ASTM C1364-23

Standard Specification for Architectural Cast Stone

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the physical requirements, sampling, testing, and visual inspection of architectural cast stone that may be made from facing and backup mixtures or from a homogeneous mixture, produced either by wet or dry casting. Conformances for raw materials, Portland cement, aggregates, coloring pigment, reinforcement, chemical admixtures, air entraining admixtures, water reducing and accelerating admixtures, ground slag, fly ash or natural pozzolan, and other consituents shall be precisely observed. Products shall also conform to specified physical and performance requirements such as compressive strength, cold water absorption, boiling water absorption, air content, field testing, resistance to freezing and thawing, and linear drying shrinkage.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification includes the physical properties, sampling, testing, tolerance, and appearance requirements for architectural cast stone.  
1.2 Cast stone units covered under this specification include both wet cast and vibratory dry tamp products. Production methods of cast stone can vary among manufacturers; many production methods are acceptable provided the delivered cast stone meets the requirements of this specification.  
1.3 Surface textures, finish, color, special applications, or other features shall be specified by the purchaser. Slump, manufacturing method, and apparatus shall be selected by the manufacturer and not specified by the purchaser.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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-Dec-2022
• ICS: 91.080.30 - Masonry
• Technical Committee: C27 - Precast Concrete Products
• Drafting Committee: C27.20 - Architectural and Structural Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C989/C989M-24 - Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C173/C173M-24 - Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C231/C231M-24 - Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C173/C173M-23 - Standard Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM C1194-19 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Architectural Cast Stone
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1195-19 - Standard Test Method for Absorption of Architectural Cast Stone
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM C150/C150M-19 - Standard Specification for Portland Cement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1195-18 - Standard Test Method for Absorption of Architectural Cast Stone
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM C1194-18 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Architectural Cast Stone
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM C989/C989M-17 - Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C618-17 - Standard Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C1157/C1157M-17 - Standard Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C595/C595M-17 - Standard Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM C989/C989M-16e1 - Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM C494/C494M-16 - Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2016

Overview

ASTM C1364-23: Standard Specification for Architectural Cast Stone is a comprehensive international standard developed by ASTM International. This specification sets forth the physical properties, materials, manufacturing requirements, sampling, testing, and visual inspection criteria for architectural cast stone. Architectural cast stone is a precast concrete product intended to simulate natural cut stone for use in architectural applications such as cladding, trims, and decorative features. This standard covers both wet cast and dry tamp production methods, providing manufacturers and specifiers with clear requirements to ensure the quality, durability, and aesthetic properties of cast stone building units.

Key Topics

• Material Requirements
  • Specifies approved types of cement, aggregates, reinforcement, coloring pigments, and chemical admixtures
  • Includes guidelines on the use of Portland cement, blended hydraulic cements, and supplementary materials like fly ash and natural pozzolan
• Production Methods
  • Covers both wet cast (measurable slump concrete) and vibratory dry tamp (zero slump concrete) processes
  • Allows flexibility in manufacturing methods, provided final products meet all standard requirements
• Physical and Performance Requirements
  • Defines minimum compressive strength, cold and boiling water absorption limits, and air content requirements
  • Outlines procedures for field testing, freeze-thaw resistance, and linear drying shrinkage to verify durability
• Visual and Dimensional Criteria
  • Details permissible surface textures, color tolerances, and finish options as determined by the customer
  • Specifies allowable dimensional tolerances for cross-sections and length for consistent quality
• Inspection and Acceptance
  • Establishes procedures for visual inspection, color consistency evaluation, and handling non-conforming shipments
  • Promotes consistency in appearance within projects with defined criteria for chipping, surface voids, and efflorescence

Applications

The ASTM C1364-23 standard is essential in the design, manufacturing, and specification of architectural cast stone for a variety of construction and architectural projects. Key applications include:

• Building Facades: Simulating natural stone for exterior walls, columns, pilasters, and cladding on commercial and residential buildings
• Decorative Elements: Window surrounds, door trims, balusters, cornices, and other ornamental features
• Exterior Hardscapes: Precast units for planters, benches, landscape borders, and retaining walls
• Restoration and Historic Replication: Reproducing architectural details in renovations where matching original stonework is crucial
• Structural Components: Where cast stone serves as lintels, coping, or structural ornamentation under specific reinforcement guidelines

Using products that comply with ASTM C1364-23 ensures durability, consistency, and long-term performance in challenging environmental conditions. The standard supports architects, specifiers, contractors, and manufacturers in achieving reliable and visually appealing building components.

