ASTM C97/C97M-18 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C97/C97M‑18 — Standard Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimension Stone. This document specifies laboratory procedures used to determine water absorption and bulk specific gravity (apparent porosity) of dimension stone (except slate) and provides standardized units, specimen preparation, conditioning, and reporting requirements for comparative evaluation of stone materials.

Abstract

These test methods describe how to select and prepare representative specimens of dimension stone, dry and condition specimens, and measure mass in dry, suspended (in water) and saturated conditions to calculate absorption and bulk specific gravity. The procedures apply to all types of dimension stone except slate and are presented in both SI and inch‑pound units (each system to be used independently). The standard is intended for use by testing laboratories, quarry producers, material specifiers and purchasers to compare stone properties and help assess suitability for intended uses.

General information

• Status: Superseded / withdrawn (the C97/C97M‑18 edition has been superseded by ASTM C97/C97M‑25, published 1 April 2025).
• Publication date: Current edition approved May 1, 2018; published mid‑2018 (designation C97/C97M‑18).
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.15 (Mineral materials and products — natural stone and related products).
• Edition / version: C97/C97M‑18 (2018 edition).
• Number of pages: 4 pages (concise test method).

Scope

These test methods cover determination of absorption and bulk specific gravity of all types of dimension stone except slate. They provide procedures for specimen selection and preparation, drying and conditioning, saturation and weighing (including suspended mass in water), and calculation and reporting of absorption and bulk specific gravity values. Values are given in both SI and inch‑pound units; each system is to be used independently. The standard does not address all safety concerns associated with laboratory work.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen selection: choose representative samples of the stone type/grade; prepare at least five specimens per sample where practical.
• Specimen geometry: cubes, prisms, cylinders or regular forms with least dimension ≥ 50 mm (2 in) and greatest dimension ≤ 75 mm (3 in), and volume‑to‑surface‑area ratio limits as specified.
• Drying and conditioning: dry specimens in a ventilated oven at about 60 ± 2 °C (140 ± 4 °F) for 48 h, verifying constant mass near the end of drying.
• Saturation and weighing: procedures for saturating specimens, obtaining saturated‑surface‑dry and suspended (in‑water) weights, and calculating absorption (percent) and bulk specific gravity (dimensionless or as mass per unit volume).
• Units and reporting: separate SI and inch‑pound values (do not mix); report specimen dimensions, mass readings, calculated absorption and bulk specific gravity, and test conditions.

Typical use and users

Common users include accredited testing laboratories, quarry operators and producers of dimension stone, architects and specifiers assessing material performance, engineers and consultants evaluating stone for construction and restoration projects, and purchasers seeking comparative property data. Laboratories performing ASTM C97 tests often use the results to inform selection, quality control, and compliance with contractual or specification limits.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced with C97/C97M include ASTM C119 (Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone), Guide C1799 (sampling and specimen preparation for dimension stone), ASTM C170/C170M (compressive strength), ASTM C99/C99M (modulus of rupture), ASTM C880/C880M (flexural strength), and various design/installation guides for dimension stone (for example C1242 and C1528 series). These are developed under ASTM Committee C18 (Dimension Stone).

Keywords

absorption, water absorption, bulk specific gravity, apparent porosity, dimension stone, natural stone, test methods, C97, C97M, ASTM, ICS 91.100.15.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C97/C97M‑18 is the 2018 edition of the ASTM test methods for measuring absorption and bulk specific gravity of dimension stone (except slate). It defines specimen selection, preparation, conditioning, and calculation/reporting procedures.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers laboratory procedures to determine water absorption (percent) and bulk specific gravity for representative stone specimens, including drying, saturation, weighing (dry, saturated surface dry and suspended in water), and calculation rules; units are provided in SI and inch‑pound (to be used independently).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Accredited testing laboratories, quarry operators, stone fabricators, architects, engineers, material specifiers, and purchasers use the standard for quality control, specification compliance, material selection, and comparative evaluation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The C97/C97M‑18 edition (2018) has been superseded; ASTM published C97/C97M‑25 (effective 1 April 2025). For current requirements and to ensure use of the latest text refer to the C97/C97M‑25 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of ASTM’s dimension stone suite of test methods and guides under Committee C18 (Dimension Stone). Related C‑series standards address other mechanical and physical properties and selection/installation guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Absorption; bulk specific gravity; apparent porosity; dimension stone; natural stone testing; specimen preparation; ASTM C97/C97M.