ASTM Quality Standards - Robinson Brick Company

ASTM C216

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is the world's leader in the development of voluntary consensus standards for material, products, systems, and services. ASTM C216 is the standard specification for Facing Brick.

Grades of ASTM C216

There are two grades for this standard specification: Severe Weather (SW) and Moderate Weather (MW). The Weathering Index by which these grades are defined is based on the product of the average annual number of freezing cycle days and the average annual winter rainfall in inches. Robinson Brick Company produces Grade SW Brick.

The Grade SW Advantage

Because Grade SW brick are stronger and more durable, they last longer and require less maintenance than Grade MW. In addition, Grade SW has the advantage of lower absorption, which generally translates to construction cost savings.

FBX and FBX+

FBS and FBX are industry standard for brick, set forth by ASTM, with the specifications listed below. Robinson Brick exceeds those specifications in many categories, therefore calling it FBX+.

FBX Allows:

Generally more vitrified
Greater weather resistance
Lower absorption
More durable/waterproof
High abrasion resistance
Higher compressive strength

Reduced pre-wetting
Reduced handling/culling costs
Reduced need for sealing
Faster construction
Lower labor cost

FBX Advantage

Robinson Brick Company produces FBX brick to enhance the appearance and quality of finished walls. Since we do the culling, type FBX can save on construction costs.

Comparing FBX and FBS

FBX Allows: Waste - up to 10% (includes excess chippage) Chips - 1/8" (3.2mm) edge, 1/4" (6.4mm) corner Cracks - None seen from 15 feet (4.6m) away Size variation - 5/16" (7.9mm) from each other Warpage - 1/16" (1.6mm) for under 8" (203mm) dimension		FBS Allows: Waste - up to 20% (includes excess chippage) Chips - 5/16" (7.9mm) edge, 1/2" (12.7mm) corner Cracks - None seen from 20 feet (6.1m) away Size variation - 1/2" (12.7mm) from each other Warpage - 3/32" (2.4mm) for under 8" (203mm) dimension
Chips 1/8" (3.2mm) edge 1/4" (6.4mm) corner Distortion 1/16" (1.6mm) for under 8" (203mm) dimension Length Variation 5/16" (7.9mm) from each other		Chips 5/16" (7.9mm) edge 1/2" (12.7mm) corner Distortion 3/32" (2.4mm) for under 8" (203mm) dimension Length Variation 1/2" (12.7mm) from each other

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