FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
Join Us For The 75th Anniversary Midyear Meeting Sep 7-11 ↗

Proposed New ASTM Standard to Cover Preparation of Dimension Stone

Words: Barbara AmbachDiscussions concerning how easily test results for dimension stone test specimens can be influenced by improper or nonuniform preparation methods have led to the ongoing development of a proposed new ASTM International standard. The new standard, ASTM WK31179, Practice for Selection and Preparation of Dimension Stone Test Specimens, is being developed by Subcommittee C18.08 on Selection of Dimension Stone, part of ASTM International Committee C18 on Dimension Stone.

According to Charles Muehlbauer, technical director, Marble Institute of America, and chairman of C18.08, the value of ASTM WK31179, once approved, is “that a document will be available that communicates with the quarrier and sawyer of the stone products the importance of preparing the specimens as mandated by the test procedure.” In addition, Muehlbauer notes that ASTM WK31179 will provide discussion and graphics to reduce confusion regarding anisotropic and surface machining aspects of the specimen.

“It will also provide a means of eliminating certain tested conditions when those conditions will not provide influential design data for stone systems designers,” says Muehlbauer. “This will result in either reduced testing cost or diversion of testing budget to another condition that will provide influential data.”

Because the majority of dimension stone products in many countries, including the United States, are imported, Muehlbauer says that the primary users of ASTM WK31179 will be those involved in import/export activities, to assure that they are getting the necessary test specimens with compliant preparation practices to the purchaser. Interested parties are invited to participate in the standards developing activities of C18.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations at 610-832-9585.

ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.
 0
Chairman's Message: REFLECTIONS SPANNING SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS
September 2025

MCAA has been posting lots of wonderful old photos from decades of records as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary. Many of these photos are black and white and show people at our MCAA events with men wearing suits and ties while the women wore dressy gowns

Dick Dentinger
Chairman’s Message
Read More
Business Building: What Are You Doing To Develop Future Leaders?
September 2025

When I ask my coaching clients if they have anyone in their construction company who could potentially move up from field superintendent to estimator or project manager, the typical answer is “No!” The same answer is usually given when asked if they have

George Hedley
Business Building
Read More
Building More: Smoke Signals or Fire Extinguishers
September 2025

Ever watch a hot-potato game break out on your jobsite? It usually starts small. Somebody spots a crooked door frame, mutters, “I’ll make a note,” and flicks the issue to the next trade like it’s radioactive. By the time that frame comes back around, dryw

Corey Adams
Building More
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 27 Recap: Rob McKay, Chief Operating Officer at Instone
September 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Rob McKay from Instone joins the show to talk about his story as well as the processes and procedures of manufacturing natural stone. Getting Started in Masonry: Rob’s Story Rob entered the masonry field by

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More