Stone Initiatives: Leading NATA-accredited laboratory for dimension stone

Summary of our capabilities

Stone Initiatives’ capability covers a wide range of Australian (AS), American (ASTM) and International (ISO) standards. We have the knowledge and flexibility to develop in-house test methods for non-routine or unusual projects.

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Dimension stone testing and evaluation

Make the most of your dimension stone resource. Comprehensive testing and evaluation of all dimension stones provides data to determine the suitability of the stone for proposed uses.

Floor finish evaluation

Our testing regimes and wide experience in floor finish evaluation enable us to provide customised solutions that match the right stone with the unique requirements of your project. We’ll help you create a flawless finish.

Slip Resistance testing

A positive first step in reducing your risk is determining the slip resistance of your pedestrian surfaces. Stone Initiatives has wide experience in slip resistance, both in product testing and litigation.

Ceramic tile testing

Our NATA-accredited one-stop testing and consulting service is an asset for the ceramic tile industry. Work with us from the development of the ceramic tile, to the utilisation of the tile at the project level and beyond.

Mortar testing

We specialise in the analysis of historic coatings, mortar and cement products. Testing and evaluation programs can be compiled from a wide range of tests conforming to standard procedures.

Heritage services

Heritage architecture, just like ageing humans, requires regular examination and maintenance to ensure optimal performance in its environment. Our qualified, experienced team of multidisciplinary professionals can attend to the needs of your precious buildings and help produce an informed conservation plan.

Failure investigation and expert witness services

We provide objective and independent Expert Witness services related to the selection, installation and use of stone products and related infrastructure. Our testing is backed up by an externally audited quality-assurance system, providing added confidence in court.

New construction

When dimension stone is used for building construction without full knowledge of its properties, problems such as cracking, spalling, staining and decay can occur. The natural variation and uniqueness that makes the stone so appealing can also bring about variability in physical properties. We can help.

James (Jim) Mann

Principal and Chief Consultant

Jim Mann is the principal and chief consultant at Stone Initiatives. He founded the company in 2003 and has since then guided its growth and development into a leading international dimension stone and materials testing company.

Kate Tonkin

Materials Testing Specialist – Finishes Evaluation Services

Kate Tonkin oversees the Surface Finish Evaluation department, encompassing slip-resistance, accelerated wear, stain-resistance and sealer selection. She is motivated by seeing how the effective use of dimension stone contributes to outstanding building projects.

Mark Milevski

Materials Testing Specialist – Heritage Services

Mark Milevski is a geomaterials scientist with an interest in heritage and conservation. He has a Bachelor of Science (Geology, Geophysics and Applied Geology) from the University of Adelaide and a Certificate II in Construction.

Graham Baggs

Quality Systems and I.T. Coordinator

Graham Baggs supervises the quality systems and information technology administration and maintenance at Stone Initiatives, and assists with more complex testing projects. He has a background in information technology, surveying, cartography and conveyancing.

Thomas (Tom) Baggs

Technical Officer – Finishes Evaluation Services

Tom Baggs is a geomaterials scientist with an interest in petrology and petrography, involving the detailed study of the composition and structure of rocks. He has a Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience) with First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide.

Lily Ganegoda

Scientific Officer – Finishes Evaluation Services

Lily Ganegoda is part of our Finishes Evaluation team. She holds a Bachelor of Science and contributes valuable knowledge and experience to the team through her strong background in chemistry.

Mary Mann

Media and Communications Manager

Mary Mann is a communications specialist with more than fourteen years of experience in media, journalism and editing. She has a Master of Editing and Publishing from Monash University and a Bachelor of Media (Journalism) from Southern Cross University.

Understanding Salt Attack in Dimension Stone

July 2, 2020August 27, 2020by mrymnn

How does salt affect the durability of dimension stone, and when is serious damage likely to occur? Explore the Australian/New Zealand Standard for salt durability testing and get expert insight to help you prevent salt attack damage in your next…

A Rock is Not Simply a Rock: Q&A with Jim Mann, Principal

July 1, 2020September 24, 2020by mrymnn

For Jim Mann, testing is about more than just numbers, and a rock is not simply a rock. The principal of Stone Initiatives says that every piece of natural stone is as unique an individual as a person is; we…

To Seal, or Not to Seal? Why Good Stone Can Turn Bad

July 1, 2020September 24, 2020by mrymnn

The availability of large-format natural stone pavers at affordable prices has resulted in a dramatic increase in their use. Find out why good-quality paving often deteriorates prematurely and why sealers are not a substitute for using the right stone for…

Four Keys to Successful Stone Selection

July 1, 2020September 24, 2020by mrymnn

Fitness for purpose is fundamental to the successful use of natural stone, but how do we evaluate a stone to ensure its suitability for a particular use or location? In this article, discover the four basic keys to selecting and…

Which Stone Where? A Beginner’s Guide to Material Selection

July 1, 2020September 24, 2020by mrymnn

Want to make a more informed decision when selecting stone for your next project? You can do so by better understanding the material’s basic properties. Start with this beginner’s guide to material selection, looking at sandstone, granite, limestone, travertine, marble,…

Resistance to Salt Attack Test: A Versatile Tool for Determining Durability

July 1, 2020September 16, 2020by mrymnn

Whether stone is being selected for use as cladding for a curtain wall, as coping for a parapet or for paving around pools and landscaping, durability needs to be considered as a key factor when determining its fitness for purpose.…

Stone Initiatives is the best when it comes to testing and review of materials. Jim and his team are very professional and accurate. As a supplier and installer we work very closely with Stone Initiatives to give our clients the best support and feedback when it comes to stone selection for their project. They provide top-quality work that is always delivered on time. I highly recommend them as they are a very professional service and always keen to provide feedback and assistance.

Matteo Gotti, Project Director, Versatile

In a compliant world, Stone Initiatives is your partner to success. Working with them means we ensure the outcomes we produce are proven, and this gives us an edge over our competition.

I strongly recommend Stone Initiatives as they bring a high level of technical knowledge in their field, have detailed understanding of relevant standards and are able to assist with advice to ensure projects can meet the desired outcome and reduce the risks of non-compliance. The team has a broad range of backgrounds and they bring a high level of both technical and practical knowledge.

Ben Ramsay, Business Development Manager, Vulk

We give test results meaning

Our services

Summary of our capabilities

Dimension stone testing and evaluation

Floor finish evaluation

Slip Resistance testing

Ceramic tile testing

Mortar testing

Heritage services

Failure investigation and expert witness services

New construction

Meet our key personnel

James (Jim) Mann

Principal and Chief Consultant

Kate Tonkin

Materials Testing Specialist – Finishes Evaluation Services

Mark Milevski

Materials Testing Specialist – Heritage Services

Graham Baggs

Quality Systems and I.T. Coordinator

Thomas (Tom) Baggs

Technical Officer – Finishes Evaluation Services

Lily Ganegoda

Scientific Officer – Finishes Evaluation Services

Mary Mann

Media and Communications Manager

What's new

Understanding Salt Attack in Dimension Stone

A Rock is Not Simply a Rock: Q&A with Jim Mann, Principal

To Seal, or Not to Seal? Why Good Stone Can Turn Bad

Four Keys to Successful Stone Selection

Which Stone Where? A Beginner’s Guide to Material Selection

Resistance to Salt Attack Test: A Versatile Tool for Determining Durability

Testimonials

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