GRANITE

1.0 GENERAL
1.1 Related Documents
Drawings and general provisions, including General and
Supplementary Conditions of the Contract and Division I Specification
sections, apply to this section.

1.2 Applicable Publications

The following publications listed here and referred to thereafter by
alphanumeric code designation only, form a part of this specification to
the extent indicated by the references thereto:
1) ASTM International (ASTM):
C615-99 Standard Specification for Granite Dimension Stone
A666-00 Standard Specification for Annealed or Cold-Worked Austenitic
Stainless Steel Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Flat Bar
B221-00 Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy
Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
C97-02 Standard Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity
of Dimension Stone
C99-87(2000) Standard Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of
Dimension Stone
C119-03 Standard Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
C170-90(1999) Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of
Dimension Stone
C241-90(1997)e1 Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of
Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic
C270-03 Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry
C295-03 Standard Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates
for Concrete
C880-98 Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Dimension
Stone
C1028-96 Standard Test Method for Determining the Static Coefficient
of Friction of Ceramic Tile and Other Like Surfaces by the Horizontal
Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method
C1201-91(1996) Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of
Exterior Dimension Stone Cladding Systems by Uniform Static Air
Pressure Difference
C1242-02a Standard Guide for Selection, Design, and Installation of
Exterior Dimension Stone Anchors and Anchoring Systems
C1352-96(2002) Standard Test Method for Flexural Modulus of
Elasticity of Dimension Stone

C1353-98e1 Standard Test Method Using the Taber Abraser for

Abrasion Resistance of Dimension Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic
C1354-96 Standard Test Method for Strength of Individual Stone
Anchorages in Dimension Stone
C1515-01 Standard Guide for Cleaning of Exterior Dimension Stone,
Vertical and Horizontal Surfaces, New or Existing
C1528-02 Standard Guide for Selection of Dimension Stone for Exterior
Use
2) Marble Institute of America (MIA):
Membership, Products and Services Directory, Dimension Stone Design
Manual, Dimension Stones of the World, Volumes I and II (includes color
plates, ASTM test data, and other technical information). Additional
publications may be available from the MIA Bookstore go online at
www.marble-institute.com.
3) National Building Granite Quarries Association (NBGQA)
Specifications for Architectural Granite

1.3 Scope of Included Work

The work to be completed under this contract includes all labor and
materials required for the furnishing and installation of all granite work
shown or called for on the contract drawings, specifications, and
addenda.

1.4 Definition of Terms

The definitions of trade terms used in this specification shall be those
published by the MIA, BGQA, or ASTM International.

1.5 Source of Supply

All granite shall be obtained from quarries having adequate capacity
and facilities to meet the specified requirements, and from a firm
equipped to process the material promptly on order and in strict accord
with specifications. The Specifying Authority (architect, designer,
engineer, contracting officer, end user, etc.) reserves the right to
approve the Material Supplier prior to the award of this contract. Stone
and workmanship quality shall be in accordance with Industry
Standards and Practices as set forth by the MIA.

1.6 Samples
The Granite Contractor shall submit through the General Contractor,
for approval by the Specifying Authority, at least two full range sets of
samples of the various kinds of granite
specified. Sample submittals shall represent the full range of color and
markings inherent in the material proposed for fabrication of the

project. Full range sample sets must be reviewed and approved as a

complete set and not as individual pieces. Full range sample sets shall
be indicative of the true character, including any natural variation in
background and foreground color, veining or graining, of the material
currently available and proposed for use on the project. The sample
size shall be 1'-0" x 1'- 0" minimum, 2-0 x 2-0 minimum for heavily
veined or varied stones, and shall represent approximately the finish,
texture, and anticipated range of colors to be supplied. One set of
approved samples shall be retained by the Specifying Authority, and
one set shall be returned to the Granite Supplier for his record and
guidance. It is noted herein that
granite is a natural material and will have intrinsic variations in color,
markings, and other characteristics. Depending on granite selected
and quantity required, a range mockup may be used to further define
the characteristics of the material. Cost of mockup, if required, shall
not be included in this section. Prior to fabrication, and to assure the
end users needs will ultimately be met and to fully understand the
finish and full range of the material, an inspection and
approval by the Specifying Authority and/or General Contractor and/or
End User of the material is recommended. Costs for an initial
inspection of the quarried blocks before slabbing, and a second
inspection of the finished material slabs before fabrication shall be
stipulated and included in the overall contract requirements.

