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ASTM Standards09-01-01 | 16
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Landscape Architects can utilize the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards on Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units for guidance in contracts, codes, regulations and laws. The standard for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units is known as ASTM standard C-936-96.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) was organized in 1898, and is one of the largest standards development systems in the world. ASTM is a not-for-profit organization that provides a forum for producers, users, consumers, and those with an interest in meeting to write standards for materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM publishes standard test methods, specifications, practices, guides, classifications, and terminology. An ASTM standard is a document that has been developed and established within the consensus principles of the Society and that meets the approval requirements of ASTM procedures and regulations. There are six principal types of full consensus standards developed by ASTM. They include: Standard Test Method; Standard Specification; Standard Practice; Standard Terminology; Standard Guide; and Standard Classification. Thousands of individuals, companies, and agencies use ASTM standards for contracts, in codes, regulations and laws. It can also be referred to for guidance. There are 132 ASTM committees that develop specific standards. Each committee is divided into subcommittees, which are the primary unit in ASTM's standards development system, as it comprises the highest degree of expertise in a given area. Subcommittees are divided again into task groups, which consist of some non-ASTM members to provide special expertise. It usually takes approximately two years to develop a standard, but some committees have produced their standards in a year or less. When a standard is completed depends on the urgency of the need and the complexity of the job. The ASTM Board of Directors is the governing body for ASTM, and are elected by vote of the entire membership. The Board and its Standing Committees have established procedures to ensure that standards are developed on a full consensus basis, that all dissenting parties receive due process, and that all ASTM standards follow style and format requirements. The Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees and the Form and Style for ASTM Standards are the documents that govern the ASTM standards development process. A full-time professional staff ensures that technical committees receive support in adhering to these procedures. Interlocking Paving Units Standards
Within standard C-936-96 Landscape Architects will find information on physical requirements of pavers along with standard weight, the aspect ratio and the type of aggregates used to reach the standard weight. Also available is test samples such as average absorption, compressive strength and resistance to freezing.

If a project you are involved in requires interlocking pavers you may want to take a look at ASTM's Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units (C-936-96). This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-27 on Precast Concrete Products. ASTM Committee C27 was formed in 1972 and currently has 97 members participating on six technical subcommittees that are responsible for 22 approved standards. Each ASTM committee determines its own meeting schedule, with most meeting twice a year. C27 meets in December, with subcommittee C27.20 on Architectural and Structural Products meeting in both December and June. Approximately 30 members participate in 10 meetings over three days. C27 standards are published in Volume 04.05 of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Within specification C-936-96, Landscape Architects will find standards on requirements for interlocking concrete pavers that will be used in the construction of paved surfaces. Also found here are specifications for concrete aggregates; Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Brick and Structural Clay Tile; Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units; Specifications for Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete masonry units; Specifications for Pigments of Integrally Colored Concrete; and several others that will help Landscape Architects in the hardscape elements of a project. There is a section for specification of mortar and materials that deals with everything from specifications for silica fume for use in hydraulic-cement concrete and mortar to Portland and blended cement specifications. A section on physical requirements highlights the ASTM standard weight, the aspect ratio, which is overall length divided by thickness. The type of aggregates used to reach the standard weight are also specified. Test samples such as average absorption, compressive strength and resistance to freezing and thawing are discussed. Abrasion resistance may be of particular interest to Landscape Architects, as so many designs seem to have such aesthetic appeal, that scuffs and marks could really hurt the appearance of a hardscape design if the correct pavers are not chosen. The final two sections cover visual inspection and rejection. In the visual inspection section, you will find out what is deemed grounds for rejection and what isn't. This will be a very helpful section out in the field when a shipment arrives. If ASTM standards are a part of the contract you will be able to know when units may be returned. The visual inspection and the rejection sections go hand-in-hand and can also be helpful for contractors and outside vendors. ASTM Continuing Education
Two sections to be aware of are the section on visual inspection and the section on rejection. In these sections, it goes over what is deemed grounds for rejection and what isn't. If ASTM standards are a part of the contract you will be aided in knowing when units may be returned.
ASTM does provide continuing education and training in the use and application of ASTM standards through Technical and Professional Training courses. ASTM members come up with ideas for the courses, work with staff to establish course outlines, and serve as instructors. All ASTM standards are written by volunteer members who serve on technical committees. Through a formal balloting process, all members may have input into the standards before they are published by ASTM. Standards development work begins when a need is recognized. Task group members prepare a draft standard that is reviewed by a parent subcommittee through a letter ballot. According to an ASTM information brochure, after the subcommittee approves the document, it is submitted to a main committee letter ballot. Final approval of a standard depends on concurrence by the ASTM Committee on Standards that proper procedures were followed and due process was achieved. Contacting ASTM
ASTM's Standard Specification for Solid Concrete Interlocking Paving Units is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-27 on Precast Concrete Products. The Committee has six techinical subcommittees that are responsible for 22 approved standards. C-27 standards are published in Volume 04.05 of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards.

There are currently 32,000 members representing nearly every segment of industry, government, and academia. About 85 percent of ASTM's income is derived from the sale of publications, primarily from the standards which committees produce. Other income is derived from training, proficiency testing, related services, and the annual administrative fees. If you are looking for more information about specifications on interlocking paving units or other materials, ASTM can be reached in the following ways:

• Phone: 610-832-9500

• FAX: 610-832-9555

• Mailing address: 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West

Conshohocken, PA 19428

• Web address: http://www.astm.org

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