ASTM C121/C121M-20
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Water Absorption of Slate
Standard Test Method for Water Absorption of Slate
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is useful in indicating the differences in water absorption of slates. This test method also provides one element in the comparison of slates.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the water absorption of slate.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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
- 14-May-2020
- Technical Committee
- C18 - Dimension Stone
- Drafting Committee
- C18.01 - Test Methods
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2014
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2005
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2004
Overview
ASTM C121/C121M-20: Standard Test Method for Water Absorption of Slate provides a standardized procedure for determining the water absorption properties of slate materials. This test method is essential for comparing the porosity and general performance of different types or grades of slate, a common dimension stone used in construction, roofing, flooring, and various architectural applications. By quantifying water absorption, ASTM C121/C121M assists specifiers, suppliers, and quality assurance professionals in evaluating slate durability and suitability for specific environments or purposes.
Key Topics
- Water Absorption Testing: Establishes a procedure for measuring water absorption in slate through controlled oven drying and immersion or boiling methods.
- Specimen Preparation: Details requirements for the size, quantity, and conditioning of slate test specimens to help ensure consistent and reliable results.
- Testing Procedures: Outlines two methods for saturation - extended immersion at a controlled temperature or boiling for accelerated results.
- Reporting Requirements: Specifies information for valid test reports, including sample identification, test results, conditioning details, and any deviations from the standard procedure.
- Safety Practices: Reminds users to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental protocols, as the standard does not address all concerns.
- International Principles: Developed according to internationally recognized standardization principles, supporting global trade and regulatory compliance.
Applications
The ASTM C121/C121M-20 standard is widely used for:
- Product Comparison: Enables manufacturers, buyers, and engineers to compare slate water absorption rates, an indicator of porosity and potential durability.
- Material Selection: Assists architects, specifiers, and construction professionals in selecting slate products suitable for particular environmental conditions, such as regions with freeze-thaw cycles or moisture exposure.
- Quality Control: Supports quality assurance in slate production and supply by providing a consistent method for evaluating and reporting material properties.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that slate used in buildings meets industry and project-specific performance standards, contributing to long-term service life.
- Procurement Specifications: Used in procurement documents to clearly define the quality requirements for slate products in public and private projects.
Related Standards
ASTM C121/C121M-20 references or works alongside several other important standards to ensure comprehensive evaluation of dimension stone materials:
- ASTM C119: Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone - provides standard terminology for the dimension stone industry.
- ASTM C1799: Guide to Dimension Stone Test Specimen Sampling and Preparation - offers additional guidance on proper selection and preparation of test pieces.
- Other Dimension Stone Standards: Professionals may also refer to additional materials testing standards published by ASTM Committee C18 on Dimension Stone for a holistic assessment of stone properties.
Practical Value
By adhering to ASTM C121/C121M-20, stakeholders in the stone, construction, and architectural industries can:
- Reduce the risk of material failure due to excessive porosity or moisture-related deterioration
- Increase confidence in the specified and delivered material quality
- Meet industry benchmarks for slate durability and performance
- Support compliance with international building codes and material standards
- Improve decision-making in material procurement, installation, and maintenance
Keywords: slate water absorption, ASTM C121/C121M-20, dimension stone testing, slate durability, slate porosity, quality control, stone standards, architectural slate, water absorption test method, ASTM stone testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C121/C121M-20 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Water Absorption of Slate". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method is useful in indicating the differences in water absorption of slates. This test method also provides one element in the comparison of slates. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the water absorption of slate. 1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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 is useful in indicating the differences in water absorption of slates. This test method also provides one element in the comparison of slates. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of the water absorption of slate. 1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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 C121/C121M-20 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C121/C121M-20 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C119-19, ASTM C119-16, ASTM C119-14e1, ASTM C119-14, ASTM C119-11, ASTM C119-08e1, ASTM C119-08, ASTM C119-08e2, ASTM C119-08e3, ASTM C119-07a, ASTM C119-07, ASTM C119-06, ASTM C119-05a, ASTM C119-05, ASTM C119-04b. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C121/C121M-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: C121/C121M − 20
Standard Test Method for
Water Absorption of Slate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C121/C121M; 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.