1.7 Shop Drawings

The Granite Contractor shall submit through the General Contractor,
for approval by the Specifying Authority, sufficient sets of shop
drawings, showing general layout, jointing, anchoring, stone thickness,
and other pertinent information. These drawings shall show all
bedding, bonding, jointing, setting spaces and anchoring details along
with the net piece dimensions of each granite unit. Due to tight
fabrication tolerances of dimensional stone (see Dimensional
Tolerances in this section) special attention must be paid to those
areas where associated trades work abuts or is integral with the stone
installation. Additional notes calling out required set backs, setting
space allowances below and behind floor and wall installations, critical
hold-too dimensions, or any other specific conditions requiring strict
coordination with other trades work should be incorporated into the
shop drawings. Coordination of approved shop drawings with all
affected trades is the responsibility of the General Contractor. One
copy of the approved shop drawings shall be retained by the Specifying
Authority, one copy shall be retained by the General Contractor, and
one copy returned to the Granite Contractor for fabrication. NO
FABRICATION OF GRANITE SHALL BE STARTED UNTIL SUCH DRAWINGS
HAVE BEEN FULLY APPROVED AND MARKED AS SUCH. The Granite
Contractor shall not be responsible for determining, making, or
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verifying (1) design, structural, wind, seismic, or other design loads; (2)
engineering estimates; (3) plans or specifications; or (4) the types,
sizes, or locations of anchors, unless specifically added to the scope of
work.

1.8 Defective Work

Any piece of granite showing flaws or imperfections upon receipt at the
storage yard or building site shall be referred to the Specifying
Authority for determination as to responsibility and decision as to
whether it shall be rejected, patched, or redressed for use.

1.9 Repairing Damaged Stone

Chips at the edges or corners may be patched, provided the structural
integrity of the stone is not affected and the patch matches the color
and finish of the natural stone so that it does not detract from the
stones appearance.

2.0 MATERIALS
2.1 Granite
General: All granite shall be of standard architectural grade, free of
cracks, seams, starts, or other traits which may impair its structural
integrity or function. Inherent color variations characteristic of the
quarry from which it is obtained will be acceptable. Texture and finish
shall be within the range of samples approved by the Specifying
Authority. ASTM C615 [C97] [C99] [C170] [C241] [C880]. See the chart
of applicable ASTM standards and tests in the Appendix.
Schedule: Granite shall be provided as follows:
1) For (state location on building) (state name and color) granite with a
(type) finish,
supplied by (name company or list several approved suppliers).
2) Provide information as in (1) for each different granite/finish
combination in the project.
Finishes: Finishes listed in the schedule shall conform with definitions
by MIA, NBGQA,
or ASTM International.

2.2 Setting Mortar

Mortar for setting shall be Type N, as defined in ASTM C270-03
(Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry). All mixing,
handling, and pacing procedures shall be in accordance with ASTM
C270-03.

2.3 Pointing Mortar

Mortar for pointing shall be Type N, as defined in ASTM C270-03
(Standard Specification for Mortar for Unit Masonry). All mixing,
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handling, and pacing procedures shall be in accordance with ASTM

C270-03.

2.4 Sealants and Backup Material (if applicable)

Where specified, (state type or name of sealant) shall be used for the
pointing of joints. The
backup material used with the sealant shall be (identify material).

2.5 Anchors, Cramps, and Dowels

All anchorage components shall be of 300 Series stainless steel (refer to ASTM A666) or
aluminum (refer to ASTM B221) with strength and durability properties meeting or
exceeding those of 6063-T6. Anchor types and assemblies shall comply with ASTM
C1242-02a. Reliance on adhesives alone for material attachment will not be permitted.
The granite contractor shall be responsible for all anchorage attached to the stone and
directly related to stone installation. The granite contractor shall not be responsible for
any additional support elements required for proper attachment of stone anchorage to the
structure of the building.

