ASTM C1870-18(2024)

Standard Test Method for Determination of Impact Diameter from Falling Ball on Ceramic Tile

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Impact diameter may be used to interpret impact resistance.  
4.2 Maximum impact diameter may be a specified requirement for tile.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for measuring impact properties of ceramic tile, bonded to a standardized concrete substrate, from a falling 2-in. steel ball.  
1.2 This test method is intended solely for evaluating standardized laboratory test specimens and does not purport to simulate actual installed performance.  
1.3 Units—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.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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-2024
• ICS: 81.060.20 - Ceramic products
• Technical Committee: C21 - Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products
• Drafting Committee: C21.06 - Ceramic Tile

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1870-18 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Impact Diameter from Falling Ball on Ceramic Tile
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024

Overview

ASTM C1870-18(2024) is the international standard test method for determining the impact diameter resulting from a falling ball on a ceramic tile. Developed by ASTM Committee C21 on Ceramic Whitewares and Related Products, this standard outlines a laboratory procedure for assessing the impact resistance of ceramic tiles bonded to a concrete substrate. The method provides a quantitative approach to evaluating the susceptibility of ceramic tiles to surface damage due to impact, which is critical for manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and project specifiers concerned with ceramic tile durability and performance.

Key Topics

• Impact Resistance Assessment: The method measures the diameter of the impact area created by a 2-inch steel ball dropped onto the center of a tile that has been bonded to a concrete block. This data helps interpret the tile's impact resistance-a key indicator of durability.
• Standardized Testing Conditions: The ceramic tile is bonded onto a prepared concrete substrate, ensuring consistent, reproducible results across laboratories.
• Test Methodology:
  • A steel ball (2 inch, grade 25 chrome steel) is dropped from both 36-inch and 48-inch heights.
  • The diameter of the circular impact created is measured to the nearest 0.02 inches (0.5 mm).
• Result Reporting: The standard requires reporting both individual and average impact diameters for each height, providing a comprehensive profile of the product's resistance to impact.
• Applicability: This method is designed specifically for laboratory conditions and not intended to simulate real-world installed performance.

Applications

• Product Specification Compliance: Manufacturers can use the test results to verify that ceramic tile products meet specified maximum impact diameter requirements, as may be detailed in project specifications, procurement contracts, or product datasheets.
• Quality Control: Routine testing based on ASTM C1870-18(2024) enables quality assurance teams to monitor and maintain consistent levels of impact resistance in ceramic tile production.
• Comparative Product Evaluation: Architects, specifiers, and procurement professionals utilize test data from this standard to compare different tile products or evaluate the effects of different adhesives and substrate combinations.
• Research & Development: The method supports R&D efforts aimed at improving ceramic tile formulations, bonding agents, or substrate preparation techniques to enhance overall product impact resistance.

Related Standards

• ISO 13007-2 – Ceramic Tiles – Grouts and Adhesives – Part 2: Provides test methods for adhesives, which is relevant when preparing bonded tile assemblies for impact testing.
• ASTM C21: Covers ceramic whitewares and related products, establishing broader guidelines and test methods that ensure product performance in the field.
• Other ASTM Impact Resistance Tests: ASTM develops multiple test methods relevant to flooring and surfacing materials, offering a comprehensive suite of evaluation tools for the building and construction industry.

By adhering to ASTM C1870-18(2024), manufacturers, laboratories, and specifiers ensure a consistent, objective approach to evaluating the impact resistance of ceramic tiles. This enhances product reliability, supports compliance with international building standards, and provides end-users with added confidence in the materials used in construction and renovation projects.

Keywords: ASTM C1870, ceramic tile impact, impact resistance, impact diameter, falling ball test, laboratory test method, tile durability, building standards, ceramic tile testing

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: C1870 − 18 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Impact Diameter from Falling Ball on
Ceramic Tile
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1870; 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.
1. Scope 4.2 Maximum impact diameter may be a specified require-
ment for tile.
1.1 This test method covers procedures for measuring im-
pact properties of ceramic tile, bonded to a standardized
5. Apparatus
concrete substrate, from a falling 2-in. steel ball.
5.1 Steel Ball—A grade 25 chrome steel ball bearing which
1.2 This test method is intended solely for evaluating
is 2 in. 6 0.1 in. (50.8 mm) in diameter with a mass of 1.2 lb
standardized laboratory test specimens and does not purport to
6 0.1 lb (540 g).
simulate actual installed performance.
5.2 Ball Drop Device—A suitable means of holding and
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
releasing the steel ball from a predetermined height. A section
regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
of pipe, with an inside diameter at least ⁄32 in. (0.8 mm) larger
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
than that of the steel ball, and with holes drilled at 1 in.
information only and are not considered standard.
(25.4 mm) increments has been known to work. The device
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
may be fixed to a table or cabinet and a pin may be placed
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
through the previously drilled holes to act as a release for the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
steel ball. (See Fig. 1.)
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
6. Sample Preparation
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
6.1 Concrete Substrate—Prepare six 6 in. 6 0.3 in. by 6 in.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
6 0.3 in. (152.4 mm by 152.4 mm) substrate blocks. The test
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
substrate shall be 1.6 in. 6 0.2 in. (40.6 mm) thick, have a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
moisture content of less than 3 % by mass and have a water
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
absorption at the surface after four hours of testing in range of
3 3 3 3
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
0.03 in. − 0.09 in. (0.5 cm − 1.5 cm ). The cohesive strength
shall be at least 218 psi (1.5 N/mm ). A method for manufac-
2. Referenced Documents
turing a suitable concrete substrate may be found in informa-
2.1 ISO Standards:
tive Annex A of ISO 13007 Ceramic Tiles: Products for
ISO 13007-2 Ceramic tiles – Grouts and adhesives – Part 2:
Installation Part 2 Adhesives – Test Methods.
Test methods for adhesives
6.2 Test Specimens—Prepare three test assemblies for the
3. Summary of Test Method
36-in. (914.4 mm) drop and three test assemblies for the 48-in.
(1219.2 mm) drop. Each test assembly shall be comprised of a
3.1 A 2-in. steel ball is dropped from a specified height onto
6 in. 6 0.3 in. by 6 in. 6 0.3 in. (152.4 mm by 152.4 mm)
a bonded tile assembly, and the diameter of the impact area is
piece of tile (which may be cut at random from a larger tile)
measured and reported.
and a concrete substrate block. The tile shall be bonded to a
4. Significance and Use
clean, dry concrete test substrate block using a bonding
adhesive recommended by the manufacturer or supplier of the
4.1 Impact diameter may be u
...