Related Standards

Specifying and testing architectural cast stone often requires reference to other standards in conjunction with ASTM C1364-23, including:

• ASTM C150/C150M – Standard Specification for Portland Cement
• ASTM C33/C33M – Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM C979/C979M – Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete
• ASTM A615/A615M – Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• ASTM C666/C666M – Resistance of Concrete to Rapid Freezing and Thawing
• ASTM C1194 – Compressive Strength of Architectural Cast Stone
• ACI 318 – Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete

These related standards further ensure the reliability and safety of cast stone as a building material, supporting compliance with local and international building codes and industry best practices.

Keywords: architectural cast stone, precast concrete, ASTM C1364-23, simulated natural stone, construction materials, wet cast, dry tamp, building standards, durability, visual inspection

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: C1364 −23
Standard Specification for
Architectural Cast Stone
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1364; 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* C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
1.1 This specification includes the physical properties,
C173/C173M Test Method forAir Content of Freshly Mixed
sampling, testing, tolerance, and appearance requirements for
Concrete by the Volumetric Method
architectural cast stone.
C231/C231M Test Method forAir Content of Freshly Mixed
1.2 Cast stone units covered under this specification include
Concrete by the Pressure Method
both wet cast and vibratory dry tamp products. Production
C260/C260M Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures
methods of cast stone can vary among manufacturers; many
for Concrete
production methods are acceptable provided the delivered cast
C426 Test Method for Linear Drying Shrinkage of Concrete
stone meets the requirements of this specification.
Masonry Units
1.3 Surface textures, finish, color, special applications, or
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
other features shall be specified by the purchaser. Slump, Concrete
manufacturing method, and apparatus shall be selected by the
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
manufacturer and not specified by the purchaser.
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
C666/C666M Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Rapid Freezing and Thawing
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
C979/C979M Specification for Pigments for Integrally Col-
and are not considered standard.
ored Concrete
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Concrete and Mortars
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
C1157/C1157M Performance Specification for Hydraulic
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Cement
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
C1194 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Architec-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
tural Cast Stone
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
C1195 Test Method for Absorption of Architectural Cast
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Stone
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and
Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color
2. Referenced Documents
Coordinates
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2.2 ACI Standards:
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-
318 Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete
Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
3. Terminology
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C27 on Precast
3.1 Definitions:
Concrete Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C27.20 on
Architectural and Structural Products.
3.1.1 cast stone, n—an architectural precast concrete build-