3.0 FABRICATION
3.1 Dimensional Tolerances
Panel thickness of 3/8" or 1/2".......1/32"
Panel thickness of 3/4" to 1-5/8" ....1/8"
Panel thickness >1-5/8"................1/4"
Panel face dimension ....................1/16"
Face variation from rectangular .......1/16"
(maximum out of square) (noncumulative)
Heads/calibrated edges .................1/16"
Quirk miters (width of nose):
Up to 1/4"-0; +25% of dim
Over 1/4"-0, +1/16"
Location of back anchors................1/8"
Depth of back anchors-0, +1/16"
Location of holes for precast anchors .......1/4"
Hole depth for precast anchors ........1/16"
Anchor Slots:
From face to C/L of slot .....1/16"
Lateral placement..............1/4"
Width ............................1/16"
Depth at maximum............1/8"
Anchor Holes:
From face to C/L of slot .....1/16"
Lateral placement..............1/8"
Diameter ........................1/16"
Depth ............................1/8"
Anchor Sinkages:

Depth.-0, +1/8"
Continuous Kerfs:
From face to C/L of kerf..... 1/16"
Maximum bow in 4'-0"....... 1/16"
Width............................ 1/16"
Depth...-1/16"; +1/8"
Rebated Kerf:
Elevation of bearing surface.. 1/16"
Bearing Checks:
Elevation of bearing surface . 1/16"
Bearing/Clearance Checks:
Lateral location ................ 1/2"
Setback from face.............. 1/16"

3.1.1 Typical Unit Sizes

Tile stock- 12 x 12, 18 x 18, & 24 x 24 nominal. Thickness of tile
stock is typically 3/8thick for most polished and honed surfaces (see
6.2 Protection of Finished Work in this section), and 1/2 thick for
most thermal, or pointed finishes. Large format tile stock (18 x 18
and larger) may only be available in 1/2 thickness and is dependant
on the specific stones properties and the material supplier.
Dimension Stone Slab Stock- Industry standard slab stock available in 2
cm & 3 cm (3/4 & 1 1/4 nominal) thickness. Typical slab sizes vary
by material, but average 6-0 x 9-0 for granite and 4-0 x 8-0 for
marble. For specialty thicknesses or extremely large piece size
requirements, the granite contractor or granite fabricator should be
consulted in the design phase to assure the design intent can be met.
Typical maximum finished piece size is 4-0 x 4-0 +/-.

3.2 Flatness Tolerances

Variation from true plane, or flat surfaces, shall be determined by a 4'
dimension in any direction on the surface. Such variations on polished,
honed, and fine rubbed surfaces shall not exceed tolerances listed
below, or 1/3 of the specified joint width, whichever is greater. On
surfaces having other finishes, the maximum variation from true plane
shall not exceed the tolerance
listed below, or 1/2 of the specified joint width, whichever is greater.
Flatness Tolerances by Finish.
Polished, honed, or fine rubbed.........1/16"
Sawn, 4-cut, 6-cut, and 8-cut ...........1/8"
Thermal and coarse stippled .............3/16"
Pointed or other rough cut...............1"
Split face.dependent on piece size & stock

3.3 Beds and Joints

Bed and joint width shall be determined by analysis of anticipated
building movements and designed to accommodate such movements
without inducing undue stresses in the stone panels or joint filler
materials. Expansion joints shall be designed and located to
accommodate larger movements.

3.4 Backs Of Pieces

Backs of pieces shall be sawn or roughly dressed to approximately true
planes. Back surfaces shall be free of any matter that may create
staining

3.5 Moldings, Washes, and Drips

Moldings, washes, and drips shall be constant in profile throughout
their entire length, in strict conformity with details shown on approved
shop drawings. The finish quality on these surfaces shall match the
finish quality of the flat surfaces on the building.

