor of safety with a negligible cost effect.” I was hoping you guys had something more definitive.

October 1, 2009

Safety Factor for External Cladding, C1242 Locked secured document

We seek your advice on the factor of safety to be considered as per ASTM norms on flexural strength of the granite to be used on external cladding for building height up to 25 meters.

July 1, 2009

T-31 Anchors for Sinks Locked secured document

We are using some T-31 anchors in 2 cm stone to anchor our sink clips. What kind of strength do these have?

April 1, 2009

Exterior Cladding Joint Width Locked secured document

We are installing an exterior marble façade using butt tight joints. We are at a loss as far as how to seal the joints. Can you recommend a sealer for tight joints exterior adhered marble?

March 1, 2009

Anchorage Limitations – 2 cm Thick Granite Cladding Locked secured document

We’re looking at a project in our town where we need to anchor a 96" x 48" x ¾” exterior granite panel to a CMU backup wall. What is the best type of anchor to use in this case?

January 1, 2009

Anchor Slot Standard Locked secured document

What are the industry standard dimensions for anchor slots? We’ve always cut them 3/8" x 1¼", but recently we supplied material to a project that was rejected because the anchor slots were too large.

December 1, 2008

Stone Anchorage to Precast Concrete Panels Locked secured document

We’re bidding a job which has 3 cm stone panels over a precast concrete panel – is there a specification for what adhesive to use to hold the stone on the concrete?

November 1, 2008

Technical Q & A | Commercial | Exterior | Pre-Assembled | Anchoring

2 cm Travertine Cladding, Wire or Strap Anchors Locked secured document

We are installing some 2 cm travertine panels as interior cladding. We intend to anchor it with traditional wire tie anchors with mortar spots. The architect’s drawings originally showed strap anchors, and now they are insisting that we plunge cut slots into the stone edges and use strap anchors. We don’t believe there is an advantage in doing so. What is your opinion?

October 1, 2008

Countertop Underhung Sink Anchorage Locked secured document

I am a homeowner with a granite countertop. The installer of my granite tops mounted the undermount sinks to the underside of the granite counters using epoxy only, without any bolts or brackets or anything. Is this acceptable practice?

October 1, 2008

Anchor Slot Failure & Ettringite Formation Locked secured document

We were called back to a project that we supplied a couple of years ago. It’s a simple base course, and most of the anchor slots are blown out. I can’t believe the loads are high enough on these anchors to fail the slots. I suspected they may have hit the panels with snow removal equipment, but the problem seems to be more prevalent at the top edge of the panels where the snow removal equipment wouldn’t hit it. Any ideas what might have caused it?

September 1, 2008

Split Tail Anchor Locked secured document

We’re just finishing shop drawings for a conventionally set, stainless steel strap anchored stone veneer project. We had a local laboratory test the anchors for us, but we’re questioning the way they tested the split tail anchors. They mocked them up using only one tab of the split tail in a stone sample, without loading the opposite tab. There is no occasion where we would use a split tail with only one tab engaged, so why would they test it that way? We think that not having a balanced load on the anchor would reduce the test results.

July 1, 2008

ASTM C880 Flexural Strength Locked secured document

We recently submitted some test specimens for flexural strength testing by the ASTM C 880 method. The engineer reviewing the data says we did not supply them in the proper parallel and perpendicular rift directions, but we did cut them in different directions from the slab. How can we convince him that these were sampled correctly?

June 1, 2008

Effects of Building Movement on Stone Cladding Locked secured document

We’ve been asked to quote an installation of stone slab interior wall cladding on the 51st floor of a 52 floor skyscraper. I visited the job yesterday, which was an extremely windy day. I could actually feel the building swaying in the wind. Wouldn’t the movement of the building cause the stone to pop off of the wall?

April 1, 2008

Floor Deflection and Bending Stone Locked secured document

I read your column in last month’s newsletter, but something doesn’t make sense to me in the deflection question. You stated that “A given deflection in a short span actually creates a sharper curvature in the floor than the same deflection in a longer span.” Aren’t deflections always worse in longer spans?

March 1, 2008

Indiana Limestone Institute Handbook 22nd Edition

The primary tool for use by Architects and Engineers in designing Indiana Limestone as cut stone. Includes details, specifications, treatment recommendations, anchor types and styles, wind load, tolerance and other charts and graphs.

January 1, 2007

Natural Stone Institute

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