Testing Standards for Sandstone, Lime stone, Marble and Slate

Praveena Das Jennifer*, G.M.Nagaraja Rao** P.C.Nawani @

1
National Institute of Rock Mechanics, Kolar Gold Fields - 563 117, Karnataka, India

1. Introduction

Dimension stone includes granite, sandstone, limestone, marble and slate. They can be in
the form of tiles, slabs, circle, steps etc. They differ in their properties, colors and textures,
and usage depending on the application. In today’s building environment, the emphasis is
on safe, permanent, low maintenance products, of which stone leads the list in the minds
of architects, designers, and consumers worldwide.
Before putting the material into usage it is prerequisite to ascertain whether the material is
having the basic engineering properties or not. Without a consistent, realistic set of
standards and testing procedures for stone products, the stone industry as a whole would
be in disarray. The standards that have been developed and set in place for these products
are important tools to help protect end users, individual companies, and the industry from
negative effects related to product failures. Materials standards help to prevent the use of
stone products for unsuitable applications. These standards also serve as benchmarks for
quality limits of products. To determine the properties of stones, two important
International Standards are available

1. ASTM Standards
2. European Standards

These standards give the procedures for determining the various properties and also
property value for accepting the stone. European standards give detailed methodology for
CE marking. Every one is more or less familiar with ASTM standard, but European
standards are of recent one.

In this paper we shall discuss about the required tests to be carried out for sandstone,
limestone, marble, and slate as per ASTM and European Standards for better marketability
of the stone.

2. International Standards

2.1 ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Standard

The following American Standards (Table 1) gives the specification (i.e. property values)
for sandstone, lime stone, marble and slate, which may be used as acceptance criteria for
each of the stone.

• * Scientist, ** Corresponding author

@
• Director

1
TABLE 1
Code Title
C568 Specifications for Limestone Dimension Stone
C503 Specifications for Marble Dimension Stone (Exterior)
C616 Specifications for Quartz-based Dimension Stone (Sandstone)
C620 Specifications for Slate Dimension Stone
C406 Specifications for Roofing Slate

In the following tables, the properties required to be tested and the test code reference as
per the ASTM standard for sandstone, limestone, marble and slate for the benefit of quarry
owners and suppliers of dimensional stones, have been given.

2.1.1 SANDSTONE-Requirement

TABLE 2
Sl Test ASTM
Property
no. Requirement* test Code
1. Absorption, max, (%) 8 C97
2. Density, min, (kg/m3) 2003 C97
3. Modulus of rupture, min, (MPa) 2.4 C99
4. Compressive strength, min, (MPa) 27.6 C170
Abrasion resistance subjected to foot traffic, min, C241/
5. 2a
(H) C1353
a
Not recommended for paving in areas subject to heavy foot traffic
* for sandstone with 60% minimum free silica content

2.1.2 LIMESTONE - Requirements

ASTM has classified limestone into three categories according to their density ranges as
follows:

TABLE 3

Type 1: limestone having a density ranging from 1760 to 2160 kg/m3 - Low Density

Sl Test ASTM test

Property
no. Requirement Code
1. Absorption, max, (%) 12 C97
2. Density, min, (kg/m3) 1760 C97
3. Modulus of rupture, min, (MPa) 2.9 C99
4. Compressive strength, min, (MPa) 12 C170
Abrasion resistance subjected to foot traffic, min, C241/
5. 10
(H) C1353

2
TABLE 4

Type 2: limestone having a density ranging from 2160 to 2560 kg/m3 - Medium Density

Sl Test ASTM test

Property
no. Requirement Code
1. Absorption, max, (%) 7.5 C97
2. Density, min, (kg/m3) 2160 C97
3. Modulus of rupture, min, (MPa) 3.4 C99
4. Compressive strength, min, (MPa) 28 C170
Abrasion resistance subjected to foot traffic, C241/
5. 10
min, (H) C1353

TABLE 5

Type 3: limestone having a density greater than 2560 kg/m3 - High Density

Sl Test ASTM test

Property
no. Requirement Code
1. Absorption, max, (%) 3 C97
3
2. Density, min, (kg/m ) 2560 C97
3. Modulus of rupture, min, (MPa) 6.9 C99
4. Compressive strength, min, (MPa) 55 C170
Abrasion resistance subjected to foot traffic, min, C241/
5. 10
(H) C1353

