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 00 - Table of Contents

Dimension Stone Design Manual 2024 is the stone industry's single-source reference for dimensional stone design and construction facts and details. Contents include sections on granite, marble, limestone, serpentine, soapstone, travertine, quartz-based stone and slate with product descriptions and technical data; general installation guidelines; guidelines and typical detailing for horizontal surfaces, vertical surfaces, wet areas, furniture and countertops; maintenance of exterior and interior stone installations; and a glossary of terms relating to dimension stone.

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 01 - The Geology of Stone Locked secured document

Authored by a Doctorate in Geology, this section provides the reader with a brief background the various origins of natural stone used in today 's commercial market. It introduces the three primary types of stone (sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous), clast sizes, cementing minerals, and the rock cycle.

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 02 - Standards & Specifications Locked secured document

This chapter includes a comprehensive resume of the standardization bodies that have authored standards or test methods applicable to dimension stone. Contact information for the various standardization authorities is included. Note that the actual standards are copyrighted materials of the authoring organization, and are not included in this section. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 03 - Stone Selection Locked secured document

This chapter covers the various considerations involved in selecting a specific stone for a specific application. Aesthetic issues, finish definitions, physical/mechanical properties, samples and mockups, and factors influencing cost are discussed in the chapter. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 04 - Stone Testing Locked secured document

The extent and variety of ASTM test methods applicable to natural dimension stone users can be intimidating to the new user. This chapter explains which tests are applicable to specific application types, what design data can be obtained from each test method, and what units of measure are normally used to quantify the results. Also included is a brief description of the actual test method and apparatuses involved, as well as an explanation of the test specimens required. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 05 - Granite Locked secured document

Included in this section is a list of applicable standards and test methods for granite, descriptions and standards for related construction components, fabrication tolerances, standard finish descriptions, geological and petrographic descriptions of granite, physical and mechanical property requirements, as well as descriptions of common repairs and reinforcements. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 06 - Limestone Locked secured document

Included in this section is a list of applicable standards and test methods for limestone, descriptions and standards for related construction components, fabrication tolerances, standard finish descriptions, geological and petrographic descriptions of limestone, physical and mechanical property requirements, as well as descriptions of common repairs and reinforcements. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 08 - Quartz-Based Stones Locked secured document

Quartz-based stones include sandstone (even those that are not truly quartz-based), quartzitic sandstone, metaquartzite, and quartzite, and quartz conglomerates. Included in this section is a list of applicable standards and test methods for quartz-based, descriptions and standards for related construction components, standard finish descriptions, geological and petrographic descriptions of quartz-based, physical and mechanical property requirements, as well as descriptions of common repairs and reinforcements. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 10 - Slate Locked secured document

Included in this section is a list of applicable standards and test methods for slate, descriptions and standards for related construction components, standard finish descriptions, geological and petrographic descriptions of slate, physical and mechanical property requirements, as well as descriptions of common repairs and reinforcements. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 11 - Soapstone Locked secured document

Included in this section is a list of applicable standards and test methods for soapstone, descriptions and standards for related construction components, standard finish descriptions, geological and petrographic descriptions of soapstone. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 12 - Travertine Locked secured document

Included in this section is a list of applicable standards and test methods for travertine, descriptions and standards for related construction components, fabrication tolerances, standard finish descriptions, geological and petrographic descriptions of travertine, physical and mechanical property requirements, as well as descriptions of common repairs and reinforcements. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 18 - Coping and Stools Locked secured document

This brief section addresses some of the flashing and anchorage details unique to using stone in cubic sections as coping, stools and watertables. One page of graphics shows example details of the anchorage hardware that is unique to these cubic sections. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 19 - Stone Furniture Locked secured document

This brief chapter addresses stone surfacing when not installed over cabinetry, such as conference table tops and small table tops. This chapter is a good compliment to chapter 17 for anyone in the stone surfacing sector of the industry. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 20 - Stone-Faced Precast Concrete Veneer Locked secured document

With anchorage using an entirely different hardware profile than other stone veneers, stone faced precast warrants its own section. This brief chapter shows the common detailing used in this popular composite cladding system. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 21 - Restoration and Maintenance Locked secured document

The Restoration & Maintenance chapter covers topics most pertinent to those in the restoration business, including equipment, repairs, and troubleshooting, restorative processes, sealers, and working with commercial and historic buildings. Also included are over 100 photos, providing visual aids for many of the topics highlighted in the Troubleshooting section. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 22 - Tolerances Locked secured document

