ASTM C170/C170M is the ASTM test method for determining the compressive strength of dimension stone. It covers sampling, specimen preparation, and compression testing for natural stone used as dimension stone in building and construction applications.
ASTM C170/C170M is commonly used when designers, specifiers, quarries, fabricators, and testing labs need comparable compression data for stone selection, qualification, or project submittals. If you need help matching a cited edition or test setup to your application, Contact Us.
ASTM C170/C170M Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone
ASTM C170/C170M is a test method, not a material specification. Its purpose is to generate compressive strength data for dimension stone so that the tested material can be compared, evaluated, and documented in a consistent way.
This standard is used within natural stone testing programs where compressive performance is one of several properties considered alongside other physical and mechanical characteristics.
Quick Definition
ASTM C170/C170M is the standard test method used to measure how much compressive load a dimension stone specimen can withstand before failure.
What This Standard Covers
This standard covers the sampling of stone, the preparation of test specimens, and the determination of compressive strength for dimension stone. It is centered on the test procedure and the resulting strength value rather than on prescribing a pass or fail requirement for every project.
Document type: Test method.
Material focus: Dimension stone used as natural stone units or dimension blocks.
Primary result: Compressive strength data for the stone tested.
Units: SI and inch-pound units are presented as separate systems and should not be mixed.
Why This Standard Matters in Testing
Compressive strength is one of the core mechanical properties used to compare dimension stones. ASTM C170/C170M helps laboratories and project teams produce data in a recognized format when stone strength needs to be evaluated across materials, sources, or lots.
In practice, the method is often used to support stone selection, submittal packages, engineering review, and quality documentation. It is especially useful when compressive performance is part of the broader property set being reviewed for a building or site application.
Common Materials, Product Types, or Applications Covered
ASTM C170/C170M applies to dimension stone programs rather than to one single stone variety. Common examples include natural stone materials used in architectural and construction work.
- Granite dimension stone
- Limestone dimension stone
- Marble dimension stone
- Quartz-based dimension stone
- Stone used for cladding, paving, landscape features, structural stone elements, retaining features, and monuments
The exact stone type, finish, orientation, and project use can affect how the test is planned and how the results are interpreted.
Common Test or Verification Workflow
A typical ASTM C170/C170M workflow starts with the cited edition in the project documents and the selection of representative stone samples. The specimens are then prepared to the required form, measured, and tested in compression until failure so the compressive strength can be calculated and reported.
Common workflow: edition review, representative sampling, specimen preparation, dimensional measurement, compressive loading to failure, and results reporting.
Revision sensitivity: conditioning, orientation, and reporting details should follow the exact cited edition and any project-specific requirements.
Equipment Commonly Used for This Standard
ASTM C170/C170M points most directly to compression testing capability for stone specimens. The exact equipment package depends on specimen size, expected load range, throughput, and whether the lab also supports related stone property methods.
Common equipment: compression testing machines or universal testing machines configured for compression, compression platens, dimensional measurement tools, specimen preparation or surfacing equipment, and conditioning equipment when the test program requires controlled dry or wet states.
Equipment selection note: frame capacity, platen size, control performance, and data reporting should be matched to the stone products you test most often and to the editions your customers cite.
If you are selecting or upgrading stone compression equipment for ASTM C170/C170M work, Request a Quote.
How to Read This Designation or Revision
The designation is commonly written as ASTM C170/C170M. The slash format indicates a combined standard that presents SI and inch-pound units within one document, with each unit system used separately.
Older project documents may cite ASTM C170, while newer citations may use ASTM C170/C170M with a year suffix. The year identifies the edition being referenced, and same-year updates may add a letter suffix. When a customer or project specification cites a specific revision, the lab setup and reporting format should follow that cited edition.
Related Standards, Methods, or Frameworks
ASTM C170/C170M is often considered alongside other dimension stone standards when a broader property profile is needed.
- ASTM C97/C97M: absorption and bulk specific gravity of dimension stone
- ASTM C99: modulus of rupture of dimension stone
- ASTM C880/C880M: flexural strength of dimension stone
These methods address different properties, so they complement ASTM C170/C170M rather than replace it.
Get Help with ASTM C170/C170M Testing Equipment
If you are planning ASTM C170/C170M capability for a stone lab, project program, or purchasing cycle, Request a Quote for compression frames, fixtures, and related test setup guidance.