Cast Stone – Technical
Some of the key technical aspects of cast stone, including the UKCSA Quality Mark for cast stone, are considered in the Technical sections below, and also in the UKCSA Technical Manual for Cast Stone.
Archive for year: 2020
UKCSA Quality Mark for Cast Stone
Cast stone products manufactured by an UKCSA Full Member to the Association’s stringent requirements and specification are already supplied to a standard in excess of the BS 1217 requirements. However, the UK Cast Stone Association has introduced its own Quality Mark standard for cast stone, which all UKCSA cast stone manufacturing Full Members are required to comply with as a condition of their membership.
British Standards for Cast Stone
The UK has a long history in the manufacture and use of cast stone and the original British Standard for Cast Stone, BS 1217 dates back to 1945. Although the standard for cast stone has been changed and improved over the years, BS 1217 remains one of the longest standing British Standards which is still in existence.
British Standards and CE Marking of Cast Stone
The UK has gone through a transition period from the Construction Products Directive (CPD) into the full introduction of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) on 1st July 2013. At that time CE marking became mandatory for certain construction products which are covered by harmonised European standards.
Cast Stone Constituents
UKCSA Full Members aim to produce products which resemble natural stone as closely as possible. The colour and texture of most natural stone can be matched using crushed rock fines and / or carefully selected and graded natural sands, usually mixed with white cement.
Research Project into Cast Stone
This report describes a two year study carried out to develop a reliable test method and performance specification relevant to Cast Stone products. The research was undertaken by the UK Cast Stone Association and the University of Dundee under the UK government’s Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) “Partners In Technology” programme.
Semi-Dry, Wet-Cast or Fibre Reinforced Cast Stone?
The production of cast stone can be an elaborate process. There are as many variations in the precise way UKCSA Full Members go about their art as there are master craftsmen. But there are three main manufacturing methods, semi-dry, wet-cast and fibre reinforced cast stone.
Curing of Cast Stone
The correct curing of cast stone is essential to resist damage during transportation and construction, and for its long-term durability and appearance.
Compressive Strength of Cast Stone
A key difference between UKCSA Members and other cast stone manufacturers is the high compressive strength of their products, which makes them significantly more robust and durable.
Permeability and Durability of Cast Stone
Cast stone has low porosity and can surpass the capabilities of natural stone on permeability. The absorption of cast stone is measured by the Capillary Absorption Test (CAT).
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