ASTM C1505-15(2022)

Standard Test Method for Determination of Breaking Strength and Modulus of Rupture of Ceramic Tiles and Glass Tiles by Three-Point Loading

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended for determining the breaking strength and modulus of rupture of ceramic tiles and glass tiles for compliance with requirements that may appear in specifications.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of breaking strength and modulus of rupture of ceramic tiles and glass tiles by three-point loading.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2022
• ICS: 91.100.25 - Terracotta building products
• Technical Committee: C21 - Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Drafting Committee: C21.06 - Ceramic Tile

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C242-20 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM C242-19a - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C242-19 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM C242-18 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM C242-15 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM C242-14 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM C242-12 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM C242-01(2007) - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM C242-00a - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2001
• Refers: ASTM C242-00 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2001
• Refers: ASTM C242-01 - Standard Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2001

Overview

ASTM C1505-15(2022) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Breaking Strength and Modulus of Rupture of Ceramic Tiles and Glass Tiles by Three-Point Loading - establishes a reliable method to evaluate the breaking strength and modulus of rupture for ceramic tiles and glass tiles. This international standard, developed by ASTM International, is widely referenced for determining tile strength compliance, supporting quality control, and aligning with globally recognized testing practices.

By applying a uniform load through a three-point loading mechanism, this standard quantifies critical mechanical properties that are key for specifying, designing, and certifying tiling materials used in a variety of construction applications.

Key Topics

• Test Scope: Specifies procedures for determining both breaking strength and modulus of rupture of ceramic and glass tiles using a three-point flexural loading setup.
• Standardized Units: SI units are the reference; inch-pound units are provided for information only.
• Test Apparatus: Details the requirements for the testing machine and rod supports to enable uniform stress application and accurate results.
• Sample Preparation: Instructs to test ten whole tiles from a lot, with provisions for cutting over-sized tiles while maintaining accuracy.
• Reporting Requirements: Outlines documentation needs, including properties measured, specimen details, methodology, and optional data such as deflection at failure.
• Precision: Discusses the repeatability of test results and the need for inter-laboratory studies to enhance method reliability.
• Safety Reminder: Highlights the user’s responsibility for safety and compliance with health and environmental regulations during testing.

Applications

The ASTM C1505-15(2022) standard is essential for a range of practical scenarios in the construction and manufacturing industries:

• Product Compliance: Manufacturers use this standard to verify that ceramic and glass tiles meet industry and regulatory specifications for strength.
• Quality Control: Regular testing ensures product consistency, supporting continuous improvement and reducing risk of failure in end-use.
• Project Specification: Architects and specifiers reference breaking strength and modulus values to select appropriate tile types for floors, walls, or high-stress areas.
• Research and Development: Laboratories employ the method when developing new tile formulations or innovative glass tile products, benchmarking against standard performance metrics.
• Third-Party Certification: Independent labs use the test method for certification processes, providing credibility and promoting market acceptance.
• Failure Analysis: Investigation of tile failures may incorporate this method to determine whether material properties contributed to a breakage incident.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive understanding of the testing and specification of ceramic and glass tiles, the following ASTM standards and terminology are frequently referenced along with ASTM C1505-15(2022):

• ASTM C242 – Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products: Provides consistent terminology used throughout tile testing standards.
• International Standards Principles – Alignment with World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee decisions for global standardization.
• Other Tile Test Methods – Includes related ASTM procedures for water absorption, scratch resistance, and dimensional tolerances.

Keywords: breaking strength, modulus of rupture, ceramic tile, glass tile, three-point loading, ASTM C1505, tile testing, standard test method, quality control, construction materials

Adhering to ASTM C1505-15(2022) assures that ceramic and glass tiles are rigorously evaluated for structural performance, supporting safety and reliability in the built environment.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C1505 − 15 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Breaking Strength and Modulus of Rupture
of Ceramic Tiles and Glass Tiles by Three-Point Loading
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1505; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope using a three-point loading method. The tiles are supported on
two cylindrical support rods positioned to provide an appro-
1.1 This test method covers the determination of breaking
priate span. A load is applied at a uniform rate using a third
strength and modulus of rupture of ceramic tiles and glass tiles
central cylindrical rod positioned at the midpoint between the
by three-point loading.
supportrods.Thebreakingstrengthandmodulusofruptureare
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
calculated using the load at which tile failure is observed, the
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
dimensions of the tile specimen, and the span between the
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
support rods. Optionally, the deflection at which the tile failure
tion only and are not considered standard.
is observed may be reported.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 This test method is intended for determining the break-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ing strength and modulus of rupture of ceramic tiles and glass
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
tiles for compliance with requirements that may appear in
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
specifications.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6. Apparatus
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
6.1 Testing Machine, capable of loading at a uniform rate
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
sufficient to increase the stress in the specimen at a rate of 1 6
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
0.2N/mm (145 629psi)persecond.Atminimum,thetesting
2. Referenced Documents
machine shall record loading data at the point at which
specimen failure is observed. Optionally, the testing machine
2.1 ASTM Standards:
mayrecorddeflectiondata.Therodsupporttableofthetesting
C242Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related
machine shall be adjustable such that the cylindrical support
Products
rods can accommodate a variety of specimen sizes.
3. Terminology
6.2 Cylindrical Support Rods, 2, of length, w, with a steel
3.1 For the definitions of terms used on this test method, core of diameter, d, and a rubber bearing surface of 55 6 3
refer to Terminology C242. ShoreAdurometerhardnessandthickness,t(seeTable1).One
rodshallbepermittedtopivotslightlyrelativetoitslengthand
4. Summary of Test Method
the other shall be permitted to rotate slightly relative to its axis
(see Fig. 1).
4.1 This test method consists of determining the breaking
strength and modulus of rupture of ceramic tiles and glass tiles
6.3 Central Cylindrical Rod, of length, w, with a steel core
of diameter, d, and a rubber bearing surface of 55 6 3 ShoreA
durometerhardnessandthickness,t.Therodshallbepermitted
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC21onCeramic
to pivot slightly relative to its axis.
Whitewares and Related Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C21.06 on Ceramic Tile.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2022. Published March 2022. Originally
7. Sampling
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C1505–15. DOI:
10.1520/C1505-15R22.
7.1 The test sample shall consist of ten whole tiles, selected
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
at random from the lot to be tested. Tiles too large to be tested
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
whole may be cut; however, the cut specimens shall be square
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. and as large as possible, though not larger than the rod length.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1505 − 15 (2022)
TABLE 1 Length of Rod, Diameter of Core, Thickness of Rubber,
where:
and Overhang (See Fig. 2)
B = breaking strength, in N,
Minimum Length of Diameter of Length of
P = load at which specimen failure is observed, in N,
Thickness of
Dimension Rod, w Core, d Overhang, l
Rubber, t (mm)
L = the span between the cylindrical support rods, in mm,
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
and
$95 560 20 5 ± 1 10 ± 5
b = the width of the specimen, in mm.
<95 but$52 130 10 2.5 ± 0.5 5 ± 2
<52 but$18 60 5 1±0.
...