2.1.3 MARBLE- Requirements

TABLE 6
Sl Test ASTM test
Property
no. Requirement Code
1. Absorption, max, (%) 0.20 C97
2. Density, min, (kg/m3) 2595 C97
3. Modulus of rupture, min, (MPa) 7 C99
4. Compressive strength, min, (MPa) 52 C170
Abrasion resistance subjected to foot traffic, min, C241/
5. 10
(H) C1353
6. Flexural strength, min, (MPa) 7 C880

3
2.1.4 SLATE -Requirements
ASTM has classified slate into two categories according to its use as follows:

Type 1: slate used for Exterior applications

TABLE 7
Sl Test ASTM test
Property
no. Requirement Code
1. Absorption, max, (%) 0.25 C121
Modulus of rupture, min, (MPa)
62.1
2. Across grain C120
49.6
Along grain
Abrasion resistance subjected to foot traffic, min, C241/
3. 8.0
(H) C1353
4. Acid resistance, max, (mm) 0.38 C217

Type 2: slate used for Interior applications

TABLE 8

Sl Test ASTM
Property
no. Requirement test Code
1. Absorption, max, (%) 0.45 C121
Modulus of rupture, min, (MPa)
49.6
2. Across grain C120
37.9
Along grain
Abrasion resistance subjected to foot traffic, min, C241/
3. 8.0
(H) C1353
4. Acid resistance, max, (mm) 0.64 C217

2.2. Properties for intended use

Depending on the application or usability of the dimensional stone, the test properties to
be determined are listed in the following table.

TABLE 9
Abrasion
Compressive Flexural resistance Acid
Sl Test Method Absorption, Density,
strength, strength, subjected resistance,
No → (%) (kg/m3)
(MPa) (MPa) to foot (mm)
traffic, (H)
External
1. - -
Cladding
Load -
Bearing
2. - - -
Masonry units

4
 Abrasion
Compressive Flexural resistance Acid
Sl Test Method Absorption, Density,
strength, strength, subjected resistance,
No → (%) (kg/m3)
(MPa) (MPa) to foot (mm)
traffic, (H)
Non load -
Bearing
3. - - - -
Masonry
units
4. Copings - - - -
5. Sills/ Lintels - - -
6. Roofing -
Internal
7. -
Flooring
External
8. - -
Pavements
9. Counter Tops - - -
Food Areas
(Commercial,
10. Residential, - - (flooring
kitchen and only)
Dining areas)

3. EUROPEAN STANDARDS

European standards do not give separate standard for lime stone, sandstone and marble.
The standards are broadly classified in to two groups:
1. Standards for granite, lime stone, sandstone and marble.
2. Standards for slate.
The standards which are applicable for Granite are also applicable to lime stone, sandstone
and marble are given in TABLE 10

TABLE 10
European Standards for Natural Stones prepared by the CEN TC 246
Code Title
EN 12371 Determination of Frost Resistance
EN 14581 Determination of Thermal Dilatation Coefficient
EN 14579 Determination of the Sound Speed Propagation
EN 14157 Determination of Abrasion Resistance
EN 14205 Determination of Knoop Hardness
EN 14066 Determination of Thermal Shock Resistance
EN 14231 Determination of Slip Coefficient
EN 14580 Determination of Static Elastic Modulus
EN 14158 Determination of Rupture Energy
EN 13373 Determination of Geometric Characteristics on Units
EN 14147 Determination of Ageing by Salt Mist
Determination of Resistance to Ageing Actions by SO2 in presence of
EN13919
Humidity
Determination of Dynamic Elastic Modulus (by Fundamental Resonance
EN 14146
Frequency)
EN 13161 Determination of Flexural Resistance (under Constant Moment)

5
EN 1467 Rough Blocks - Specifications
EN 1468 Semi-Finished Products (Rough Slabs) - Specifications
EN 12057 Finished Products, Modular Tiles - Specifications
EN 1469 Finished Products, Slabs for Cladding - Specifications
EN 12059 Finished Products, Dimensional Stone Work - Specifications
EN 12058 Finished Products, Slabs for Floors and Stairs - Specifications
EN 1925 Determination of Water Absorption Coefficient by Capillarity
Determination of Real Density and Apparent Density and of Total and Open
EN 1936
Porosity
EN 1926 Determination of Compressive Strength
EN 12370 Determination of Resistance to Salt Crystallization
EN 12372 Determination of Flexural Strength under Concentrated Load
EN 12407 Petrographic Examination
EN 12440 Denomination Criteria
EN 13364 Determination of the Breaking Load at the Dowel Hole
EN 12670 Terminology
EN13755 Determination of Water Absorption at Atmospheric Pressure
EN = European Norm

EN 12326 is one of the series of standards for slate and stone products for roofing, the
details are as follows.

