MATERIAL TESTING

Ensuring Material Integrity for Large-Scale Projects

When selecting natural stone for large-scale projects such as internal floors, walls, external pavers, or cladding, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the material's suitability. Different stone families—such as Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Granite, Onyx, and Sandstone—exhibit varying characteristics, including weathering tendencies, compressive strength, stain resistance, freeze-thaw durability, hardness, and porosity.

While most stone suppliers provide technical papers detailing these characteristics, interpreting this information is best left to experts. Analysing these details helps determine the material's appropriateness for the intended application, ensuring it meets the specific demands of your project.

In addition to supplier-provided data, independent laboratory testing offers a more precise evaluation. Various accredited laboratories across Australia can perform custom tests and provide detailed reports. Common tests include:

Water Absorption
Bulk Specific Gravity
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Modulus of Rupture
Resistance to Salt Attack
Resistance to Acid Attack
Freeze-Thaw Resistance
Abrasion Resistance
Dimensional Stability
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

The results from these tests guide the selection of the most suitable material from your shortlist, leading to reduced maintenance costs, material longevity, and long-term preservation of your building.

Stone Doctor Australia can coordinate the testing of your stone samples through a NATA-accredited laboratory, ensuring accurate and reliable results. For professional consultation and to discuss your specific testing needs, please contact Simon Gabriel at 03-9429 1223.