ASTM C216

Full Name

ASTM C216 – Standard Specification for Facing Brick (Solid Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale)

Scope

ASTM C216 covers facing brick (solid masonry units) manufactured from clay or shale, designed for use in masonry where appearance is an essential factor. These bricks provide both structural and aesthetic functions to the building.

The scope of ASTM C216 includes:

  • Classification: it categorizes facing bricks into two grades based on their resistance to freezing damage when saturated:
    1. Grade SW (Severe Weathering): designed for high resistance to damage caused by freezing cycles.
    2. Grade MW (Moderate Weathering): suitable for use where moderate resistance to freezing damage is acceptable.
  • Types – it defines three types of facing brick based on their intended use and visual characteristics:
    • Type FBX: intended for general use in exposed exterior and interior masonry walls and partitions.
    • Type FBS: intended for general use in exposed exterior and interior masonry walls and partitions where a particular color or texture is desired.
    • Type FBA: intended for use where a wider color range and greater variation in size than for Type FBS are permitted.
  • Physical properties: it specifies the physical requirements for different grades and types of facing brick, including compressive strength, water absorption, and saturation coefficient. It also addresses tolerances on dimensions and warpage.
  • Sampling and testing: it outlines procedures for sampling and testing facing brick to ensure compliance with the specified requirements.
  • Appearance and finish: it discusses aspects related to color, texture, and finish of the brick, which are important for their aesthetic function.

In essence, ASTM C216 establishes a standardized set of requirements for facing brick, ensuring their quality, performance, and aesthetic appeal. It provides a comprehensive framework for manufacturers and users of facing brick to make informed choices and achieve desired results in masonry construction.

ASTM C216 Accredited Laboratory

Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the ASTM C216 standard.

Contact us today to learn more about our testing capabilities and how we can support your business.

Resources

Keywords

facing brick; clay; shale; grade sw; grade mw; type fbx; type fbs; type fba; compressive strength; water absorption; saturation coefficient

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