TABLE 11
Sl no. Title Code no.
Slate and Stone products for Discontinuous Roofing and
1. EN 12326 - 1
Cladding - Part 1 : Product Specification
Slate and Stone products for Discontinuous Roofing and
2. EN 12326 - 2
Cladding - Part 2 : Methods of test
EN = European Norm

According to EN 12326-2:2000 the following tests are to be carried out depending on the
application.

TABLE 12
Sl no. Property to be tested

1. Failure load in bending 4. Sulfur dioxide exposure test

2. Water absorption 5. Thermal cycle test
3. Freeze - thaw test

3.1 Determination of failure load in bending

Tests are carried out on prepared test pieces to measure the failure load in bending.
From the results, the modulus of rupture is calculated.

6
3.2 Water absorption test
Dried test pieces are immersed in water at ambient temperature for 48 hrs and the
absorption is determined from the difference of the wet and dry mass. The samples are
dried to a constant weight in an oven at 105 degree C +/- 5 degree C over a period of
48 hours. The samples are submerged in distilled water in a suitable receptacle
provided with a reflux condenser and are kept gently and continuously boiling for 48
hours. After cooling in air for 5 min they are placed in cold water and allowed to stand
for 30 minutes in the room. At the end of this period the samples are removed from the
water bath one at a time, surface dried with damp cloth and weighed. Absorption of
water is calculated by using the formula given in the relevant standard.

3.3 Freeze - thaw test

Test samples are prepared as given in the Standard. Divide the paired test pieces into
two lots, the test lot and the control lot. Conduct the failure load in bending test( refer
standard EN12372:1999/EN13161:2001) on the control lot. Immerse the test lot in the
water bath at (23+5) 0C for 48 hrs. When soaking is complete, place the test pieces in
the freezing cabinet until the temperature has held (-20+2) 0C for at least 3 hrs.
Then replace the test pieces in the water bath for at least 1 hr. This constitutes 1 cycle.
Repeat the freeze-thaw cycle 99 times to give a total of 100 cycles. When the 100
cycles are complete dry the test pieces in the oven at (110+5) 0C for (17+2) hr and then
cool to ambient temperature. Carry out the bend strength test on these samples.
Calculate the mean value and standard deviation of the modulus of rupture of the test
lot and compare with the mean value and standard deviation of the control lot using a
one-sided student’s t-test at the 2.5% significance level.

3.4 Sulfur dioxide exposure test

EN has classified Sulfur dioxide exposure test for slates into two categories according
to its calcium carbonate content as follows:
a.) Sulfur dioxide exposure test for slates with a calcium carbonate content less than
20%
b.) Sulfur dioxide exposure test for slates with a calcium carbonate content 20% or
more

a.) Sulfur dioxide exposure test for slates with a calcium carbonate content less than
20%
Pairs of test pieces sawn from roofing slates, one dry and one soaked in water, are
exposed to sulphur dioxide atmospheres at each of two concentrations for upto 21
days. Depending on the physical changes observed during or on completion of the
exposure, a code as specified in EN 12326-1:1999 is assigned to the slates.
b.) Sulfur dioxide exposure test for slates with a calcium carbonate content 20% or
more
The softening of slate resulting from exposure to an atmosphere of moist sulfur
dioxide is determined by scraping the surface under a standard load before and after
exposure, and measuring the increased depth of the scratches.

3.5 Thermal cycle test

Test pieces sawn from slates are subjected to cycles of drying at (110+5) 0C and
immersion in water at (23+5) 0C. On completion of 20 cycles the test pieces are

7
 inspected for physical changes indicative of the presence of harmful mineral
components. A code, as specified in TC128 WI 00128032 is assigned to the slates.

3. Comparison between the ASTM Standards and the European Standards

Although both these standards are widely used for characterizing the stone, there exist
certain differences among these standards, and some of them are presented in the
TABLE 13.