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2023. Originally
ing unit intended to simulate natural cut stone.
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C1364 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/C1364-23.
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 Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), 38800 Country Club Dr.,
the ASTM website. Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439, http://www.concrete.org.
*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
C1364 − 23
3.1.2 vibrant dry tamp (dry cast) products, n—cast stone 5. Physical Requirements
manufactured from zero slump concrete densely compacted by
5.1 Compressive Strength—At 28 days after manufacture,
apparatus. (See Note 1.)
not less than 6500 psi (45 MPa), when tested in accordance
3.1.3 wet cast products, n—cast stone manufactured from
with Test Method C1194.
measurable slump concrete consolidated by apparatus. (See
5.2 Absorption, Cold Water—At 28 days after manufacture,
Note 1.)
not greater than 6.0 %, when tested in accordance with Method
NOTE 1—Apparatus used in the production of cast stone may include
A, Cold Water of Test Method C1195.
automatic, semi-automatic, or manual devices that deploy internal or
5.3 Air Content—Provide sufficient air content to meet the
external vibration, vibrant tamping, vibration under pressure, centrifugal
casting, or combinations of these techniques to achieve the specified freeze-thaw requirements for wet cast products, when the air
physical properties.
content is tested in accordance withTest Method C173/C173M
or Test Method C231/C231M.
4. Materials and Design
5.4 Field Testing of cast stone shall be in accordance with
4.1 Raw Materials—Materials shall conform to the follow-
Test Methods C1194 and C1195. Field tested specimens shall
ing specifications:
have a minimum compressive strength of 85 % with no single
4.1.1 Cement:
specimen testing less than 75 % of the design requirement as
4.1.1.1 Portland Cement—Specification C150/C150M.
allowed by ACI 318.
4.1.1.2 Blended Cement—Specification C595/C595M.
5.5 Resistance to Freezing and Thawing:
4.1.1.3 Hydraulic Cement—Specification C1157/C1157M.
5.5.1 The cast stone shall be tested using Test Method
4.1.2 Aggregates—Specification C33/C33M, except for
C666/C666M, ProcedureA, except the method of evaluation is
grading requirements.
to be based on cumulative percent loss in mass and not relative
4.1.3 Coloring Pigment—Specification C979/C979M, ex-
dynamic modulus of elasticity and durability factor. Follow the
cept that carbon black pigment shall not be used.
procedure modifications to Test Method C666/C666M in
4.1.4 Reinforcement—Specification A615/A615M.
5.5.1.1 through 5.5.1.7.
4.1.5 Chemical Admixtures—Chemical admixtures shall
5.5.1.1 After the cast stone is 14 days of age, saw-cut three
conform to the following applicable specifications:
3 by 4 by 16 in. (76 by 102 by 406 mm) beams from a single
4.1.5.1 Air Entraining Admixtures—Specification C260/
sample of cast stone to represent three specimens for a single
C260M, except for vibrant dry tamp products.
test. One surface of each beam shall be from the exposed,
4.1.5.2 Water Reducing and Accelerating Admixtures—
formed face of the sample and the remaining sides shall be saw
Specification C494/C494M.
cut.The allowable size tolerance of the specimens shall be 6 ⁄8
4.1.5.3 Other Constituents—Integral water repellents and
in. (3 mm).
other chemicals for which no ASTM standard exists shall be
5.5.1.2 Do not oven dry the beam specimens until all testing
previously established as suitable for use in concrete by proven
for resistance to freezing and thawing has been completed.
field performance or through laboratory testing.
5.5.1.3 Submerge each beam specimen in lime-saturated
4.1.6 Ground Slag—Specification C989/C989M.
water at 73.4 6 3°F (23 6 1.7°C) at least 24 h prior to
4.1.7 Fly Ash or Natural Pozzolan—S
...

