Designation: C 656 – 07

Standard Specification for

Structural Insulating Board, Calcium Silicate1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 656; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

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1. Scope C 165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties
1.1 This specification covers structural insulating board for of Thermal Insulations
general thermal insulating, fire-resistive, and marine bulkhead C 168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
applications. The rigid, preformed structural insulating board is C 177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
for use at temperatures up to 1700°F (927°C). For specific ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
applications, the actual temperature limit shall be agreed upon the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
between the manufacturer and the purchaser. C 203 Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Prop-
1.2 The structural insulating board maintains its structural erties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
integrity after immersion in water. C 303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Pre-
1.3 Rapid cycling over a wide temperature range is not formed Block and Board−Type Thermal Insulation
recommended because of potential damage due to thermal C 356 Test Method for Linear Shrinkage of Preformed
shock. High-Temperature Thermal Insulation Subjected to Soak-
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded ing Heat
as the standard. The approximate SI equivalents of inch-pound C 390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
units are given in parentheses. Insulation Lots
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the C 411 Test Method for Hot-Surface Performance of High-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Temperature Thermal Insulation
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- C 447 Practice for Estimating the Maximum Use Tempera-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- ture of Thermal Insulations
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. C 518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
1.6 When the installation or use of thermal insulation Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
materials, accessories and systems, may pose safety or health C 1045 Practice for Calculating Thermal Transmission
problems, the manufacturer shall provide the user appropriate Properties Under Steady-State Conditions
current information regarding any known problems associated C 1058 Practice for Selecting Temperatures for Evaluating
with the recommended use of the company’s products, and and Reporting Thermal Properties of Thermal Insulation
shall also recommend protective measures to be employed in D 1037 Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-
their safe utilization. The user shall establish appropriate safety Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials
and health practices and determine the applicability of regula- E 136 Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical
tory requirements prior to use. Tube Furnace at 750°C

2. Referenced Documents 3. Terminology

2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 3.1 Definitions—The definitions in Terminology C 168 shall
apply to the terms used in this specification.
4. Classification
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of Committee C-16 on Thermal 4.1 The structural insulating boards shall be of the following
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.20 on Homogeneous
Inorganic Thermal Insulations. types:
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2007. Published September 2007. Originally 4.1.1 Type I—Maximum use temperature 1400°F (760°C).
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in C 656 – 94a(2001).
2
4.1.2 Type II—Maximum use temperature 1700°F (927°C).
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.2 The structural insulating boards shall be of the following
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on grades:
the ASTM website. 4.2.1 Grade 1—Typical density 36 lb/ft3 (577 kg/m3).

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 C 656 – 07
4.2.2 Grade 2—Typical density 46 lb/ft3 (737 kg/m3). 10. Qualification Requirements
4.2.3 Grade 3—Typical density 60 lb/ft3 (961 kg/m3). 10.1 Unless otherwise specified, the following requirements
4.2.4 Grade 4—Typical density 14 lb/ft3 (224 kg/m3). shall be employed for the purpose of initial material or product
4.2.5 Grade 5—Typical density 18 lb/ft3 (288 kg/m3). qualification.
4.2.6 Grade 6—Typical density 28 lb/ft3 (449 kg/m3). 10.1.1 Compressive strength,
4.2.7 Grade 7—Typical density 40 lb/ft3 (641 kg/m3).
10.1.2 Screw holding strength,
4.2.8 Grade 8—Typical density 60 lb/ft3 (961 kg/m3).
10.1.3 Linear shrinkage and temperate of use,
5. Ordering Information 10.1.4 Apparent thermal conductivity, and
10.1.5 Combustion characteristics.
5.1 The type, grade, and dimensions shall be specified by
the purchaser.
11. Sampling
5.2 When a certification or test report, or both, are required,
it shall be specified by the purchaser. 11.1 Calcium silicate structural insulating boards shall be
sampled in accordance with Practice C 390. Specific provisions
6. Materials and Manufacture for sampling shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and
6.1 Calcium silicate structural insulating board shall be the supplier.
composed of hydrated calcium silicate with natural or man-
made fibers or fillers, or a combination thereof. Asbestos shall 12. Test Methods
not be used as an ingredient or component of the product. 12.1 Dimensions and Density—Use Test Method C 303,
except that specimens shall be full-size sheets for determina-
7. Other Requirements tion of length and width and at least 12-in. (300-mm) square
7.1 Calcium silicate structural insulating board shall con- for determination of thickness and density.
form to the physical and mechanical requirements specified in 12.2 Flexural Strength—Use Test Methods C 203 on a 1-in.
Table 1. (25-mm) thick specimen.
12.3 Compressive Strength—Use Test Methods C 165.
8. Dimensions and Permissible Variations Specimen thickness shall be 11⁄2 in. (38 mm). Compress
8.1 Calcium silicate structural insulating board is typically specimen to 10 % deformation and calculate on maximum load
available in lengths 48 or 96 in. (1219 or 2438 mm), widths of value.
24 or 48 in. (610 or 1219), and thicknesses from 1⁄2 to 3in. (13 12.4 Screw Holding Strength—Use Test Methods D 1037,
to 76 mm). Direct Screw Withdrawal Test. Test at least three specimens,
8.2 Dimensions shall be within the following tolerances of 31⁄2-in. (89-mm) square, and 1 in. (25 mm) or more in thickness
specified values: after drying to constant weight from 215°F (102°C) to 250°F
Length Width Thickness (121°C). Drill a hole at least 1 in. (25 mm) deep, normal to the
61⁄8 in. (3 mm) 61⁄8 in. (3 mm) 61⁄16 in. (1.5 mm) surface at the center of each specimen, with a No. 29 drill.
Install a No. 8, Type A, self-tapping screw at least 7⁄8 in. (22.2
9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance mm) in length such that 33⁄8 in. (18.8 mm) of the screw
9.1 Calcium silicate structural insulating boards shall not penetrates the board.
have visible defects, such as major cracks, lumps, or excessive 12.5 Apparent Thermal Conductivity—Use Test Methods
departure from planeness, which adversely affect service quali- C 177 or C 518. Test Method C 518 shall not be used at
ties. temperatures other than those in the range of calibration.

