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 Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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. Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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. Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

May 1, 2022

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 13 - Horizontal Surfaces Locked secured document

The Horizontal Surfaces chapter is broken into 4 sections: Design Criteria, Related Materials, Pavement Systems, and Troubleshooting and Cautions. Abrasion resistance requirements for specific traffic volumes are defined. Bonded mortar, membrane separated mortar, pedestal, sand, and thin set installation methods are discussed in the Related Materials section. Flatness tolerances of substrates and finished units, as well as allowable lippage in finished work are defined. This section covers installations over concrete and woodframe floor systems, including heated floor systems. Maximum deflection recommendations for concrete and woodframe substrates are given. Abrasion resistance requirements for thresholds and stairs are defined. Eight pages of graphics are included with a variety of common details. This chapter is taken from the 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

May 1, 2022

Design Standards | Commercial | Residential

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

May 1, 2022

Design Standards | Commercial | Residential | Cladding | Anchoring

Dimension Stone Design Manual DSDM Chapter 16 - Wet Areas Locked secured document

Stone surfaces in wet areas encompass concerns that are not part of other stone installations. This chapter is divided into five subsections: Stone Toilet Partitions, Stone Urinal Partitions, Stone Shower Partitions, Stone Slab Shower Linings, and Stone Tile Shower Linings. Descriptions of stone soundness requirements, stone porosity limits, warnings about plumbers’ putty, anchorage and waterproofing details, floor slope requirements, and curb height requirements are included in all applicable areas. This chapter includes 10 pages of graphics. This chapter is taken from the 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

May 1, 2022

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 2022 Dimension Stone Design Manual (DSDM). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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). Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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. Click here to purchase a hardcopy of the Dimension Stone Design Manual 2022.

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

Safety in the Stone Business (Spanish)

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

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

Travertine Tile Fiberglass Mesh Locked secured document

We’re experiencing a problem with a travertine tile installation in that the tiles are bulging upwards. The material had a fiberglass mesh backer adhered to it, which was not removed. Is this possibly the cause of the bulging?

July 6, 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

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

Computing Countertop Support Locked secured document

We’ve been asked to supply a countertop that’s surrounded by walls on three sides, and there is no cabinetry underneath. We’ve told the customer that they have to provide a structural member that spans the length of the countertop at the front edge to support it. They’ve no problem doing this, but they want us to tell them what the member should be. Does it need to be steel, or can it be wood? How big does it need to be? Is there a chart or table to which we could refer to determine this? The top is 72 inches long x 24 inches deep.

September 1, 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

Book-matched Marble Expectations Locked secured document

We recently installed a book-matched marble feature wall. We think it’s beautiful, but the architect is threatening rejection because the book-matched veins don’t meet exactly together. Is there any documentation that explains that this is to be expected?

March 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

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

Qualified Labor Specification Language

Specifying Accredited Contractors for your stonework reduces liability and ensures a quality installation. In this document, you will find recommended language to fit into the Quality Assurance sequences of the following sections: • 04 42 00 Exterior Stone Cladding • 04 43 13 Stone Masonry Veneer • 04 43 16 Masonry Stone Fabrications • 09 30 33 Stone Tiling • 09 63 40 Stone Masonry Flooring • 09 75 00 Interior Stone Facing • 12 36 40 Stone Countertops • 32 00 00 Stone Exterior Improvements (Paving, Curbs, Walls)

December 15, 2020

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

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

Absorption of Limestone Cladding for Use Below Grade Locked secured document

Is there a documented maximum absorption for a limestone cladding that extends below grade?

May 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

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

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

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

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

Countertop Overhang Limits Explained Locked secured document

The Design Manual’s Countertop chapter limits overhangs on countertops to 6” for 2 cm tops and 10” for 3 cm tops. How can you make a blanket statement like this, when all stones are of a different strength?

July 1, 2019

Hammer Drilling Holes in Granite Panels Locked secured document

I’m inspecting stone panel installation on a project that my firm designed. I noticed that the masons are hammer drilling holes in the granite panels in the field to receive anchors. I’m not comfortable with this as I fear it may damage the stone, but I can’t find a document that backs me up on this opinion. Is there any document that discusses this?

May 1, 2019

Historical Acceptance of 2 cm Thickness Tolerance Locked secured document

I’m looking at your published document on tolerances. I see that the listed thickness tolerance for 2 cm slabs is ±3 mm. This is absolutely ridiculous—everyone is better than that. This tolerance should be more like ±1 mm!

May 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

Issues Bidding Large Slabs Locked secured document

We are bidding a project with 9’-6” x 3’-6” (2.9 x 1.1m) interior travertine wall panels. Can you write me a letter to say that that size is impossible to do? I need help in convincing the architect that they need to be split in half.

November 1, 2018

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

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

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

Countertop Overhang Limit Confusion Locked secured document

I’m confused about the prescribed limits for overhangs of countertops. I heard in a presentation some years ago that the strength of a slab is proportional to its thickness squared. If that is true, a 3 cm slab should be more than twice as strong as a 2 cm slab. Why is the overhang limit not twice as much? The manual list the limit for 2 cm at 6”, but only 10” for 3 cm.

January 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

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

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

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

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

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

Corbel Supports for Large Overhang Locked secured document

Q: I have customer who wants a 50” wide island top on a 24” cabinet. There will be a 24” overhang on one side, although the stone will be supported by corbels. Can this be done, or will the whole thing just fall over?

November 1, 2016

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

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

Calculating Thinset Coverage Area Locked secured document

We recently had a stone consultant, retained by the owner, review our installation of a stone flooring. He removed several pieces, and then measured the voids in the bedding with a tape measure and determined that we were just under the required 80% coverage. Is this an accurate way to measure the voids? These voids are not rectangular in shape, so it would seem that measuring length by width would artificially inflate the void area.

September 1, 2016

Installing Insulation with Cladding Locked secured document

It seems that more and more frequently on exterior cladding jobs, stone installers are having to install the insulation. We’re not insulators – why does this get dumped on our trade?

September 1, 2016

Safety Factors and Stone Cladding Design Locked secured document

We have a limestone project for which our specification calls for a factor of safety of 10:1 on the anchor design. The engineer doing the calculations for the stone anchorage design has challenged this, stating that a factor of safety of 4:1 is the industry recommendation. Is this correct? We have used this same specification on numerous projects and this is the first time it has been contested.

July 1, 2016

Abrasion Resistance Recommendations Locked secured document

I’m studying the abrasion resistance recommendations in the Dimension Stone Design Manual. We’re selecting materials for the lobby of a small hotel project. Would this be considered a moderate traffic or heavy traffic area?

May 1, 2016

Matching Stated ASTM Physical Property Values Locked secured document

I’m looking at physical property values for a granite that we are considering specifying, and comparing those to the values in ASTM C615. While they’re close, they don’t meet it in all properties. Can you tell me how the properties in C615 were established? Do they pertain to a particular application, for example cladding, or are all granites expected to meet these regardless of the application?

May 1, 2016

Standards for Mesh Reinforcement Application Locked secured document

Is there an industry standard for how mesh reinforcement is applied? Within recent years we’ve seen more and more instances of mesh on slabs that simply aren’t glued on very well.

May 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

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