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 2022 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. 521 pages; 25 chapters; 80 drawings/graphics

May 1, 2022

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 00 - Table of Contents

Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022 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.

May 1, 2022

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.

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM).

May 1, 2022

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.

May 1, 2022

Safety in the Stone Business

This 26-page technical module, newly revised in 2021, covers the basics of stone industry safety. Topics include working with OSHA, personal protective equipment, electrical safety, hazard communications, safe slab handling, respiratory protection, equipment operating procedures, and compressed air safety.

December 1, 2021

Seguridad en la Industria de la Piedra

Este módulo técnico de 26 páginas, revisado recientemente en 2021, cubre los conceptos básicos de seguridad en la industria de la piedra. Los temas incluyen trabajo con OSHA, equipo de protección personal, seguridad eléctrica, comunicaciones de peligros, manejo seguro de losas, protección respiratoria, procedimientos operativos de equipos y seguridad del aire comprimido.

December 1, 2021

Silicosis-An Industry Guide to Awareness and Prevention

This technical module covers ways to prevent silicosis through housekeeping and work practices, engineering controls, air quality monitoring, and respirable sampling. It also includes a list of safety precautions for workers and information on baseline medical testing. Revised in 2020 to reflect current OSHA regulations.

December 1, 2020

Marble Soundness Classification rev. 2018 Locked secured document

The Marble Soundness Classification System has been with us, essentially unmodified, for more than half of a century (originating with the National Association of Marble Producers who merged with the Marble Institute in 1963). Its long, established use is definitely a result of its simplicity and effectiveness, but perhaps the greatest strength of this system is that it is linked only to material working properties, and specifically excludes any relationship with the market value of the materials.

November 8, 2018

Testing Frictional Properties of Natural Stone Walking Surfaces Locked secured document

Friction is currently a topic of study of numerous committees, associations, and companies, both in the United States and elsewhere. A test method and evaluation method may evolve in the future that proves to be superior to ANSI 326.3, but currently, the ANSI 326.3 procedure provides a very practical method of friction measurement and evaluation.

January 29, 2018

Quartzite Need Not be a Confusing Stone Locked secured document

Quartzite has been causing confusion within the natural stone industry. Some people say it etches. Some say it doesn’t. Sometimes you hear it’s a hybrid between marble and granite. Yet, others report that it’s harder than granite. Which is it? Why are there such conflicting reports about quartzite?

June 16, 2017

Cement: Types and Usage with Natural Stone Locked secured document

The purpose of this paper is to inform designers and installers using natural stone of key characteristics of cements related to stone installation and assemblies. A second goal of the paper is to educate designers and installers regarding trends in the cement industry that can have significant impacts related to the use of natural stone.

September 8, 2015

Joint Sealants: Products & Application for the Natural Stone Industry Locked secured document

Understanding some chemistry is important when selecting sealants for natural stone. This technical bulletin presents an overview of the design, use and application of joint sealants which are used in the natural stone industry. Discussed are various chemistries and other important considerations for selection of sealants for natural stone installations and the application of the sealant. The intention is to provide a source of information to better understand sealants and provide resources for further research into the industry. It is not intended to provide an inclusive discussion of the sealant industry.

September 8, 2015

Sealing Natural Stone Locked secured document

Should natural stone be sealed? In some cases it makes perfect sense to seal the stone. Once properly sealed, the stone will be protected against everyday dirt and spills. In other cases, it is best to leave the stone untreated. Topical sealers can alter the surface texture and finish, as well as build up on the surface creating a layer that is less durable than the stone.

September 8, 2015

Freeze/thaw Cycling in Natural Stone

The stone industry is introducing new, unproven materials on a regular basis. Can the wrath of mother nature be accurately synthesized in a laboratory setting? This article explains why freeze/thaw occur, the differences among freeze/thaw cycles, various test procedures and obstacles to testing. Published in Building Stone Magazine — SPRING/SUMMER 2013

August 11, 2015

Tolerances in the Dimension Stone Industry Locked secured document

There are a variety of sources from which stone fabrication and installation tolerances can be obtained. This document was cross-referenced with tolerances published by a variety of organizations. While most of the published tolerances are in agreement or exhibit only slight differences, some conflicts may exist between this document and those published by other organizations.