Tolerances: the allowable limit of deviation from a specified, or designed value. In some cases, like the machining of critical machine parts, that allowable deviation may be so small that it is measured in micro-inches or microns. While the stone industry does not have tolerances requiring this level of precision, there exists critical dimensions that directly affect visual appearance and structural integrity of stone installations. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 23 - Glossary of Stone Industry Terms Locked secured document

The Glossary of Stone Industry Terms contains over 500 terms and includes over 90 illustrated terms. A list of reference materials for additional reading is included. This section is a must have for the reader to get the full benefit from the rest of the Dimension Stone Design Manual. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 24 - Appendix

Conversion tables, Mohs Scale of mineral hardness, Slab Production Table, a list of additional resources (technical modules and bulletins), and an ASTM Classification Index for Dimension Stone.

January 8, 2025

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 07 - Marble & Onyx Locked secured document

Included in this section is a list of applicable standards and test methods for marble and onyx, descriptions and standards for related construction components, fabrication tolerances, standard finish descriptions, geological and petrographic descriptions of marble and onyx, physical and mechanical property requirements, as well as descriptions of common repairs and reinforcements. This section is where you will find a full description of the frequently referenced Marble Institute of America 's Soundness Classification system for marble. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2024

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 09 - Serpentine Locked secured document

Included in this section is a list of applicable standards and test methods for serpentine, descriptions and standards for related construction components, fabrication tolerances, standard finish descriptions, geological and petrographic descriptions of serpentine, physical and mechanical property requirements, as well as descriptions of common repairs and reinforcements. This chapter is taken from the 2024 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

January 8, 2024

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

Understanding Rifts in Test Samples

We were provided shop tickets from the lab to cut our test samples. They show the rift direction on the pieces, but they don’t make sense to us. When the rift is parallel to the face, they call it perpendicular, and vice versa on what they call parallel. Are the shop tickets in error or are we not understanding it correctly?

November 12, 2024

Health Product Declarations (HPDs) for Natural Stone Locked secured document

A Health Product Declaration (HPD) is a material ingredient report that serves as a tool for providing transparency about the ingredients in building products. By providing this information, the HPD enables design teams to make informed decisions in line with green building standards and certifications. Includes: Basalt, Bluestone, Granite, Limestone, Marble, Onyx, Quartzite, Sandstone, Schist, Serpentine, Slate, Soapstone, Travertine You can use these HPDs as a template for your natural stone materials. Contact HPD-C for more information. https://www.hpd-collaborative.org/builder/

January 29, 2024

Natural Stone Sustainability Standard | ANSI/NSI 373-2023 Locked secured document

This American National Standard, ANSI/NSI 373 Sustainable Production of Natural Dimension Stone, has been developed as part of the ongoing efforts of several interested parties to document and improve the sustainability profile of natural dimension stone production. Stakeholders involved in developing the Standard included stone producers, fabricators, end users such as architects, state agencies responsible for environmentally preferable product procurement practices, academics, and other interested parties.

January 29, 2024

Health Product Declaration (HPD) for Natural Dimension Stone | Full Set Locked secured document

Through the Health Product Declaration Collaborative (HPDC)’s special exception for geological materials, the Natural Stone Institute has developed and published a set of 12 Health Product Declarations (HPDs) for natural dimension stone. Design teams can utilize these documents to gain a better understanding of the ingredients that are in our products.

October 14, 2022

Natural Stone Sustainability Standard (ANSI NSI 373)

This American National Standard, ANSI NSI 373-2022 Sustainable Production of Natural Dimension Stone, has been developed as part of the ongoing efforts of several interested parties to document and improve the sustainability profile of natural dimension stone production. Stakeholders involved in developing the Standard included stone producers, fabricators, end users such as architects, state agencies responsible for environmentally preferable product procurement practices, academics, and other interested parties.

June 20, 2022

ASTM Units of Measure Locked secured document

In looking at a copy of ASTM C615, the standard ASTM spec for granite, I noticed that it is titled C615/C615M. I see other standards labeled the same way. What does the “C615M” mean?

July 1, 2021

Freeze/Thaw Test Cost Variation Locked secured document

We are looking to have some Freeze/Thaw testing done on our materials. We’ve asked three different labs for quotes, and the difference in costs from one lab to another are extreme. Obviously, we want to take the most economical option, but it’s a bit concerning to us as to why they’d be so much cheaper.

May 1, 2021

Terrazzo Chip Variation Locked secured document

We are supplying a project with a large quantity of terrazzo tiles, and the owner is complaining of slight color and shading variation in them. Because the tiles are made of marble chips, is there a publication from the Natural Stone Institute that would stipulate the allowable variation in the marble chips?

