Summary of our capabilities

Our capabilities cover a wide range of Australian (AS), American (ASTM) and International (ISO) standards, along with a suite of specialised SI-standard test methods developed by Stone Initiatives. We also have the knowledge and flexibility to develop in-house test methods for non-routine or unusual projects.

Stone Initiatives is Australia’s only NATA-accredited facility dedicated to testing and evaluation of dimension stone. All work is carried out in accordance with ISO17025 requirements. Our capabilities include, but are not limited to, the services listed below:

Basic Physical Tests

  • Water Absorption – ASTM C97M
  • Water Absorption Under Vacuum – SI-WAV
  • Bulk Specific Gravity – ASTM C97M
  • Compressive Strength – ASTM C170M
  • Flexural Strength –ASTM C880M
  • Modulus of Rupture – ASTM C99M
  • Resistance to Salt Attack – AS/NZS 4456.10
  • Resistance to Acid (Sulphate) Attack of Dimension Stone – SI-ACR
  • Warping of Dimension Stone Due to Thermal Gradient – SI-WTG
  • Determination of Frost Resistance (Freeze/Thaw) – ISO 10545-12
  • Abrasion Resistance – ASTM C1353
  • Dimensional Stability (Temperature and Moisture) – SI-DIM
  • Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion – SI-LTE
  • Weather Resistance of Slate – ASTM C217M
  • Soluble Salt Determination (Total Dissolved Solids) – SI-TDS
Resistance to salt attack testing

Analytical Testing

  • Petrographic Examination – SI-PET – polished or standard thin section
  • Whole Rock Chemical Analysis
  • Bulk and Clay X-Ray Diffraction Mineralogy analysis of crystalline components
  • Moisture Content
  • pH Determination
  • Microscopic Examination by Polished Section
  • Total Dissolved Salt (Conductivity)
  • Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity – SI-UPV
  • Determination of Mineralogy by X-Ray Diffraction – SI-XRD

Granite petrography

Finishes Evaluation

  • Slip Resistance – AS 4586:2013 and AS 4663
  • Skid Resistance – DPTI TSG Procedure TP345:2.1
  • Accelerated Wear of Pedestrian Materials (slip resistance after wear) – SI-AWT
  • Stain Resistance – SI-STN – Effect of stain on surfaces
  • Sealer Evaluation – SI-STN – Resistance to stain after sealer application
  • Evaluation of Loss of Polish – SI-LPT
  • Measurement of Crack Density and Spacing – SI-CDS
  • Impact Resistance – EN 14158
  • Chemical Resistance – Effect of chemicals on surfaces
  • Concentrated Static Load Capacity of Tiles on Pedestals – SI-CLCP
  • Breaking Load of Segmental Pavers – AS/NZS 4456.5
  • Evaluation of Stain Resistant and Water Repellent Sealers
  • Adhesion Test – ASTM-D4541
  • Bond Shear Strength
  • Water Vapour transmission of materials – ASTM E96
  • Warp testing – Measurement of deflection on exposure to wet
  • Dimensional Stability – SI-DIM
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion – SI-LTE
Slip-resistance testing, Gawler Place, Adelaide

Heritage Services

  • Identification and Matching of Historical Stone
  • Analysis of Mortar and Render Samples – AS 2701-2001 section 7
  • Analysis of Historical Paint and Wash Coatings
  • Dilapidation Surveys
  • Rising Damp Surveys
  • Consolidation Trials
  • Cleaning Trials
  • Sand Analysis – Grain size distribution and morphology
Mortlock Wing, State Library of South Australia

Project Services

  • Development of Quality Control Procedures and Specifications
  • Quarry and Processing Facility Capability Evaluation
  • Selection and Evaluation of Raw Blocks and Slabs
  • Quality Control Testing
  • Third-party Material Inspections

Non-destructive Testing

  • Rebound Hardness – Schmidt Hammer Hardness of building stone
  • Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity – velocity of ultrasonic pulse through stone
  • Dye Penetrant Crack Testing
  • Visual Examination

Engineering Tests

  • Strength of Stone Anchorages – ASTM C1354
  • Concentrated Static Load Capacity of Tiles on Pedestals – SI-CLCP
  • Hard Body Impact of Tiles on Pedestals – SI-IHB

The SI-standard Suite of Tests
Specialised test methods developed for the industry by Stone Initiatives

  • Concentrated Static Load Capacity of Tiles on Pedestals – SI-CLCP
  • Hard Body Impact of Tiles on Pedestals – SI-IHB
  • Dimensional Stability – SI-DIM
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion – SI-LTE
  • Evaluation of Loss of Polish – SI-LPT
  • Accelerated Wear of Pedestrian Materials (slip resistance after wear) – SI-AWT
  • Petrographic Examination – SI-PET – polished or standard thin section
  • Stain Resistance – SI-STN – Effect of stain on surfaces
  • Sealer Evaluation – SI-STN – Resistance to stain after sealer application
  • Soluble Salt Determination (Total Dissolved Solids) – SI-TDS
  • Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity – SI-UPV
  • Resistance to Acid (Sulphate) Attack of Dimension Stone – SI-ACR
  • Warping of Dimension Stone Due to Thermal Gradient – SI-WTG
  • Determination of Mineralogy by X-Ray Diffraction – SI-XRD
  • Measurement of Crack Density and Spacing – SI-CDS
Testing of granite blocks

Note: Some primary analyses may be outsourced to accredited suppliers.

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