ASTM C1195-21

Standard Test Method for Absorption of Architectural Cast Stone

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is to be used in determining the absorption value of cast stone. Absorption is one measure of porosity of cast stone and, hence, its resistance to weathering and in-service durability.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the sampling and preparation of specimens for determining the absorption value of architectural cast stone.
Note 1: The testing laboratory performing this test method should be evaluated in accordance with Practice C1093.  
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: 30-Apr-2021
• ICS: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products
• Technical Committee: C27 - Precast Concrete Products
• Drafting Committee: C27.20 - Architectural and Structural Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C1093-15a - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM C1093-15ae1 - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM C1093-15 - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C1093-13a - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM C1093-13ae1 - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM C1093-13 - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM C1093-12 - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2012
• Refers: ASTM C1093-11 - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM C1093-09 - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2009
• Refers: ASTM C1093-08 - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM C1093-07 - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2007
• Refers: ASTM C642-06 - Standard Test Method for Density, Absorption, and Voids in Hardened Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2006
• Refers: ASTM C1093-06 - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2006
• Refers: ASTM C1093-95(2001) - Standard Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Unit Masonry
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Refers: ASTM C642-97 - Standard Test Method for Density, Absorption, and Voids in Hardened Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1997

Overview

ASTM C1195-21: Standard Test Method for Absorption of Architectural Cast Stone establishes the procedure for determining the absorption value of architectural cast stone, a key indicator of the material's porosity and resistance to weathering. Developed by ASTM International, this standard guides the sampling, specimen preparation, testing, and reporting necessary to assess the quality and durability of precast concrete units designed to simulate natural stone for architectural applications.

This test method plays a crucial role in quality assurance for construction projects by helping architects, engineers, and quality control personnel evaluate the in-service durability and weather resistance of cast stone.

Key Topics

• Purpose: The test method determines the absorption value of architectural cast stone, which is directly related to its porosity and long-term performance.
• Sampling and Preparation: Specimens representing the cast stone batch are selected, typically by sampling units from every 500 ft³ (≈14 m³) of product. Each specimen is saw-cut to the required dimensions and conditioned before testing.
• Test Procedure:
  • Specimens are oven dried to a constant mass, then cooled.
  • Dried samples are weighed and immersed in water for a specified duration.
  • After immersion, surface moisture is removed and specimens are weighed again.
• Absorption Calculation: Absorption value is determined by calculating the increase in mass due to water uptake, expressed as a percentage of the dry mass.
• Reporting: Results are documented, including sample identification, age, individual and average absorption values, and relevant project details.
• Precision and Bias: The method's precision aligns with similar standards, though specific data for bias is not yet available.

Applications

• Quality Control: Ensures that architectural cast stone products meet durability and weather resistance specifications, reducing the risk of premature deterioration in building facades, trim, and ornamentation.
• Material Specification: Used by designers and specifiers to select appropriate cast stone based on environmental exposure and structural requirements.
• Project Documentation: Provides verifiable test results for compliance with construction contracts, codes, and standards.
• Performance Verification: Helps building owners and maintenance teams assess the suitability of cast stone in both new construction and restoration projects.

Related Standards

• ASTM C642: Test Method for Density, Absorption, and Voids in Hardened Concrete. This standard offers similar procedures for concrete products, supporting comparative analysis.
• ASTM C1093: Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry. Laboratories conducting absorption testing should be accredited per this practice to ensure reliability and consistency.
• World Trade Organization TBT Principles: ASTM C1195-21 was developed in line with recognized international standardization practices, facilitating global acceptance and regulatory compliance.

Keywords: ASTM C1195-21, architectural cast stone absorption, cast stone testing, porosity test, precast concrete standards, construction material quality, cast stone durability, ASTM standards for masonry

By following ASTM C1195-21, stakeholders in the architectural, engineering, and construction industries can ensure cast stone materials deliver lasting performance and comply with industry-recognized best practices.

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: C1195 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Absorption of Architectural Cast Stone
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1195; 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. Significance and Use
1.1 This test method covers the sampling and preparation of 4.1 This test method is to be used in determining the
specimensfordeterminingtheabsorptionvalueofarchitectural absorption value of cast stone. Absorption is one measure of
cast stone. porosity of cast stone and, hence, its resistance to weathering
NOTE 1—The testing laboratory performing this test method should be
and in-service durability.
evaluated in accordance with Practice C1093.
5. Sampling
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
5.1 Select the sample to represent the cast stone under
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
consideration. The sample may be randomly selected by the
and are not considered standard.
purchaser or authorized representative from each 500 ft (14
m )ofcaststone.Selectasampleofadequatesizetopermitthe
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
preparation of three absorption test specimens.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6. Test Specimens
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
6.1 For absorption testing, saw cut three specimens from the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
sample. Each specimen shall have one finished surface in-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
tended to be exposed to view and five saw-cut surfaces. For
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
faced cast stone, cut the specimens through the faced surface to
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
consist of approximately equal parts of the facing material and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the backup material.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.2 The test specimens shall be 2 6 ⁄8 in. (50.8 6 3.2 mm)
cubes.
2. Referenced Documents
2 7. Conditioning
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C642 Test Method for Density, Absorption, and Voids in 7.1 Oven dry specimens at a temperature of 230 6 9°F
Hardened Concrete (110 6 5°C) until the loss in mass is not more than 0.1 % in 24
C1093 Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for h of drying. Remove specimens from the oven and allow to
Masonry cool in room temperature to a final temperature of 68 to 77°F
(20 to 25°C) before testing for absorption.
3. Terminology
8. Procedure
3.1 Definitions:
8.1 Weigh the specimens immediately after conditioning
3.1.1 cast stone—an architectural precast concrete building
and determine the mass to the nearest 0.1 g. Record as A (mass
unit intended to simulate natural cut stone.
of dried specimen).
8.2 Immerse the specimens in water at a temperature of 60
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C27 on Precast
to 80°F (15.5 to 26.7°C) for 48 6 1 h such that the top surface
Concrete Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C27.20 on
of the specimens are at least 6 in. (150 mm) below the surface
Architectural and Structura
...

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: C1195 − 19a C1195 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Absorption of Architectural Cast Stone
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1195; 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 Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the sampling and preparation of specimens for determining the absorption value of architectural cast
stone.
NOTE 1—The testing laboratory performing this test method should be evaluated in accordance with Practice C1093.
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:
C642 Test Method for Density, Absorption, and Voids in Hardened Concrete
C1093 Practice for Accreditation of Testing Agencies for Masonry
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 cast stone—an architectural precast concrete building unit intended to simulate natural cut stone.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is to be used in determining the absorption value of cast stone. Absorption is one measure of porosity of cast
stone and, hence, its resistance to weathering and structural stress.in-service durability.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C27 on Precast Concrete Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C27.20 on Architectural
and Structural Products.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019May 1, 2021. Published December 2019May 2021. Originally published in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as
C1195 – 19.C1195 – 19a. DOI: 10.1520/C1195-19A.10.1520/C1195-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1195 − 21
5. Sampling
5.1 Select the sample to represent the cast stone under consideration. The sample may be randomly selected by the purchaser or
3 3
authorized representative from each 500 ft (14 m ) of cast stone. Select a sample of adequate size to permit the preparation of
three absorption test specimens.
6. Test Specimens
6.1 For absorption testing, saw cut three specimens from the sample. Each specimen shall have one finished surface intended to
be exposed to view and five saw-cut surfaces. For faced cast stone, cut the specimens through the faced surface to consist of
approximately equal parts of the facing materi
...