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: C1364 − 19 C1364 − 23
Standard Specification for
Architectural Cast Stone
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1364; 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 specification includes the physical properties, sampling, testing, tolerance, and appearance requirements for architectural
cast stone.
1.2 Cast stone units covered under this specification include both wet cast and vibratory dry tamp products. Production methods
of cast stone can vary among manufacturers; many production methods are acceptable provided the delivered cast stone meets the
requirements of this specification.
1.3 Surface textures, finish, color, special applications, or other features shall be specified by the purchaser. Slump, manufacturing
method, and apparatus shall be selected by the manufacturer and not specified by the purchaser.
1.4 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.
1.5 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.
1.6 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:
A615/A615M Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C173/C173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
C231/C231M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
C260/C260M Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete
C426 Test Method for Linear Drying Shrinkage of Concrete Masonry Units
C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete
This specification 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, 2019Jan. 1, 2023. Published December 2019January 2023. Originally approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 20182019
as C1364 – 18.C1364 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/C1364-19.10.1520/C1364-23.
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
C1364 − 23
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
C618 Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
C666/C666M Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to Rapid Freezing and Thawing
C979/C979M Specification for Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete
C989/C989M Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
C1157/C1157M Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
C1194 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Architectural Cast Stone
C1195 Test Method for Absorption of Architectural Cast Stone
D1729 Practice for Visual Appraisal of Colors and Color Differences of Diffusely-Illuminated Opaque Materials
D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
2.2 ACI Standards:
318 Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 cast stone, n—an architectural precast concrete building unit intended to simulate natural cut stone.
3.1.2 vibrant dry tamp (dry cast) products, n—cast stone manufactured from zero slump concrete densely compacted by apparatus.
(See Note 1.)
3.1.3 wet cast products, n—cast stone manufactured from measurable slump concrete consolidated by apparatus. (See Note 1.)
NOTE 1—Apparatus used in the production of cast stone may include automatic, semi-automatic, or manual devices that deploy internal or external
vibration, vibrant tamping, vibration under pressure, centrifugal casting, or combinations of these techniques to achieve the specified physical properties.
4. Materials and Design
4.1 Raw Materials—Materials shall conform to the following specifications:
4.1.1 Cement:
4.1.1.1 Portland Cement—Specification C150/C150M.
4.1.1.2 Blended Cement—Specification C595/C595M.
4.1.1.3 Hydraulic Cement—Specification C1157/C1157M.
4.1.2 Aggregates—Specification C33/C33M, except for grading requirements.
4.1.3 Coloring Pigment—Specification C979/C979M, except that carbon black pigment shall not be used.
4.1.4 Reinforcement—Specification A615/A615M.
4.1.5 Chemical Admixtures—Chemical admixtures shall conform to the following applicable specifications:
4.1.5.1 Air Entraining Admixtures—Specification C260/C260M, except for vibrant dry tamp products.
4.1.5.2 Water Reducing and Accelerating Admixtures—Specification C494/C494M.
4.1.5.3 Other Constituents—Integral water repellents and other chemicals for which no ASTM standard exists shall be previously
established as suitable for use in concrete by proven field performance or through laboratory testing.
4.1.6 Ground Slag—Specification C989/C989M.
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), 38800 Country Club Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439, http://www.concrete.org.
C1364 − 23
4.1.7 Fly Ash or Natural Pozzolan—Specification C618.
4.2 Design—Samples shall be submitted for approval of color and texture. The manufacturer shall prepare drawings for approval
showing shapes, sizes, reinforcement, exposed faces, and anchorage provisions. The purchaser or his authorized representative
shall approve the samples and drawings before manufacture.
4.3 Reinforcement:
4.3.1 Reinforcement shall be new billet steel reinforcing bars meeting the requirements of Specification A615/A615M unless
specified otherwise by the purchaser.
4.3.2 Reinforce units when necessary for safe handling and structural stress.
4.3.3 Reinforcement shall be noncorrosive where faces exposed to weather are covered with less than 1.5 in. (38 mm) of concrete
material. All reinforcement shall have minimum coverage of twice the diameter of the bars.
4.3.4 Area of reinforcement in units greater than 24 in. (600 mm) in more than one direction shall be not less than 0.25 % of the
cross section area [in that direction]. Units less than 24 in. (600 mm) in both their length and width dimension shall be
non-reinforced unless otherwise specified.
5. Physical Requirements
5.1 Compressive Strength—At 28 days after manufacture, not less than 6500 psi (45 MPa), when tested in accordance with Test
Method C1194.
5.2 Absorption, Cold Water—At 28 days after manufacture, not greater than 6.0 %, when tested in accordance with Method A,
Cold Water of Test Method C1195.
5.3 Air Content—Provide sufficient air content to meet the freeze-thaw requirements for wet cast products, when the air content
is tested in accordance with Test Method C173/C173M or Test Method C231/C231M.
5.4 Field Testing of cast stone shall be in accordance with Test Methods C1194 and C1195. Field tested specimens shall have a
minimum compressive strength of 85 % with no single specimen testing less than 75 % of the design requirement as allowed by
ACI 318.
5.5 Resistance to Freezing and Thawing:
5.5.1 The cast stone shall be tested using Test Method C666/C666M, Procedure A, except the method of evaluation is to be based
on cumulative percent loss in ma
...