ASTM C97/C97M-18

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Designation: C97/C97M − 15 C97/C97M − 18
Standard Test Methods for
Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimension Stone
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C97/C97M; 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 These test methods cover the tests for determining the absorption and bulk specific gravity of all types of dimension stone,
except slate.
1.2 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 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 These test methods are useful in indicating the differences in absorption between the various dimension stones. These test
methods also provide one element in comparing stones of the same type.
5. Sampling
5.1 The sample shall be selected to represent a true average of the type or grade of stone under consideration and shall be 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 at least five test specimens. When perceptible variations occur, the purchaser may select as many samples as are
necessary for determining the range in properties.
NOTE 1—Refer to Guide C1799 for additional information on selecting, preparing, and conditioning test specimens.
6. Test Specimens
6.1 The specimens may be cubes, prisms, cylinders, or any regular form with least dimension not under 2 in. [50 mm] and
greatest dimension not over 3 in. [75 mm] but the ratio of volume to surface area shall not be less than 0.3 nor greater than 0.5
when measuring in inches [8 and 12.5 when measuring in millimetres]. All surfaces shall be reasonably smooth. Saw or core drill
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C18 on Dimension Stone and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C18.01 on Test Methods.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015May 1, 2018. Published July 2015June 2018. Originally approved in 1930. Last previous edition approved in 20092015 as
C97C97/C97M–09.–15. DOI: 10.1520/C0097_C0097M-15.10.1520/C0097_C0097M-18.
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.
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C97/C97M − 18
surfaces are considered satisfactory, but rougher surfaces shall be finished with No. 80 abrasive. No chisels or similar tools shall
be used at any stage of preparing the specimens.
6.2 Prepare at least five specimens from each sample.
6.3 The same specimens may be used to determine both water absorption and bulk specific gravity. In this case, follow the
procedures in 7.1 – 7.3 and 10.18.1, and issue a single report containing all information required in Sections 910 and 1311.
Alternatively, separate specimens may be prepared from the same or different samples. In this case, follow the applicable procedure
for separate determination and reporting of water absorption or bulk specific gravity, or both.
7. Procedure – Absorption
7.1 Dry the specimens for 48 h in a ventilated oven at a temperature of 140 6 4°F [60 6 2°C]. At the 46th, 47th, and 48th hour,
weigh the specimens to ensure that the weight is the same. If the weight continues to drop, continue to dry the specimens until
there are three successive hourly readings with the same weight.
7.2 After drying, cool the specimens in the room for 30 min and weigh. When the specimens cannot be weighed immediately
after cooling, store them in a desiccator. Determine the weights to the nearest 0.0005 oz [0.01 g].
7.3 Immerse the specimens completely in filtered or distilled water at 72 6 4°F [22 6 2°C] for 48 h. At the end of this period
remove them from the water bath one at a time, surface dry with a damp cloth, and weigh to the nearest 0.0005 oz [0.01 g].
8. Calculation and Report
8.1 Calculate the weight percentage absorption (Note 2) for each specimen as follows:
Absorption, weight %5 B 2 A /A 3100 (1)
@~ ! #
where:
A = weight of the dried specimen, oz [g], and
B = weight of the specimen after immersion, oz [g].
NOTE 2—If the percentage of absorption by volume is desired it will be necessary to determine the bulk specific gravity and multiply each value of
percentage absorption by weight by the corresponding bulk specific gravity value.
8.2 Calculate the mean water absorption of the sample as the average of the weight percentage absorption for all specimens.
9. Report
9.1 The report shall contain the following information:
9.1.1 Identity of party providing the sample.
9.1.2 Name of stone.
9.1.3 Identity of sample.
9.1.4 Mean water absorption of sample.
9.1.5 Any variations to the procedure, including specimen dimensions, given in this standard
9.2 The report shall also contain the following information for each specimen:
9.2.1 Weight of dried specimen
9.2.2 Weight of soaked and surface-dried specimen in air.
9.2.3 Percentage water absorption by weight of specimen.
BULK SPECIFIC GRAVITY
8. Procedure – Bulk Specific Gravity
8.1 When both absorption and bulk specific gravity are to be determined on the same specimens, weigh the saturated specimens
suspended in filtered or distilled water at 72 6 4°F [22 6 2°C] immediately after the absorption tests are completed. Determine
the suspended weights to the nearest 0.0005 oz [0.01 g].
8.2 A satisfactory means of weighing specimens in water is to use a wire basket similar to that illustrated in Fig. 1 to suspend
the specimen in a vessel of water. The water vessel shall be large enough so that only the suspending cable of the basket passes
through the water surface. Ensure air bubbles are removed from the basket and specimen before
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