March 1, 2021

Flexural Test Specimen Size Differences Locked secured document

We are testing our stone per ASTM C880 on a current job, and the testing spec calls for the stone samples to be tested at a 48” span and 12” wide. That seems strange for a 1¼” thick panel. Aren’t the test samples usually much smaller than this?

November 2, 2020

Limestone & Quartz-Based Stone Flexural Strength Locked secured document

Why is there no minimum value listed for flexural strength in the C568 standard?

September 1, 2020

Slate Testing Methodology Locked secured document

I was just looking at the ASTM C629 Specification for Slate, since it is referenced in a project specification that I’m involved with. Why is it that slate is tested via different methods than other stone types?

May 1, 2020

Sample Preparation for Absorption Testing Locked secured document

We are sending samples for absorption testing. Since the stones will be sealed in the final installation, we’re assuming that the test pieces need to be sealed in the same manner. Is this correct?

March 2, 2020

Slab Thickness Tolerance Explained Locked secured document

We received some 2 cm slabs and in checking them, find that the thickness varies by about ?” from the thickest to the thinnest. Is this in tolerance? We are planning to thinset them to a wall and are worried that the thinset cannot accommodate this variation.

March 2, 2020

Stone Test Fixture Design Locked secured document

We recently had testing done on our stone by the ASTM C880 procedure. The lab provided some photos of the testing and the setup that they used looks nothing like the one shown in the test procedure from ASTM. Does that make our tests invalid?

January 2, 2020

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

Can C880 Tests Be Performed on 3/8” Material? Locked secured document

Can you perform C880 tests on 3/8” material?

September 2, 2019

Stone Properties Fail to Meet Standard Locked secured document

We’re reviewing data on a limestone for a project that we designed. Our specification calls for a Class II limestone, and it appears that this stone falls short of that. Does that mean that we’ll have problems with it in the future? Should we reject it?

September 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

Metric System of Measurement Explained Locked secured document

Most ASTM tests I see are shown as “psi” here in the U.S., but I recently saw some Canadian tests using the measurement “MPa.” Do you know what that is and what the conversion is?

January 1, 2019

Stone Evaluation beyond ASTM Standards Locked secured document

We just had testing completed on one of the granites that we import, and some of the values do not meet the table in ASTM C615. Does this mean that architects won’t accept it, or is there some leeway in the numbers?

September 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

Accreditation Site Visit and Audit Locked secured document

We are starting the process of getting our company accredited. The site visit has us a little concerned. What are the most common causes for failing this portion of the accreditation? We would like to be as prepared as possible.

May 1, 2018

Why Test Flexural Strength in Parallel and Perpendicular Rift Directions? Locked secured document

We’ve been awarded a large project with a very comprehensive testing specification. Our fabricator is questioning the need for testing of flexural strength in parallel and perpendicular rift directions. They explained to us that to there is no way to produce these samples without rotating the block in the gangsaw and taking slabs from two different faces of the block. Doesn’t this seem like an extreme investment of time and money just for creating test samples?

March 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

Exterior Travertine Use Locked secured document

I’ve specified an imported travertine for an exterior patio in a non-freeze/thaw environment. One of the local suppliers said they would not warranty it because they don’t recommend travertine for exteriors. Why is there a prohibition of using travertine outdoors? Isn’t it just like any other marble?

September 1, 2017

The Need for Testing Stone Before and Throughout the Project Locked secured document

Q: We are supplying limestone to a project for which there is a requirement to provide testing prior to supply and also to test during the course of the job. We submitted the initial testing, but we’re afraid that if the next tests results come in lower than the initial, they might use that as grounds to reject the material. Is there a precedent for this?

July 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

Materials Used for Slab Resins Locked secured document

Q: What is the resin material used to make resin-coated slabs?

January 1, 2017

Silicone Caulk Cure Time Locked secured document

Q: How long does it take silicone caulking to dry?

January 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

Stone Grading Terms and Methods of Controlling Color and Character of Stone Locked secured document

We recently received some material with off-colored veining and unsightly patching and filling. Our purchase order clearly stated “select” material was to be supplied. What we received is definitely not select. We need a document to help make our case to our supplier that we did not get what we ordered.

May 1, 2015

What is the Difference Between Heads and Calibrated Edges? Locked secured document

I’m looking at the tolerances section in the Granite Chapter of the Marble Institute’s Dimension Stone Design Manual version 7.2. What is meant by “Heads/Calibrated Edges”?