3.6 Back-Checking and Fitting to Structure or Frame

The building design should incorporate stone installation requirements
such as material thickness, setting space, and anchorage allowances.
Maintain a minimum of 1 1/4 between stone backs and adjacent
structure and allow for all components of the building structure
(waterproofing, flashing, etc). (Note: many bolted connections will
require more space than this; 2" space may be more desirable. Largescale details should illustrate and control these conditions and be
distributed by the General Contractor to the affected trades.)

3.7 Cutting for Anchoring, Supporting, and Lifting

Devices
Holes and linkages shall be cut in stones for all anchors, cramps,
dowels, and other tieback
and support devices per industry standard practice or approved shop
drawings. However, additional anchor holes may be drilled at job site
by Granite Contractor to facilitate alignment.
No holes or linkages will be provided for Granite Contractors handling
devices unless arrangement for this service is made by the Granite
Contractor with the Granite Fabricator. (NOTE: It is not recommended
that Lewis pins be used for stones less than 3-1/2" thick.)

3.8 Cutting and Drilling for Other Trades

Any miscellaneous cutting and drilling of stone necessary to
accommodate other trades will be done by the Granite Fabricator only
when necessary information is furnished in time to be shown on the
shop drawings and details, and when work can be executed before
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fabrication. Cutting and fitting, due to job site conditions which are
contrary to the dimensions and details shown on approved shop
drawings are not the responsibility of the granite contractor and will be
provided only by arrangement between the General Contractor and
Granite Contractor.

3.9 Carving and Models

All carving shall be done by skilled Stone Carvers in a correct and
artistic manner, in strict accordance with the spirit and intent of the
approved shop drawing, or from models furnished or approved by the
Specifying Authority.

4.0 SHIPPING AND HANDLING

4.1 Packing and Loading
Finished granite shall be carefully packed and loaded for shipment
using all reasonable and
customary precautions against damage in transit. No material which
may cause staining or discoloration shall be used for blocking or
packing. (See 6.2 Protection of Finished Work in this chapter.)

4.2 Site Storage

Upon receipt at the building site, stone shall remain in the factoryprepared bundles until beginning of the installation. Bundles shall be
staged in an area which is least susceptible to damage from ongoing
construction activity. Once unbundled, the granite shall be stacked on
timber or platforms at least 2" above the ground, and the utmost care
shall be taken to prevent staining or impact damage of the granite. If
storage is to be prolonged, polyethylene or other suitable, nonstaining
film shall be placed between any wood and finished surfaces of the
granite. Polyethylene or other suitable, nonstaining film may also be
required as protective covering. Any holes or slots in the granite which
are capable of collecting water shall be temporarily covered or plugged
to prevent
freezing of collected water. Such covers or plugs are to be removed
immediately prior to
installation of the piece.

5.0 INSTALLATION
5.1 General Installation
Installation shall be accomplished with competent, experienced Stone
Setters, in accordance with the approved shop drawings. All granite
pieces shall be identified with a unique piece number corresponding

with the number on the shop drawings. Interchanging of numbered

pieces is not permitted as the pieces are generally blended for color
and characteristic markings by the granite fabricator. Granite shall be
free of any ice or frost at time of installation. Salt shall not be used for
the purpose of melting ice, frost, or snow on the granite pieces.
Adequate protection measures shall be taken to ensure that exposed
surfaces of the stone shall be kept free of mortar at all times as
elements in mortar may etch the polished surfaces of some stones.

5.2 Mortar Setting of Granite

Clean base materials to remove dirt or other foreign matter. Saturate
concrete substrate several hours prior to setting granite. Prepare and
place mortar in accordance with ASTM C270-03. Thoroughly wet stones
prior to setting in mortar bed. Apply neat cement parge of approximate
1/16" thickness to granite units prior to placing on mortar bed. Tamp
stones into place using a rubber or plastic mallet to obtain full contact
with the setting bed and proper stone unit alignment.