September 1, 2014

Dimension Stone Test Methods, Guides, and Standards Locked secured document

There are similarities between the ASTM documents and the CEN documents, to the extent that some test procedures could be considered nearly interchangeable. Conversely, some test procedures exist in both systems for which there is no equivalent counterpart in the other system. This paper is written to describe the ASTM standards and test procedures, with references to those CEN documents which are similar in scope.

June 1, 2014

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

OSHA Inspection Planning Checklist

This list is provided as a general overview of policies and items needed to be prepared for an OSHA inspection. It contains a broad listing of activities or scenarios that are common in many stone fabrication facilities and can help identify issues that might be questioned during an OSHA inspection.

October 18, 2023

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

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 2022 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)

May 11, 2022

Mortar Bed Reinforcement Locked secured document

Some of the paving details in the Dimension Stone Design Manual show reinforcement in the mortar bed, but others do not. What is the rule as to when it’s required?

November 16, 2021

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

Exterior Walking Surface with Subsurface Heating System for Snowmelt Locked secured document

We are asking to quote the supply of a limestone for an exterior walking surface with a subsurface heating system for snowmelt. Will the heating system damage the limestone?

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

ADA Compliant Ramp Slope Tolerance Locked secured document

What is the tolerance for slope on an ADA Compliant ramp?

January 1, 2021

Slip Resistance Test and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Locked secured document

We received a lab report for slip resistance testing of our stone. The report says that something called “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate” had been applied to the stone. Is this a sealer?

January 1, 2021

Abrasion Resistance for Commercial Stairs Locked secured document

Is there a minimum abrasion resistance specified for commercial stairs?

July 1, 2020

Paver Installation with Inconsistent Edge Slopes Locked secured document

We have a stone pavement condition that was “warpage” required in the pavers to match the existing slopes. Is there an established lippage tolerance for warped pavers that would be different than what is published for flat pavers?

July 1, 2020

Natural Stone Resources Locked secured document

A quick-reference guide the resources relevant in the building industry that are related to natural stone.

June 5, 2020

Natural Stone Types Locked secured document

A quick-reference guide to the most common types of natural stone used as a building material. Key characteristics, formation, and mineral composition.

June 5, 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

Applicable Standard for Landscape Stone Locked secured document

If limestone is being supplied as a landscape material, does the C568 standard still apply to it?

January 1, 2020

Determining Granite Paver Thickness Locked secured document

I’m designing an exterior plaza, a portion of which may have occasional light passenger vehicle traffic. The stone will be a granite, although we haven’t made the final selection. How thick does it need to be for passenger vehicles?

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

Voids in Flooring Bond Locked secured document

I’m trying to make sense of the requirement for flooring bonding that’s listed in the Dimension Stone Design Manual. It says no voids larger than 4 in² for ¾” material. Is that four square inches, or 4 inches by 4 inches? How do you measure it? A void won’t be rectangular, so I can’t just measure the edges.

March 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

Silica Exposure Control Plan

Customizable MS Word Document to help satisfy one of the steps for compliance to the OSHA Silica Rule for General Industry. Includes information on silicosis, safety training and recordkeeping requirements, and a customizable table of common silica-producing activities with recommended or required engineering controls, housekeeping practices, and PPE requirements.

October 18, 2018

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

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

Shear Bond Strength Important in Flooring Applications Locked secured document

Whenever I look at specs and standards for thinsets, they talk about shear bond strength. Why would we be concerned about shear strength rather than tensile? I can understand it on a wall that there would be a shear stress, but why are we concerned with shear on a floor?

