Specification

TILE SPECIFICATIONS
Developed by Nature Pebble 12 in. x 24 in.
tile shown in corridor horizontal pattern
Tile Specifications
STANDARDS &
REGULATIONS
TILE SPECIFICATIONS PAGE 1 OF 4
PORCELAIN/CERAMIC TEST RESULTS
Marazzi has always been proud to support solutions that better our industry. That’s why we’re among the first to
join the Tile Council of North America in testing our products with DCOF AcuTest
sm
, a new industry standard used to
measure dynamic coecient of friction (DCOF). DCOF AcuTest
sm
assesses a product’s suitability for the commercial
environment and the specific usability needs of the application.
A Measure of Friction
Friction is the force that resists the sliding motion of one surface against another. Contaminants, such as liquids,
can alter the measurement of friction. There are two types of friction: static (SCOF) and dynamic (DCOF). SCOF is
the ratio of forces necessary to start two surfaces sliding. This is what the former American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) C1028 static test measured. DCOF is the ratio of forces necessary to keep two surfaces sliding.
Continually Pushing the Envelope
Marazzi, in partnership with the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), is proud to endorse the DCOF AcuTest
sm
because
it’s the most accurate method for determining whether or not a product is suitable for a commercial environment.
• Similar to measuring the speed of a car in both mph and kph, friction can also be measured on two scales
(DCOF and SCOF). The new 0.42 wet (DCOF) is replacing the old reference of 0.60 COF wet, which has long
been the benchmark for friction in commercial applications.
• The new, more stringent DCOF AcuTest
sm
uses a portable robot that, unlike ASTM C1028, gives realistic
values on very smooth surfaces.
While the industry standard is changing, the quality you can count on from us remains the same.
Water Absorption, ASTM C373-88
Water absorption is measured using ASTM C373-88. Individual tiles are weighed, saturated with water, then
weighed again. The percent dierence between the two conditions is referred to as the water absorption value.
Tiles are classified according to water absorption percentages as follows:
Impervious Tiles exhibiting 0.5% or less.
Vitreous Tiles exhibiting more than 0.5%, but not more than 3.0%.
Semi-Vitreous Tiles exhibiting more than 3.0%, but not more than 7.0%.
Non-Vitreous Tiles exhibiting more than 7.0%.
Scratch Hardness – Mohs Scale Ratings
The relative hardness of glazed tile is an important issue that should be addressed when selecting a tile. The test is
performed by scratching the surface of the tile with dierent minerals and subjectively assigning a “Mohs Scale of
Mineral Hardness” number to the glaze. The softest mineral used is talc (“1” rating)—the hardest is a diamond (“10”
rating). Other minerals of varying hardness providing Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness values of 5 or more are suitable
for most residential floor applications. A value of 7 or greater is normally recommended for commercial applications.
Breaking Strength Ceramic Tile, ASTM C648-04
Ceramic tiles used on floors and walls must be able to withstand the expected load bearing capacity of various