5.3 Mortar Joints

Mortar joints shall be raked out to a depth of " to ". Apply pointing
mortar in layers not exceeding 3/8" and allow each layer to get hard to
the touch before the next layer is applied. Tool finished joints with a
concave tool having a diameter approximately 1/8" greater than the
joint width. Care shall be taken to keep expansion joints free of mortar,
which would compromise
their function.

5.4 Anchorage
All granite shall be anchored in accordance with the approved shop
drawings. Specific anchorage design and details shall be determined
by the granite contractor in conjunction with the granite fabricator. To
the furthest extent possible, all anchor preparations in granite units
shall be shop applied. All anchorage devices and anchor hole/slot fillers
shall be in accordance with ASTM
C1242-02. Care must be taken to ensure that any holes capable of
retaining water are filled after use to prevent water collection and
freezing.

5.5 Sealant Joints

Where so specified, joints requiring sealant shall be first filled with a
closed-cell ethafoam rope backer rod. The backer rod shall be installed
to a depth that provides optimum sealant profile after tooling per
manufacturer recommendations. If recommended by the Sealant
Manufacturer,

primers shall be applied to the substrate surfaces according to the

manufacturers directions prior to application of the joint sealant. A
test should be conducted to assure that the specified sealant will not
stain the stone. Typically, Sample pieces of stone with kerf cuts
applied to the sample face representing the typical joint size (1/4 x
1/4, 3/8 x 3/8, 1/2 x 1/2 etc.) are filled with the specified sealant
and allowed to cure for 24 to 48 hours. Any potential staining should
be apparent at this point. Fully cured sealant samples will be
submitted to demonstrate no staining to stone by the specified
sealant.

5.6 Expansion Joints

It is not the intent of this specification to make control or expansionjoint recommendations for a specific project. The Specifying Authority
must specify control or expansion joints and show locations and details
on drawings. Typically, expansion joints are required at 20-0 intervals
and should be determined by the design professional and the granite
contractor.

5.7 Caulking
Where so specified, joints shall be pointed with the sealant(s) specified
in Section 2.4, after first installing the specified backup material and
applying a primer if required, all in strict accordance with the printed
instructions of the Sealant Manufacturer. All sealants shall be tooled to
ensure
maximum adhesion to the contact surfaces.

5.8 Weep Tubes

Plastic or other weep tubes shall be placed in joints where moisture
may accumulate within the wall, such as at base of cavity, continuous
angles, flashing, etc., or as shown on architectural drawings.

5.9 Installation Tolerances

The quality of the stone installation relies greatly on the quality and
accuracy of those trades preceding stone installation. After review and
approval, shop drawings shall be distributed and coordinated by the
General Contractor to all trades whose work abuts, or is integral with
the stone installation.
Variation in plumb:
Lines and surfaces of walls and columns:
.............................. " in 10'-0"
............. NTE 3/8" in story height
.............................. " in 40'-0"
Exterior corners or other conspicuous lines:
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.............................. " in 10'-0"

............. NTE 1/4" in story height
.............................. " in 40'-0"
Variation from level:
Lintels, parapets, rustications:
...................... " in column bay
.............................. " in 40'-0"
Variation from linear building line:
" in column bay ............. " in 40'-0"

6.0 CLEANING AND PROTECTION

6.1 Cleaning
All cleaning methods shall be tested on material samples prior to
application to the stone installation to assure there are no adverse
affects of the cleaning method or products to the stone surface.
Granite shall be cleaned after installation and all pointing or caulking is
complete. All dirt, excess mortar, weld splatter, stains, and other
defacements shall be removed. All cleaning methods shall be in
accordance with ASTM C1515-01.