May 1, 2018

Different Resins Have Varying Reactions to UV Exposure Locked secured document

We had a call back on a job that we installed 4 years ago. The homeowner had a piece of glass covering a portion of the countertop which has now been removed. The stone is darker where the glass covered it.

March 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

Bituminous Beds Acceptable under Granite Locked secured document

I’m specifying an exterior pavement with predominantly brick pavers, but including accent bands of granite. The granite is in sizes of 16” x 24” x 3¾” (400 x 600 x 95 mm). The bricks will be set on a bituminous bed. Can I use a bituminous bed under the granite as well?

November 1, 2017

Cleaning Flood Damage Locked secured document

We have a small countertop shop in the Houston area. Thankfully, we were relatively unaffected by Hurricane Harvey, but we have many homeowners with stone countertops that were. Most of these homes are needing to replace their cabinetry due to the flood damage. We are being asked to remove and salvage the stone countertops, and then reinstall the stone countertops after the replacement cabinetry is in place. While we are very capable of doing this, we are concerned because in many of the flooded homes, the floodwaters were about the countertop level. This means the stone countertop was submerged in the filthy floodwaters. Is there any way to clean and sanitize these countertops so that they are safe surfaces for food preparation?

November 1, 2017

Split-Face Ashlar

Installing Split Face Ashlar Stone

October 1, 2017

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

Waste/Yield Rule of Thumb for Slabs Locked secured document

Q: Is there an industry standard for waste of slabs in layout?

March 1, 2017

Adhered/Thin Veneer Moisture Control Details

Masonry Technology Incorporated comprehensive illustrated details offers wall details for managing moisture in thin stone exterior walls. Where are weeps appropriate? How does the rainscreen work with the flashing details? What about windows? MTI offers these details and many more.

February 22, 2017

Traditional/Full Stone Moisture Details

Masonry Technology Incorporated comprehensive illustrated details offers wall details for managing moisture in traditional stone exterior walls. Where are weeps appropriate? How does the rainscreen work with the flashing details? What about windows? MTI offers these details and many more.

February 22, 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

False Joint Depth and Stress Riser Locked secured document

Q: Is there a rule of thumb for how deep a false joint can be cut into a 3 cm travertine stone?

November 1, 2016

Paver Bond Testing Locked secured document

We’re bidding a paving project and the specification calls for testing of the bond between the setting bed and the stone to verify 50 psi minimum bond strength. We were planning on using a conventional mortar bed with no additives. Will this meet 50 psi or should we plan on purchasing something of higher performance?

January 1, 2016

Problems with Laminated Pavers Locked secured document

We are installing granite pavers in what we thought was a pedestrian-only exterior area. We now have learned that a small portion of it will have vehicular traffic. All of the granite has been produced, and it is all 1¼” thick. Is it possible to laminate two layers of the 1¼” thick material together to make it strong enough in the vehicular areas?

November 1, 2015

The Truth About Granite & Radon/Radiation

Over the past few years, there has been some consumer confusion and concern about rumored radiation levels occurring in natural granites used for residential countertops, floor tiles, etc. The origins of this concern are advertisements published by manufacturers of competing materials. Levels of radiation from granitic products, while technically measurable, are in fact, just small fractional values of established thresholds for environmental safety.

September 8, 2015

Other Associations for Additional Information Locked secured document

Architects and builders throughout the ages have chosen stone for its permanence and beauty. Where selection was once limited mainly to what was locally available, today’s stone marketplace is virtually worldwide. With the broad and growing array of options, the stone selection process has become more complex under the weight of multiple considerations. This list of 'Other Associations' is a typical, although incomplete, representation of the variety of resources available to designers.

July 21, 2015

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

Concern About Quality Control Due to Variable Testing Methods Locked secured document

We have been supplied test data for some limestone that is proposed to be used as cladding for a low-rise commercial project. In reviewing the submittal, we see that the data range has a great deal of variability in it. In some cases, individual test specimen results vary by as much as 25% from the mean! Is this a quality control concern?