TABLE 13
Sl
ASTM Standards European Standards
no.
The ASTM Standards are user The European standards have recently come
1. friendly and have been in use, into use, a little complicated, not user
since ages. friendly.
The accepted test values are clearly
mentioned in the standards for each The accepted test values are not mentioned
2. of the Dimensional stone in the standards for each of the Dimensional
individually along with their ASTM stone.
code of reference.
Limited tests have been
recommended and the existing A large number of tests are recommended,
3. facilities in the materials testing requires heavy capital investment to carryout
laboratory can also be used for some of the tests.
testing of dimensional stones.
Methodology of CE marking is not
5. Methodology is available for CE marking.
available.
Test methodology is available for Freeze
Test methodology is not available
thaw resistance and Slip resistance. However
6. for Freeze thaw resistance and Slip
the methodology of freeze thaw test is too
resistance.
complicated.
Testing Standards are available for Testing Standards are available for the
7. the following properties for each following properties common for all stones:
particular stone:
Physical Properties Real Density, Apparent Density
Absorption Total and open Porosity
Specific gravity Water Absorption at Atmospheric Pressure
and by Capillarity
Thermal Dilation Coefficient
Sound Speed Propagation
Flexural Resistance under Concentrated load
Mechanical Properties
Flexural Resistance (under Constant
Flexural strength
Moment)
flexural modulus of elasticity
Compressive strength
Modulus of rupture
Static & Dynamic Elastic Modulus
Compressive strength
Knoop Hardness
Rupture Energy

8
 Durability Properties Abrasion Resistance
Abrasion resistance Breaking Load at Dowel Hole
Weather resistance (for slate only) Frost Resistance
Thermal shock resistance
Resistance to Ageing Actions by SO2 in
presence of humidity
Resistance to ageing by Salt mist
Resistance of Salt Crystallisation
Design Standards Design Standards are not available.
1. Structural performance of exterior
dimension stone cladding systems
by uniform static air pressure
difference.
2. Static coefficient of friction of
ceramic tile and other like surfaces
by the horizontal dynamometer pull
meter method.
3. Strength of individual stone
anchorage in dimension stone.
4. Guide for design, selection and
installation of exterior dimension
stone anchors and anchoring
systems.
Surface finish properties Slip resistance
Standard is not available
No. of samples required for Recommends large number of samples to be
8. determining each property is about 3 tested for each property, about 10 to 20
to 5 numbers. numbers.
Calculation of Flexural Strength : a.) Flexural Resistance under
a.) Modulus of rupture Concentrated load-( 3 point bend test)
(3 point bend test)
R = 3*F*l/2*b*h2 (MPa) Rtf = 3*F*l/2*b*h2 (MPa)

b.) Flexural strength of stone b.) Flexural Resistance (under Constant

9. (4 point bend test) Moment) - 4 point bend test

σ = 3*F*L/4*b*h2 (MPa) Rtc = F*L/b*h2 (MPa)

Common notations:
F = failure load in N ; L = span in mm ; l = length of span in mm ; h = thickness in
mm ; b = width of specimen in mm ; ∆ = the average net mid span deflection in mm
; Rtf = Flexural strength under conc. load ; Rtc = Flexural strength @ const. moment
The Breaking load for Slabs can be
calculated from flexural stress (Rtf ) value it
self, the formula is as below:
No particular formula is available P = Rtf *W*t2/1500*L*1.6
10.
for the calculation of breaking load.
W = width of slab, mm ; L = length of span,
mm ; t = thickness of slab, mm ; P =
breaking load , (kN)

9
Note: In both the Standards, the standards for physical properties like Gloss / Reflectivity
and Hardness are not available.

5. Other Standards

Apart from the ASTM and European Standards, other testing standards are also available
and are briefly mentioned in this section.

5.1 Australian testing standards

Two sets of standards are available and are given below.

TABLE 14: CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization)

‘BEST’ TEST Methods for Evaluating Stone Tiles

CSIRO METHOD BEST - 0 Introduction

CSIRO METHOD BEST - 1
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 2
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 3
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 4
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 5
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 6
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 7
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 8
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 9
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 10
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 11
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 12
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 13
CSIRO METHOD BEST - 14
Determination of petrography of Stone Tiles
Determination of Water absorption, Apparent porosity,
and Bulk density of stone Tiles
Determination of Flexural Strength of Stone Tiles
Determination of Impact Resistance of Stone Tiles
Determination of Scratch Hardness of Stone Tiles
Determination of Resistance to abrasion of Stone Tiles
(Capon method)
Determination of Co-efficient of Thermal Expansion of
Stone Tiles
Determination of Resistance to Thermal Shock of Stone
Tiles
Determination of Dimensional Stability of Stone Tiles
Determination of Frost Resistance of Stone Tiles
Determination of Chemical Resistance of Stone Tiles
Acid Immersion test for Stone Tiles
Determination of Stain Resistance of Stone Tiles
Determination of Weatherability of Stone Tiles

