Standard Test Method for Facial Dimensions and Thickness of Flat, Rectangular Ceramic Wall and Floor Tile

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method provides a means of determining whether a lot of tile meets specifications of variations in size and thickness. In specifications, the nominal size always refers to the minor facial dimension and the nominal thickness of a tile always refers to the major thickness.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the facial dimensions and thickness of flat, rectangular ceramic wall and floor tile. This test method covers tile as defined in Terminology C242.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI 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-Mar-2020
Drafting Committee
C21.06 - Ceramic Tile

Relations

Effective Date
01-Feb-2020
Effective Date
01-Oct-2019
Effective Date
01-Aug-2019
Effective Date
01-Feb-2018
Effective Date
01-Mar-2015
Effective Date
01-Feb-2014
Effective Date
01-May-2012
Effective Date
01-Nov-2007
Effective Date
10-Jul-2001
Effective Date
10-Jul-2001
Effective Date
10-Jul-2001

Overview

ASTM C499-20 is the internationally recognized standard test method for determining the facial dimensions and thickness of flat, rectangular ceramic wall and floor tiles. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines procedures for measuring key tile characteristics to ensure conformity to product specifications. Accurate assessment of dimensional tolerances is essential for quality control, product consistency, and performance in ceramic tile installations.

This standard is applicable to tiles defined within ASTM C242 and is referenced by manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulatory bodies to evaluate whether tile lots meet established specifications for size consistency and thickness.

Key Topics

  • Facial Dimension and Thickness Measurement: ASTM C499-20 details methods for precisely measuring the major and minor facial dimensions, as well as the thickness (both major and minor) of ceramic tiles. This is critical for verifying manufacturer claims and ensuring product uniformity.
  • Testing Procedures: The test requires randomly selecting at least ten tile specimens from a batch. Measurements are taken at several predefined positions using devices such as micrometers or dial indicators, accurate to 0.001 in. (0.025 mm).
  • Reporting Requirements: The standard specifies comprehensive reporting of average, maximum, and minimum values for each measured parameter, supporting traceability and product quality assurance.
  • Nominal Size Definitions: According to the standard, the nominal size of a tile refers to its minor facial dimension, while the nominal thickness refers to the major thickness. This distinction is essential for unambiguous specification and procurement.
  • Precision and Bias: ASTM C499-20 addresses measurement precision and highlights that bias depends largely on device calibration and tester attention to detail.

Applications

  • Quality Control in Manufacturing: Ceramic tile producers utilize ASTM C499-20 to verify compliance with customer and industry size tolerances, minimizing risk of installation issues and claims.
  • Product Certification: Testing to this standard assists manufacturers and laboratories in certifying tile products, supporting international trade and marketplace acceptance.
  • Project Specification Verification: Contractors and architects reference ASTM C499-20 to confirm that supplied wall and floor tiles meet project requirements for dimension and thickness, reducing on-site problems.
  • Research and Development: The method provides a reliable framework for R&D teams to assess the effectiveness of new ceramic tile formulations and manufacturing processes.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Government agencies and industry bodies use ASTM C499-20 to harmonize requirements and enforce compliance in procurement and public sector projects.

Related Standards

  • ASTM C242 - Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products: Defines terminology used in C499 and other ceramic standards.
  • Other ASTM Ceramic Tile Standards: Includes standards for tile performance, installation, and additional physical properties.
  • ISO and International Standards: ASTM C499-20 was developed in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) standardization principles, enhancing compatibility with global requirements.

Keywords: ASTM C499-20, ceramic tile, facial dimension, tile thickness, wall and floor tile, test method, size variation, product quality, tile standards, ASTM International

By adhering to ASTM C499-20, professionals ensure consistent, high-quality ceramic tiles that meet both industry and customer expectations, supporting durable and precise tile installations worldwide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM C499-20 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Facial Dimensions and Thickness of Flat, Rectangular Ceramic Wall and Floor Tile". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method provides a means of determining whether a lot of tile meets specifications of variations in size and thickness. In specifications, the nominal size always refers to the minor facial dimension and the nominal thickness of a tile always refers to the major thickness. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the facial dimensions and thickness of flat, rectangular ceramic wall and floor tile. This test method covers tile as defined in Terminology C242. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method provides a means of determining whether a lot of tile meets specifications of variations in size and thickness. In specifications, the nominal size always refers to the minor facial dimension and the nominal thickness of a tile always refers to the major thickness. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the facial dimensions and thickness of flat, rectangular ceramic wall and floor tile. This test method covers tile as defined in Terminology C242. 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI 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.