INTRODUCTION
It is often desirable to gain some idea of the porosity of a material in question. Actual
determinations of the pore space require the use of rather elaborate and refined equipment as well as
considerable precision in carrying out the tests. For comparative purposes the absorption test affords
a simple and sufficiently accurate means of obtaining the desired information.As applied to slate this
test requires somewhat more care and precision than many other materials because of its dense nature
and, consequently, the small quantities to be dealt with. Furthermore, the cleavage of slate—that
property which permits it to be split into thin sheets of uniform thickness—must be taken into
consideration when this test is made. On this account misleading results are often obtained on cubical
specimens due to accidental cleavage cracks in the specimens. The shapes of specimens and larger
number of specimens recommended in the following procedure are intended to eliminate to a large
extent the inconsistent results which may be obtained on this material.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the water 2.1 ASTM Standards:
absorption of slate. C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
C1799 Guide to Dimension Stone Test Specimen Sampling
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
and Preparation
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
3. Terminology
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
3.1 Definitions—All definitions are in accordance with Ter-
Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
minology C119.
conformance with the standard.
4. Significance and Use
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 This test method is useful in indicating the differences in
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
water absorption of slates. This test method also provides one
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
element in the comparison of slates.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Test Specimens
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 The test specimens shall consist of square or rectangular
3 5
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
slabs from ⁄16 to ⁄16 in. [5 to 8 mm] in thickness and not less
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
than 4 in. [100 mm] on any side.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.2 Not less than six specimens shall be prepared from each
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
sample of slate, the sample being considered as any number of
pieces selected to represent a definite part or grade of the
deposit.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C18 on
Dimension Stone and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C18.01 on Test
Methods. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 15, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1925 as C121–25T. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
C121/C121M–15. DOI: 10.1520/C0121_C0121M-20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C121/C121M − 20
6. Sampling with water, and boil for 8 h. Before the final weighing, cool the
specimens by allowing tap water to flow over them for at least
6.1 Select the sample to represent a true average of the type
30 min.
or grade of stone under consideration and of the quality
supplied to the market under the type designation to be tested.
NOTE 3—Boiling for 8 h has been found to give practically the same
saturation as immersion for 48 h.
The sample may be selected by the purchaser or his authorized
representativefromthequarriedstoneortakenfromthenatural
10. Calculation
ledge and shall be of adequate size to permit the preparation of
10.1 Calculate the percentage of absorption as follows:
the desired number of test specimens. When perceptible
variations occur, the purchaser may select as many samples as
Absorption,% 5 W 2
...
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: C121/C121M − 15 C121/C121M − 20
Standard Test Method for
Water Absorption of Slate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C121/C121M; 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.
INTRODUCTION
It is often desirable to gain some idea of the porosity of a material in question. Actual
determinations of the pore space require the use of rather elaborate and refined equipment as well as
considerable precision in carrying out the tests. For comparative purposes the absorption test affords
a simple and sufficiently accurate means of obtaining the desired information. As applied to slate this
test requires somewhat more care and precision than many other materials because of its dense nature
and, consequently, the small quantities to be dealt with. Furthermore, the cleavage of slate—that
property which permits it to be split into thin sheets of uniform thickness—must be taken into
consideration when this test is made. On this account misleading results are often obtained on cubical
specimens due to accidental cleavage cracks in the specimens. The shapes of specimens and larger
number of specimens recommended in the following procedure are intended to eliminate to a large
extent the inconsistent results which may be obtained on this material.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the water absorption of slate.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated
in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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 consult and establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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:
C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
C1799 Guide to Dimension Stone Test Specimen Sampling and Preparation
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—All definitions are in accordance with Terminology C119.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is useful in indicating the differences in water absorption of slates. This test method also provides one
element in the comparison of slates.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C18 on Dimension Stone and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C18.01 on Test Methods.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2015May 15, 2020. Published November 2015June 2020. Originally approved in 1925 as C121–25T. Last previous edition approved
ε1
in 20092015 as C121C121/C121M–09–15. . DOI: 10.1520/C0121_C0121M-15.10.1520/C0121_C0121M-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
C121/C121M − 20
5. Test Specimens
3 5
5.1 The test specimens shall consist of square or rectangular slabs from ⁄16 to ⁄16 in. [5 to 8 mm] in thickness and not less than
4 in. [100 mm] on any side.
5.2 Not less than six specimens shall be prepared from each sample of slate, the sample being considered as any number of
pieces selected to represent a definite part or grade of the deposit.
6. Sampling
6.1 Select the sample to represent a true average of the type or grade of stone under consideration and of the quality supplied
to the market under the type designation to be tested. The sample may be selected by the purchaser or his authorized representative
from the quarried stone or taken from the natural ledge and shall be of adequate size to permit the preparation of the desired number
of test specimens. When perceptible variations occur, the purchaser may select as many samples as are necessary for determining
the variations in water absorption of slate.
NOTE 1—Refer to Guide C1799 for additional information on selecting, preparing, and conditioning test specimens.
7. Preparation of Specimens
7.1 Split the slate to the required thickness and saw to size. When the specimens are prepared from shingles no saw cut shall
be nearer than 1 in. [25 mm] to the sheared edge of the shingl
...
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