TABLE 15: Australian Stone Standards

1. AS/NZS 3661.2:1994 Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces - Guide to the
reduction of slip hazards

2. AS/NZS 4586:2004 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface

materials
3. AS/NZS 4663:2004 Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian
surfaces
4. HB 197:1999 An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian
surface materials

8. AS 4204-1994 Headstones and cemetery monuments

10
5.2 Chinese Standards: A list of Chinese standards are given in Table 16

TABLE 16
1. GB/T 13890-1992 Terms for natural facing stone
2. GB/T 14319-1993 Super finishing stone
3. GB/T 14320-1993 Vitrified force-honing stone
4. GB/T 14685-2001 Pebble and crushed stone for building
9. GB/T 17670-1999 Unified catalogue for natural stone
10. GB/T 18250-2000 Test method for performance in plane deformation of curtain
wall's
11. GB/T 9966.7-2001 Test methods for natural facing stones--Part 7: Test method
for strength of individual stone anchorages
12. GB/T 9966.8-2001 Test methods for natural facing stones--Part 8: Test method
for structural performance of dimension stone cladding
systems by uniform static pressure difference

5.3 Indian Standard-Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

In India, Bureau of Indian standard has recommended a list of standards for stones and is
given in Table.

TABLE 17
IS 1121 : Part 1 : 1974 Methods of test for determination of strength properties of
natural building stones: Part I Compressive strength
Methods of Test for Determination of Strength Properties of
IS 1121 : Part 2 : 1974
Natural Building Stones - Part II : Transverse Strength
Methods of Test for Determination of Strength Properties of
IS 1121 : Part 3 : 1974
Natural Building Stones - Part III : Tensile Strength
Method of test for determination of true specific gravity of
IS 1122 : 1974
natural building stones
IS 1123 : 1975 Method of identification of natural building stones
Method of test for determination of water absorption, apparent
IS 1124 : 1974 specific gravity and porosity of natural building stones

Method of test for determination of weathering of natural

IS 1125 : 1974
building stones
Method of test for determination of durability of natural building
IS 1126 : 1974
stones
Method for determination of resistance to wear by abrasion of
IS 1706 : 1972
natural building stones
IS 1805 : 1973 Glossary of terms relating to stones, quarrying and dressing
Method of test for determination of water transmission rate by
IS 4121 : 1967
capillary action through natural building stones
Method of test for surface softening of natural building stones by
IS 4122 : 1967
exposure to acidic atmospheres

11
 Methods of test for determination of permeability of natural
IS 4348 : 1973
building stones
Recommended practice for quarrying stones for construction
IS 8381 : 1977
purposes
Code of practice for maintenance and preservation of stones in
IS 8759 : 1977
building
IS 3622 : 1977 Specification for sandstone (slabs and tiles)
IS 1128 : 1974 Specification for Limestone (Slab and Tiles)
IS 1130 : 1969 Specification for marble (blocks, slabs and tiles)
IS 6250 : 1981 Specification for Roofing Slate Tiles

6. CONCLUSION

NIRM laboratory is equipped with various testing facilities to carry out the tests as per the
International standards. Presently few of the industries are using the NIRM facilities. With
the above list of properties they will be able to market their product in a better way. Data
generation on Indian stones is the prime requirement for improving the exporting of
stones. It is to be understood it is not only aesthetic appearance i.e color of the stone, other
engineering properties play a dominant role in selecting the stone for a particular
application.

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. ASTM standard
2. BIS Standards, European Standards, Australian Stone Standards and Chinese Standards
3. Standards and Specifications for Stone Products - 2007 Marble Institute of America

4.European Standards And CE Marking on Stone Construction Products - Angelica Frisa

Morandini, Dipartimento Georisorse e Territorio,CNR IGAG – Politecnico di Torino

5. International standards on dimensional stone - Dott.ssa Paola Blasi ,Internazionale

Marmi Macchine Carrara S.p.A., Italy

6. Selective guide to the Specification of Dimension Stone - Geoff Quick CSIRO Building,
Construction and Engineering, Highett, Victoria, Australia, 3190.

7. A compilation of international standards for testing of material - Prodomea team –

Hashemite University 2004

8. Guide for Testing of Dimension stone as per ASTM and European Standards -
G.M.Nagaraja Rao, S.K.Mohanty, S.Udayakumar, National Institute of Rock Mechanics,
KGF

12