ASTM C880/C880M-18

Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Dimension Stone

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is useful in indicating the differences in flexural strength between the various dimension stones. This test method also provides one element in comparing stones of the same type.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the flexural strength of stone by use of a simple beam using quarter-point loading.  
1.2 Stone tests shall be made when pertinent for the situation when the load is perpendicular to the bedding plane and when the load is parallel to the bedding plane.  
1.3 As required, the flexural tests shall also be conducted under wet conditions.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2018
• ICS: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products
• Technical Committee: C18 - Dimension Stone
• Drafting Committee: C18.01 - Test Methods

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C880/C880M − 18
Standard Test Method for
1
Flexural Strength of Dimension Stone
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C880/C880M; 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 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining 3.1 Definitions—All definitions are in accordance with Ter-
the flexural strength of stone by use of a simple beam using minology C119.
quarter-point loading.
4. Significance and Use
1.2 Stone tests shall be made when pertinent for the situa-
4.1 Thistestmethodisusefulinindicatingthedifferencesin
tion when the load is perpendicular to the bedding plane and
flexural strength between the various dimension stones. This
when the load is parallel to the bedding plane.
test method also provides one element in comparing stones of
1.3 As required, the flexural tests shall also be conducted
the same type.
under wet conditions.
5. Apparatus
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
5.1 Testing Machine (Fig. 1), conforming to the require-
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
ments of the applicable sections of Practices E4. The quarter-
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
point loading method shall be used in making flexure tests of
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
stone employing bearing blocks which will ensure that forces
with the standard.
applied to the beam will be vertical only and applied without
eccentricity. The apparatus should be capable of maintaining
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the span length and distances between load-applying blocks
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and support blocks constant within 60.05 in. [61 mm]. The
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
load should be capable of being applied at a uniform rate and
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
in such a manner as to avoid shock.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
6. Sampling
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 6.1 Select the sample to represent a true average of the type
or grade of stone under consideration and of the quality
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical supplied to the market under the type designation to be tested.
The sample may be selected by the purchaser or his authorized
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
representativefromthequarriedstoneortakenfromthenatural
2. Referenced Documents
ledge and shall be of adequate size to permit the preparation of
2
the desired number of test specimens. When perceptible
2.1 ASTM Standards:
variations occur, the purchaser may select as many samples as
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
are necessary for determining the variations in flexural
C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
strength.
C1799 Guide to Dimension Stone Test Specimen Sampling
NOTE 1—Refer to Guide C1799 for additional information on selecting,
and Preparation
preparing, and conditioning test specimens.
7. Test Specimen
1
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
7.1 The test specimens shall measure 4 in. [100 mm] wide
Methods.
by 1.25 in. [30 mm] thick by 15 in. [350 mm] long, with a span
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally
as tested of 12.5 in. [300 mm]. The sides of the specimen shall
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C880–15. DOI:
10.1520/C0880_C0880M-18.
be at right angles with the top and bottom.The specimens shall
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
have a fine abrasive finish on the planes perpendicular to the
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
load and a fine saw finish on the other four planes. The
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. dimensions of the specimen shall be measured and recorded to
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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C880/C880M − 18
NOTE 1—Apparatus may be used
...

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: C880/C880M − 15 C880/C880M − 18
Standard Test Method for
1
Flexural Strength of Dimension Stone
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C880/C880M; 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
1.1 This test method covers the procedure for determining the flexural strength of stone by use of a simple beam using
quarter-point loading.
1.2 Stone tests shall be made when pertinent for the situation when the load is perpendicular to the bedding plane and when
the load is parallel to the bedding plane.
1.3 As required, the flexural tests shall also be conducted under wet conditions.
1.4 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.
1.5 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
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 flexural strength between the various dimension stones. This test
method also provides one element in comparing stones of the same type.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Testing Machine (Fig. 1), conforming to the requirements of the applicable sections of Practices E4. The quarter-point
loading method shall be used in making flexure tests of stone employing bearing blocks which will ensure that forces applied to
the beam will be vertical only and applied without eccentricity. The apparatus should be capable of maintaining the span length
and distances between load-applying blocks and support blocks constant within 60.05 in. [61 mm]. The load should be capable
of being applied at a uniform rate and in such a manner as to avoid shock.
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
1
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 May 1, 2015Oct. 1, 2018. Published July 2015October 2018. Originally approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 20092015 as
C880–09.–15. DOI: 10.1520/C0880_C0880M-15.10.1520/C0880_C0880M-18.
2
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C880/C880M − 18
NOTE 1—Apparatus may be used inverted.
FIG. 1 Diagrammatic View of a Suitable Apparatus for Flexure Test of Stone
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 flexural strength.
NOTE 1—Refer to Guide C1799 for additional information on selecting, preparing, and conditioning test speci
...