1.1This guide is intended to be used by architects, engineers, specifiers, contractors, and material suppliers who design, select, specify, install, purchase, fabricate, or supply natural stone products for construction applications.

1.2Consensus Standard-This guide is an industry consensus standard drafted in a cooperative effort among engineers, architects, geologists, producers, and installers of natural stone.

1.3The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.4This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.