May 1, 2014

Improper Membrane Application – Water Accumulation on Exterior Floor Locked secured document

We’re are installing stone tile on an exterior balcony. The existing concrete deck is not sloped. The waterproofing contractor is placing a membrane directly over the existing, non-sloping slab, and we have been asked to create the draining slope with the mortar bed and tile. Is this acceptable? We normally see the slope occurring beneath the waterproof membrane.

May 1, 2014

Lack of Communication Lead to Blame and Confusion Locked secured document

We have supplied a limestone project to be set with 1/16" joints. They specifically asked that it be supplied with no arris on the edges, so as not to make the joints read wider than they actually are. Now they are complaining that there are too many chips in the edges. Isn’t this their own fault for specifying “no arris?”

May 1, 2014

Confusion on COF and DCOF Testing. ASTM C1028 Locked secured document

We have specified several varieties of stone tile for a commercial flooring application. We asked the supplier to submit coefficient of friction data for the materials. Some of the data that they supplied is based on the ASTM C1028 procedure, but a few of the stones have data based on the new DCOF procedure. Is the DCOF approved for use in stone, or is it only a test for ceramic products?

March 1, 2014

Damage Allowance When Ordering Stone Locked secured document

What is the industry acceptable allowance for broken pieces in a shipment?

January 1, 2013

Correct Explanation of Tolerances Locked secured document

We’re having trouble interpreting the tolerances for stone panels. In the thickness tolerance, it says “± ?” – is this both directions so that the total tolerance is actually ¼”? And then in the face tolerance, it says “non-cumulative,” what exactly does that mean?

December 1, 2012

Rift Defined Locked secured document

I’m confused about rift – I have test reports that say the tests were run parallel and perpendicular to the rift. Is that the same as crosscut & veined?

November 1, 2012

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

Tight Joints: Is There a Tolerance? Locked secured document

We are having difficulty getting an architect to accept our work on a floor with tight joints. We say there should be a tolerance. She says there is no tolerance because tight means tight and nothing else will comply.

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

Limestone Paving: Freeze/Thaw Resistant? Locked secured document

We are quoting the supply of a limestone for exterior pavement in the Chicago area. The supplier of the material says it has been proven freeze/thaw resistant for 48 cycles. Is there anything that documents that this is sufficient for Chicago?

June 1, 2012

Stone Thickness at Exterior Applications Locked secured document

We’re looking at a project with both 3 cm and 2 cm stone cladding on its exterior. The 3 cm is to be set on aluminum extrusions, and we’d like to use the same system for the thinner stone. In the details shown in the Design Manual, it doesn’t give the material thickness – are these meant to be used with any thickness of stone?

February 1, 2012

The Effect of Using Stone in Areas of High Heat Locked secured document

We recently installed a serving counter of 2 cm black granite in a new restaurant. This is a counter where the chefs place the completed orders for the wait staff to pick them up. After only about one month in service, the counter is cracked in several places. There are heat lamps placed over the counter, and in some areas of the counter, I could get readings of 190°F with an infra-red thermometer. Is it possible that just the heat is causing the cracking?

February 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

Compressive Strength Testing Locked secured document

Why is it that when we test compressive strength in stones, we use a wimpy little 2” sample, but when the concrete people test their product, they use a big foot-long cylinder. Wouldn’t we get higher values if we used a larger sample?

July 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

Defining the Term Gauged Locked secured document

We recently imported some gauged, cleft finish slate tiles. The thickness variation was incredible – from 1/4” to 7/8”! We understand that the supplier cannot control the cleft, but our understanding of the term “gauged” was that there was some control of thickness, so that the extreme thicknesses would be eliminated in the gauging process. We contacted the supplier and the supplier insists that “gauging” in the case of cleft slate simply means that one surface has been machined flat. What is the true definition?

February 1, 2011