ASTM C499-20 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.25 - Terracotta building products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM C499-20 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C242-20, ASTM C242-19a, ASTM C242-19, ASTM C242-18, ASTM C242-15, ASTM C242-14, ASTM C242-12, ASTM C242-01(2007), ASTM C242-00a, ASTM C242-00, ASTM C242-01. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM C499-20 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

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: C499 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Facial Dimensions and Thickness of Flat, Rectangular
Ceramic Wall and Floor Tile
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C499; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3.2.1 major facial dimension, n—the overall length or width
of the tile, including the lugs on opposite sides.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the facial
3.2.2 major thickness, n—the thickness of tile, including
dimensions and thickness of flat, rectangular ceramic wall and
any maximum protuberances or ridges on the back.
floor tile. This test method covers tile as defined in Terminol-
ogy C242.
3.2.3 minor facial dimension, n—the length or width of the
tile exclusive of the lugs.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.2.4 minor thickness, n—the thickness of tile that does not
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
include maximum protuberances or ridges.
and are not considered standard.
4. Significance and Use
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 This test method provides a means of determining
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
whether a lot of tile meets specifications of variations in size
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
and thickness. In specifications, the nominal size always refers
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
to the minor facial dimension and the nominal thickness of a
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
tile always refers to the major thickness.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Apparatus
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 A suitable measuring device such as a micrometer or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
dial indicator, reading in 0.001-in. (0.025 mm) divisions and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
accurate to 60.001 in. (60.025 mm), shall be used. If a dial
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
indicator is used, suitable jigs for holding the tile and the
2. Referenced Documents indicator shall be provided.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6. Test Specimens
C242 Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related
6.1 At least ten tile specimens shall be selected at random
Products
from the lot to be tested. The same specimens may be used for
thedeterminationoffacialdimensionsandthickness.Brushthe
3. Terminology
specimens to remove all adhering particles of clay or sand.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions relating to ceramic whitewares and
7. Procedure
related products, refer to Terminology C242.
7.1 Major Facial Dimension—Measure the length of the tile
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
tothenearest0.001in.(0.025mm)acrosstwopairsofopposite
lugs.Followthesameprocedureformeasuringthewidthofthe
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C21 on Ceramic
tile. For tile whose lugs are not arranged opposite each other,
Whitewares and Related Productsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
it may be necessary to use a jig to obtain the major facial
C21.06 on Ceramic Tile.
dimensions. For square tile, average all four measurements and
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally
call the result the average major dimension. For oblong tile,
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C499 – 09
...


This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C499 − 09 (Reapproved 2019) C499 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Facial Dimensions and Thickness of Flat, Rectangular
Ceramic Wall and Floor Tile
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C499; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the facial dimensions and thickness of flat, rectangular ceramic wall and floor
tile. This test method covers tile as defined in Terminology C242.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C242 Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions relating to ceramic whitewares and related products, refer to Terminology C242.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 major facial dimension—dimension, n—the overall length or width of the tile, including the lugs on opposite sides.
3.2.2 major thickness—thickness, n—the thickness of tile, including any maximum protuberances or ridges on the back.
3.2.3 minor facial dimension—dimension, n—the length or width of the tile exclusive of the lugs.
3.2.4 minor thickness—thickness, n—the thickness of tile that does not include maximum protuberances or ridges.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method provides a means of determining whether a lot of tile meets specifications of variations in size and
thickness. In specifications, the nominal size always refers to the minor facial dimension and the nominal thickness of a tile always
refers to the major thickness.
5. Apparatus
5.1 A suitable measuring device such as a micrometer or dial indicator, reading in 0.001-in. (0.025-mm)(0.025 mm) divisions
and accurate to 60.001 in. (60.025 mm), shall be used. If a dial indicator is used, suitable jigs for holding the tile and the indicator
shall be provided.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C21 on Ceramic Whitewares and Related Productsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C21.06
on Ceramic Tile.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019April 1, 2020. Published August 2019April 2020. Originally approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 20142019 as
C499 – 09 (2014).(2019). DOI: 10.1520/C0499-09R19.10.1520/C0499-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C499 − 20
6. Test Specimens
6.1 At least ten tile specimens shall be selected at random from the lot to be tested. The same specimens may be used for the
determination of facial dimensions and thickness. Brush the specimens to remove all adhering particles of clay or sand.
7. Procedure
7.1 Major Facial Dimension—Measure the length of the tile to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) across two pairs of opposite
lugs. Follow the same procedure for measuring the width of the tile. For tile whose lugs are
...

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