November 1, 2013

How do you Classify “Natural” Stone? Locked secured document

At what point is a stone no longer “natural stone.” We’re working with more and more slabs that have backers and fillers and resined faces. It seems as if we no longer have the right to call them “natural”. Where do we draw the line here?

August 1, 2012

Range Samples Locked secured document

I received a set of travertine range samples to approve on a small lobby project. I selected the one that best suited our color scheme and marked the other samples as rejected. The contractor is now telling me I had to approve all of the samples or they can’t do the job. This seems absurd; should I not be able to select the one that is most desirable?

August 1, 2012

Is There an Acceptable Amount of Stone Broken in Transit? Locked secured document

We have a customer complaining about the amount of broken stones in a shipment. What is the industry’s allowable percentage of broken stone?

July 1, 2012

Joint Selection Locked secured document

I‘m designing a granite façade using 1¼” thick granite panels. I’m debating how to treat the joints in the façade, as I‘m torn between the water sealing properties of silicone joint sealant and the traditional aesthetically pleasing look of grout. I’m also concerned about the silicone staining the stone. Is there a clear answer as to which is preferred?

January 1, 2012

Who’s Responsible for Design Failures? Locked secured document

It looks like we’re having to replace some limestone tile in a residence due to some cracking failures. The general contractor on the job is telling us it’s our liability. We think it’s a design problem and not an installation problem, because we really think there should have been a membrane used over the slab. Is it our responsibility to recommend the membrane?

November 1, 2011

Mockups: Should They be Part of the Finished Product? Locked secured document

In the Marble Institute’s Dimension Stone Design Manual, there is mention of mockups in the chapter on stone selection. But it doesn’t clarify if the mockups should be independent, or part of the finished project. Isn’t it preferred to have it part of the finished project for economy?

October 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

Testing for Silicon Staining, ASTM, C1248 vs. D2203 Locked secured document

I’m preparing a specification for a stone cladding application. I am well aware of the staining potential of silicone joint sealants with stone, and want to specify that it is tested for compatibility. When I look at the ASTM test methods, I see there are two test methods for this: ASTM C1248 and ASTM D2203. Do I need to have both of these tests performed to ensure that the silicon won’t stain the stone?

June 1, 2011

Entasis of Column (Column Design) Locked secured document

I was meeting with an architect regarding the design of a rather classical looking stone entry. There are some columns on the design, and he asked me if I had a standard formula to calculate the entasis of the columns. Not only do I not have the formula, I was too embarrassed to admit to him that I didn’t even know what he was talking about. Is this a structural calculation?

May 1, 2011

Blunts vs. Sharp Edge: What’s the Standard? Locked secured document

We recently installed some tile and wainscot on a project, and the interior designer is balking at the fact that we didn’t blunt the sharp edges of the stones. We typically don’t, unless specifically asked up front. She says it is standard.

March 1, 2011

Reflectivity of Light Energy on Natural Stone Locked secured document

We’ve got a project with some travertine flooring, and if you look across the floor when the morning sunlight hits it, you can see that some portions are shinier than others. The architect says this is unacceptable, but we think this is normal. Is there any documentation of this issue?

March 1, 2011

Dimension Stone vs. Dimensional Stone Locked secured document

I’ve seen publications referring to “dimension stone,” and “dimensional stone.” Which is correct: or are they interchangeable?

February 1, 2011

Detailing Granite Base when it Butts Against Granite Paving Locked secured document

I’m designing a building with a granite base and granite pavement. Aesthetically, I prefer to have the joint in the horizontal plane, in which case I would have the cladding extending below the pavement surface. In looking at existing buildings in my area, it appears that most are done this way. A colleague of mine says it should go the other way, with the pavement extending below the base, is there a correct way?

December 1, 2010

Details and Standards for Man Made Products Locked secured document

Are the details and standards in the MIA’s Dimension Stone Design Manual applicable to engineered stone?

December 1, 2010

Stone Testing: Who’s Financially Responsible? Locked secured document

Who pays for stone testing? We’re looking at a stone spec with a lot of testing in it, and we’re asking our supplier to cover the cost, they’re saying it’s our responsibility as the installer.

December 1, 2010

Using Class ‘C’ Stone in Exterior Applications Locked secured document

The Marble Institute‘s Soundness Classification says that Class C stones are not allowed for exteriors, but I‘ve seen several that have been used on exteriors. Have they been misclassified?

