December 21, 2009 7:36 AM CST
ASTM recently held their main committee meeting in Atlanta and had the main committee which oversees the changes to C-216 vote to have a paper ballot on the issue of whether to uphold seven negative votes on proposed changes to the definition of a solid brick.
The change to the language would increase the void size allowed in brick from 25% to 30%. This increase has concerned many contractors, especially those who have utilized the C-652 brick which allows for the larger cores. There is a sincere concern over the increase in mortar usage and the quality of the brick itself given 5% less clay. There is concern over potential increase in breakage and water penetration given a potentially thinner face shell.
The MCAA had an ASTM membership push and managed to add 13 new contractors to the committee for the paper ballot vote. We are confident we should have the votes to uphold the negative votes and kill the proposal. Members are encouraged to join ASTM. For a small fee of $75 for the year, members are given voting rights and also receive a free ASTM book of standards.
Please contact the MCAA office if you are interested in joining ASTM so we can make sure you are on the correct committees.
ASTM C-216 Update
ASTM recently decided to have a paper ballot on the issue of whether to uphold seven negative votes on proposed changes to the definition of a solid brick.
ASTM recently held their main committee meeting in Atlanta and had the main committee which oversees the changes to C-216 vote to have a paper ballot on the issue of whether to uphold seven negative votes on proposed changes to the definition of a solid brick.
The change to the language would increase the void size allowed in brick from 25% to 30%. This increase has concerned many contractors, especially those who have utilized the C-652 brick which allows for the larger cores. There is a sincere concern over the increase in mortar usage and the quality of the brick itself given 5% less clay. There is concern over potential increase in breakage and water penetration given a potentially thinner face shell.
The MCAA had an ASTM membership push and managed to add 13 new contractors to the committee for the paper ballot vote. We are confident we should have the votes to uphold the negative votes and kill the proposal. Members are encouraged to join ASTM. For a small fee of $75 for the year, members are given voting rights and also receive a free ASTM book of standards.
Please contact the MCAA office if you are interested in joining ASTM so we can make sure you are on the correct committees.
About the Author
Jeff Buczkiewicz is the President and CEO of the Mason Contractors Association of America. Jeff has worked in the masonry industry for several years as the Executive Vice President of the Building Stone Institute and the Director of Marketing and Membership for the Mason Contractors Association of America. Jeff has also served as Secretary on the Board of the Natural Stone Council and is a former Board Member of the StonExpo Federation.