TABLE 1 Physical and Mechanical Requirements

Type I Type II
Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
Temperature of use, max, °F (°C) 1400 (760) 1400 (760) 1400 (760) 1700 (927) 1700 (927) 1700 (927) 1700 (927) 1700 (927)
Density, typical, lb/ft3(kg/m3) 36 (577) 46 (737) 60 (961) 14 (224) 18 (288) 28 (449) 40 (641) 55 (881)
Flexural strength, min, psi (kPa) 350 (2413) 550 (3792) 900 (6206) 100 (690) 200 (1379) 350 (2413) 800 (5516) 1200 (8274)
Compressive strength, min, psi (kPa) 900 (6206) 1000 (6895) 2000 (13 790) 200 (1379) 300 (2069) 600 (4137) 2000 (13 790) 4000 (27 580)
Screw-holding strength, min, lb (N) 80 (356) 120 (534) 150 (667) NA NA 20 (89) 150 (667) 200 (890)
Linear shrinkage, 24 h at max use 2.0 2.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
temp, max.%
Apparent thermal conductivity, max,
Btu·in./h·ft2°F (mW/m·K):
Test Conditions Approximate DT
Mean Temperature Recommended
200°F (93°C) 100°F (56°C) 0.71 (102) 0.92 (133) ... 0.42 (61) 0.54 (78) 0.61 (88) 0.73 (105) ...
400°F (204°C) 100°F (56°C) 0.74 (107) 0.89 (128) 1.26 (182) 0.52 (75) 0.61 (88) 0.66 (95) 0.75 (108) 0.97 (140)
600°F (316°C) 100°F (56°C) 0.80 (115) 0.87 (125) 1.28 (185) 0.67 (97) 0.67 (97) 0.73 (105) 0.78 (113) 0.99 (143)
800°F (427°C) 200°F (111°C) 0.88 (127) 0.90 (130) 1.29 (186) 0.87 (125) 0.73 (105) 0.80 (115) 0.84 (121) 1.05 (151)
Combustion characteristics, Test Method E 136: Passing Passing Passing Passing Passing Passing Passing Passing

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C 656 – 07
12.5.1 Temperature of test shall be in accordance with the lot after removal of that portion not conforming to the
Practice C 1058. specified requirements.
12.5.2 Conduct the final analysis of the thermal data in
accordance with Practice C 1045 to generate a thermal con- 15. Certification
ductivity versus temperature relationship for the specimen. 15.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, the
12.6 Combustion Characteristics—Use Test Method E 136. manufacturer’s or seller’s certification shall be furnished to the
12.7 Maximum Use Temperatures—Use Practice C 447, purchaser stating that samples representing each lot have been
which references Test Method C 411. Linear shrinkage (length manufactured, tested, and inspected in accordance with this
or width, or both) should not exceed 2 % at maximum use specification and the requirements have been met. When
temperature. See Test Method C 356. specified in the purchase order or contract, a report of the test
13. Inspection results shall be furnished.
13.1 Unless otherwise specified, the following requirements 16. Packaging and Package Marking
shall be employed for purposes of acceptance sampling of lots
or shipments of qualified insulation: 16.1 Packaging—Unless otherwise specified, the manufac-
13.1.1 Density, turer’s standard packaging system shall be used.
13.1.2 Flexural strength, 16.2 Marking:
13.1.3 Dimensions, and 16.2.1 Unless otherwise specified, each package shall be
13.1.4 Workmanship, finish, and appearance. marked with the manufacturer’s name, the product name,
13.2 Inspection of the material shall be agreed upon be- quantity, nominal dimensions, and manufacturer’s lot or date-
tween the purchaser and the supplier. code identification.
16.2.2 When specified in the purchase order or contract,
14. Rejection and Rehearing each container shall be marked with the appropriate ASTM
14.1 Failure to conform to the requirements in this specifi- C656 type and grade, or other special designations.
cation shall constitute cause for rejection. Rejection shall be
reported to the producer or supplier promptly and in writing. 17. Keywords
14.2 In case of rejection, the manufacturer or supplier shall 17.1 calcium silicate; fire-resistive; marine; structural insu-
have the right to reinspect the rejected shipment and resubmit lation; thermal insulation

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