November 1, 2010

Shear Strength of Natural Stone Locked secured document

Is there any published data listing shear strengths of stones?

October 1, 2010

Modulus of Rupture and Flexural Strength Stone Testing Locked secured document

I’m hoping to start doing my own C99 Modulus of Rupture and C880 Flexural Strength tests. Is there a place where I can purchase ASTM compliant fixtures for these tests? And why is the C99 fixture shown on “rockers,” but the C880 is rigid?

August 1, 2010

Range Selection Criteria for Natural Stone Locked secured document

We have a client that is rejecting several containers of material because it “doesn’t look exactly like the sample we provided.” We gave them one 12” x 12” sample, and the label on the back of the sample clearly has a very clear disclaimer that stone is a natural material and some variation should be expected. This is standard grade material. Can the MIA intervene and clarify that the material is acceptable?

August 1, 2010

Shop Drawings and Piece Marks or Numbering Systems Locked secured document

Is there a documented standard numbering system for numbering the stones on a building façade? I want to specify a numbering system that the supplier would use on the shop drawings that would facilitate tracking of the material back to its in situ position in the quarry.

July 1, 2010

Contract Documents vs. Design Intent Locked secured document

We’re doing shop drawings on an interior marble facing job. The architect says the panels should be bookmatched, as in his opinion, that’s the way marble is always done. There was nothing in the drawings or specs calling for bookmatching. Is there a standard that would make bookmatching mandatory for interior marble walls?

May 1, 2010

The Difference Between Porosity and Absorption Locked secured document

We have some test data from an overseas vendor listing both porosity and absorption of a limestone. The porosity is more than double the absorption! Shouldn’t these numbers be similar, as they are measuring basically the same thing?

January 1, 2010

Absorption and Freeze/Thaw Degradation Locked secured document

We have a proposed installation of imported limestone. The vendor has assured us the material is exterior quality, and provided documentation of usage as sills and coping in freezing climates similar to ours. Can we assume it will work for exterior paving?

July 1, 2009

ASTM Standard for Marble Locked secured document

I’ve been asked to provide documentation that the marble we are supplying complies with the ASTM C503 Specification. I have a copy of the ASTM standard, but it clearly says, “for exterior marble.” The job I’m supplying is all interior work. What is the ASTM number that governs interior marbles?

May 1, 2009

Silicone Sealants and Staining Locked secured document

When is the MIA going to wake up and put something in your manual to prohibit the use of silicon sealants with stone? Everyone knows that silicon stains stone. How many more jobs have to get ruined before you guys put a stop to its use?

May 1, 2009

Specifications Outlining Processes for Stone Finishing Locked secured document

I’m looking through the Design Manual trying to find a description of the processes used to create various finishes and I’m not finding them. Where are these defined?

April 1, 2009

Swirl Marks, Hone, Machine Gauged Locked secured document

Our firm designed a granite clad project in China, with the granite cladding product having been fabricated in China. The honed finish on the panels has numerous “swirl” marks visible in the finish. We’ve discussed this with the fabricator, and they tell us this is a common characteristic of honed finish and therefore acceptable.

October 1, 2008

Units of Measure – cm vs. mm Locked secured document

You’re driving me crazy with your use of mm whenever I read your column. In the stone industry, we’ve always used cm – it’s 2 cm or 3 cm slabs, not 20 mm or 30 mm! I’m always forced to convert between the two.

August 1, 2008

Impregnating Sealer Locked secured document

We recently installed a kitchen top of a Chinese Gold granite. We sealed the stones with our usual product. The homeowner is complaining that the stone turns dark when wet, although the color returns to normal after it dries out. We sent a tech to the site to reseal the tops, but the problem hasn’t gone away. Is there a benefit in sealing a third time? Or are we just using the wrong sealer?

July 1, 2008

Black Granite Myth and Fading Black Stone Locked secured document

I’ve recently had some black granite countertops installed in my home. I’ve discovered that the black color fades if soda or lemon juice is allowed to sit on the granite for any length of time. I’ve done some internet research and learned that this stone might not even be granite! I’ve also learned that these stones are dyed, and that’s why the color leaches out of the stone.

May 1, 2008

Definition of Specific Gravity Locked secured document

We received test data on a stone including specific gravity, but they don’t list what unit it is measured in. What exactly is specific gravity, and what should the unit be?

April 1, 2008

Fissure vs. Crack Locked secured document

We recently had a countertop installed, and it appears to be cracked. We asked the installer about it and he said “It’s just a fissure, not a crack.” What’s the difference?

April 1, 2008

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