Cast Stone Technical Data
Premier Precast is a “Certified Producer Member” of the APA. Our factory is inspected and monitored to ensure that the cast stone products we produce meet or exceed the ASTM standard for cast stone.
The ASTM standard for architectural cast stone is ASTM C 1364 . For specifiers, the corresponding “Masterformat” code for cast stone is 04-72-00 (2017).
Definition of Cast Stone
cast stone, n – an architectural precast concrete building unit intended to simulate natural cut stone.
Standard for the Manufacturing of Cast Stone – ASTM C1364
The primary function of ASTM C1364 is the specification of the physical properties for the manufacture of cast stone products. The highlights of what is required to meet the ASTM C 1364 standard include:
- Minimum strength of 6500 PSI at 28 days
- Maximum water absorbtion of 6%
- Pass a 300 cycle freeze thaw test
These main requirements are designed to maximize the strength of and minimize water penetration into cast stone.
Because of the unique architectural features of cast stone, producers have historically added water to their concrete mix to improve workability. At the same time, this introduction of additional water to the concrete mix increased the absortiveness of the cast stone product. The result was the premature wear of cast stone characterized by rusting, spalling, cracking and deterioration of cast stone.
Minimizing Water Penetration of Cast Stone
Minimizing water penetration in cast stone to increase the life expectancy of cast stone products is the primary purpose of ASTM C1364. Hence, cast stone is a higher quality concrete than other concrete applications like sidewalks.
Most cast stone companies are NOT certified to meet the standard. Many cast stone companies claim to meet or exceed the standards, but often they do not, and if their products do pass the requirements, then why are they not a certified member of the Cast Stone Institute?
If you are thinking of repairing or restoring your cast stone elements due to premature deterioration or water penetration, consider replacing the deteriorating cast stone products, consider replacing the deteriorating cast stone products with new higher quality architectural cast stone that meets the ASTM standard. Premier Precast is active in cast stone restoration, please contact us for more information.
Plant Certification for Compliance with ASTM C1364
Most cast stone companies are NOT certified by the Cast Stone Institute to meet ASTM C1364. Many cast stone companies claim to meet or exceed the standards, but, quite often they do not and, this is particularly the case in Florida.
Certified Cast Stone manufacturers must follow the rigorous standards set forth in ASTM C 1364. This standard specifies many items, including:
- Physical properties of cast stone
- Regular concrete testing (every 500cf of concrete)
- Materials used
- Manufacturing processes
- Manufacturing tolerances
- Quality control
- Delivery and storage
Architectural Cast Stone for Specifiers – MasterFormat Code 04-72-00 (Cast Stone Masonry)
Architect’s and developers that need to specify cast stone and prefer that their cast stone product comply with the rigorous requirements of ASTM C1364 should use the Construction Specifiers Institute (CSI) MasterFormat code 04-72-00 – Cast Stone Masonry.