Welcome to the first ASAA e-News for 2009.

New members include Grampians Sandstone and Luxury Stone Imports.

2009 promises to be a busy year as ASAA funds standards, hosts several seminars, produces a variety of stone related on-line and print publications. Check our ASAA web site for information on some of the great benefits available to members. Look out for the Full Frontal Tile & Stone Expo seminar programme which will be announced in February.

ASAA director Jim Mann of Stone Initiatives & Materials Testing, is the ASAA representative on a working group established to incorporate natural stone into the Australian standard, as an extension of AS 3958 Parts 1 & 2. The working group has already developed a framework for development of a first working draft of AS 3958.3, which is titled ‘Guide to Design and Fixing of Natural and Agglomerated Stone Tile Systems’.

Consideration will be given to the content of ASTM 1528 and BS 5385.5 (draft). The standard will cover many aspects related to size, classification, selection, design, workmanship, installation, suitability for use, finishes and durability.

The draft document will contain information related to sealing and efflorescence.

ASAA is providing some funding for initial development of the standard.