6.2 Protection of Finished Work

Granite installation in progress shall be protected with film or fabric
tarps secured over the work as required. After the granite is installed,
it shall be the responsibility of the General Contractor to
properly and adequately protect it from damage until all trades are
finished. This responsibility includes the stone cleaning costs prior to
the required final inspection. Where lumber is required for protection,
care should be taken to protect the granite from staining by the
lumber, using plastic film or other suitable materials. Any fasteners
used in construction of temporary protection fixtures shall be
noncorrosive.
Finishes commonly available are defined as follows:
Polished: Mirror gloss, with sharp reflections.
Honed: Dull sheen, without reflections.
Fine rubbed: Smooth and free from scratches; no sheen.
Rubbed: Plain surface with occasional slight trails or scratches.
Shot ground: Plain surface with pronounced circular markings or
trails having no regular pattern.
Thermal (Flamed): Finish produced by application of hightemperature flame to the surface. Large surfaces may have shadow
lines caused by overlapping of the torch. This finish will vary in texture

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and depth between different types of granite, as the finish is largely

dependent upon the granite structure of the stone.
Sandblasted, coarse stippled: Coarse plain surface produced by
blasting with an
abrasive; coarseness varies with type of preparatory finish and grain
structure of the granite.
Sandblasted, fine stippled: Plain surface, slightly pebbled, with
occasional slight trails or scratches.
Bush-hammered, 8-cut: Fine bush hammered finish, interrupted
by parallel markings not over 3/32" apart. A corrugated finish,
smoother near arris lines and on small surfaces.
Bush-hammered, 6-cut: Medium bush-hammered finish, similar to
but coarser than 8-cut, with markings not more than 1/8" apart.
Bush-hammered, 4-cut: Coarse bush hammered finish with same
characteristics as 6-cut, but with markings not more than 7/32" apart.
Sawn: Relatively plain surface with texture ranging from wire sawn
(a close approximation of a rubbed finish) to shot sawn, with scorings
3/32" in depth. Gang saws produce parallel scorings; rotary or circular
saws make circular scorings. Shot-sawn surfaces should be cleaned to
remove all rust stains.
Split faced: Stone on which the face has been broken to an
approximate plane.
Rock (pitch) faced: Similar to split faced, except that the face of
the stone is pitched to a given line and plane producing a bold
appearance rather than the comparatively straight face obtained in
split face.
Water Jet: After certain treatment finishes on stone, such as
flaming, a high pressure jet wash can be used to assist in cleaning the
stone and bringing back more color to the stone. Some producers have
the machinery to use high-pressure water with additives which gives a
jet washed
finish that looks like a flamed finish, yet maintains the color in the
stone.
Antique: Multiple processes similar to those for Water Jet finish to
give the appearance of a tumbled or weathered surface. Results and
appearance vary according to stone types.
Minimum Thickness: The suggested minimum thickness for all
exterior veneer is 1 1/4 and
as follows:
Impact-resultant finishes, such as bush hammered (sometimes
referred to as a pointed finish), require a 1" thick slab minimum to
apply. Other finishes can usually be applied to any

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thickness slab, with the exception of some granites not being able to
withstand thermal finishing processes in thicknesses less than 1".
Determination of proper stone thickness must be evaluated using the
following criteria:
1) Piece Size.
2) Final Face Finish.
3) Anchoring Detail.
4) Structural Design Load Requirements.
5) Flexural Strength of the Granite.
Minimum safety factors of 3 to 1 minimum on granite flexural
stresses and 4 to 1 minimum on anchorage components in granite are
recommended.
Ashlar or veneer used as a facing requires a setting space of at
least 1 1/4, as measured from the nominal thickness of the piece to
the outermost layer of the building structure (including any required
waterproofing, flashing, etc.).
Bed and Joint Width. The minimum recommended bed and joint
width is 1/4" for
exteriors and 1/8" for interiors due to the relatively tight fabrication
and installation tolerances of dimension stone (see 3.1 Dimensional
Tolerances & 5.9 Installation Tolerances in this section.), but not less
than 2 times the specified tolerances for the particular application.
Sawn Backs. Because of physical characteristics, most granites
cannot be split to a thickness less than 1/3 of the lesser face
dimension. Consequently, sawn backs (see 3.4 in this chapter) should
be specified for most veneers, and are frequently specified also for
thicker ashlar, because of design
considerations.
Staining. Granite should be protected from wet (green) wood, oils,
mud, construction waste, and asphalt compounds. Contact Fabricator
or Granite Contractor for proper remedies to staining problems that
occur.

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