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ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR ADHERED MANUFACTURED

AC51

Approved June 2018

(Editorially revised January 2021)

Previously approved January 2016, June 2013, February 2008

(Previously editorially revised September 2014, April 2012, September 2010)

PREFACE
Evaluation reports issued by ICC Evaluation Service, LLC (ICC-ES), are based upon performance features of the
International family of codes. (Some reports may also reference older code families such as the BOCA National Codes, the Standard
Codes, and the Uniform Codes.) Section 104.11 of the International Building Code® reads as follows:
The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any materials or to prohibit any design
or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been
approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official
finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that
the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this
code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.
This acceptance criteria has been issued to provide interested parties with guidelines for demonstrating compliance with
performance features of the codes referenced in the criteria. The criteria was developed through a transparent process involving
public hearings of the ICC-ES Evaluation Committee, and/or on-line postings where public comment was solicited.
New acceptance criteria will only have an “approved” date, which is the date the document was approved by the Evaluation
Committee. When existing acceptance criteria are revised, the Evaluation Committee will decide whether the revised document should
carry only an “approved” date, or an “approved” date combined with a “compliance” date. The compliance date is the date by which
relevant evaluation reports must comply with the requirements of the criteria. See the ICC-ES web site for more information on
compliance dates.
If this criteria is a revised edition, a solid vertical line (│) in the margin within the criteria indicates a change from the previous
edition. A deletion indicator (→) is provided in the margin where any significant wording has been deleted.
ICC-ES may consider alternate criteria for report approval, provided the report applicant submits data demonstrating that the
alternate criteria are at least equivalent to the criteria set forth in this document, and otherwise demonstrate compliance with the
performance features of the codes. ICC-ES retains the right to refuse to issue or renew any evaluation report, if the applicable product,
material, or method of construction is such that either unusual care with its installation or use must be exercised for satisfactory
performance, or if malfunctioning is apt to cause injury or unreasonable damage.
Acceptance criteria are developed for use solely by ICC-ES for purposes of issuing ICC-ES evaluation reports.
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Copyright © 2021 ICC Evaluation Service, LLC. All rights reserved.
 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR ADHERED MANUFACTURED STONE
MASONRY VENEER (AC51)
1.0 INTRODUCTION lightweight precast concrete units, which are comprised of
cement, water and mineral aggregates, with or without
1.1 Purpose: The purpose of this criteria is to establish
other materials. Units of AMSMV are formed and cast off-
the minimum requirements for evaluation of adhered
site to provide the appearance of stone or other masonry
manufactured stone masonry veneer (AMSMV) in ICC
materials.
Evaluation Service, LLC (ICC-ES), evaluation reports under
the 2021, 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009 and 2006 International 1.4.2 Fully Manufactured Veneer Unit: A unit of
Building Code® (IBC), and the 2021, 2018, 2015, 2012, AMSMV that has been colored, formed, cured, etc. in
2009 and 2006 International Residential Code®(IRC). Basis accordance with the standard manufacturing procedures.
of evaluation are Section 104.11 of the IBC and Section 1.4.3 Specially Cast Shapes: Shapes made from the
R104.11 of the IRC. concrete used to make the veneer, but cast into forms that
This criteria is needed to clarify the requirements for differ from those used to manufacture the veneer units. The
manufacture, testing, and installation of AMSMV units, shapes are intended to conform to requirements of testing
which are not uniformly addressed in all of the referenced standards. For instance, cylinders used in compressive
editions of the code. The 2021 and 2018 IBC and IRC strength testing.
reference ASTM C1670 for AMSMV units, while earlier 1.4.4 Style: The named architectural effect for a
editions do not. This criteria is needed in part to address combination of specific unit types. Examples: Limestone,
qualification of properties of AMSMV which are not River Rock.
addressed in ASTM C1670.
1.4.5 Unit Profile: Refer to Section 3.2.2 of ASTM
1.2 Scope: This criteria applies to AMSMV units C1670.
adhered with mortar to the exterior face of exterior walls
and, at the report applicant’s option, to interior wall 1.4.6 Unit Type: A particular size and shape of an
surfaces. AMSMV is a type of adhered masonry veneer AMSMV unit.
addressed in Section 1404.10 of the 2021 and 2018 IBC 1.4.7 Veneer System: The combination of the veneer
(Section 1405.10 of the 2015 IBC) and, to a lesser extent, units with the supporting materials used to affix the veneer
in the IRC and earlier editions of the IBC. The scope of this units to the supporting wall, including joint mortar, setting
criteria is limited to evaluating AMSMV units which are bed, lath and mortar, as applicable.
installed in accordance with Section 1404.10 of the 2021
and 2018 IBC (Section 1405.10 of the 2015 IBC). 2.0 BASIC INFORMATION AND REPORTS OF TESTS
2.1 General: The following basic information shall be
1.3 Codes and Referenced Standards: When
submitted to ICC-ES:
multiple editions of a standard are listed below, they are
deemed to be technically equivalent for the purposes of this 2.1.1 Product Description:
criteria. New report applicants are expected to use the 2.1.1.1 AMSMV Materials: A description of the
latest edition referenced. Current report holders, whose constituent materials of the concrete used to form the
evaluation reports are based on data complying with the AMSMV units showing compliance with Section 4 of ASTM
earlier editions of the standards, will not need to submit new C1670.
data to demonstrate compliance with the latest edition of
the reference standard. 2.1.1.2 Mix Design: For each mix design to be
evaluated, a description of all of the constituent materials
1.3.1 2021, 2018, 2015. 2012, 2009 and 2006 and their proportions must be listed.
International Building Code® (IBC), International Code
Council. 2.1.1.3 Dimensions: Dimensions of each of the
unit types showing compliance with Section 9.2 of ASTM
1.3.2 2021, 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009 and 2006 C1670.
International Residential Code® (IRC), International Code
Council. 2.1.1.4 Veneer Styles: For each veneer style to be
evaluated, an image of the veneer style and a list of the unit
1.3.3 ASTM C1670-16 through -18, Standard types included in the unit profile, along with the average
Specification for Adhered Manufactured Stone Masonry thickness for each unit type.
Veneer Units, ASTM International.
2.1.2 Veneer Manufacture: Information submitted in
1.3.4 ASTM E84-04 through -18b, Test Method for accordance with AC10 must include the standard
Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. procedure for manufacture of the AMSMV units. This shall
1.3.5 ASTM E119-00 through -18b, Test Methods for include material proportions, mixing instructions (including
Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. equipment used), methods used for forming the mixture into
proper shapes, curing requirements and storage
1.3.6 UL 263-03 through -11, Fire Tests of Building requirements.
Construction and Materials, Underwriters Laboratories.
2.1.3 Installation Instructions: Published
1.3.7 UL 723-03 through -18, Test for Surface Burning installation instructions noting installation requirements
Characteristics of Building Materials, Underwriters and/or limitations.
Laboratories.
2.1.4 Product Identification and Labeling: The
1.4 Definitions: method of packaging and identifying the veneer units shall
1.4.1 Adhered Manufactured Stone Masonry be specified. The packaging of the veneer shall be identified
Veneer (AMSMV): An adhered veneer made from in accordance with Section 11 of ASTM C1670. The product
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ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR ADHERED MANUFACTURED STONE MASONRY VENEER (AC51)

identification shall be in accordance with the product per square inch (345 kPa), in accordance with Section 7.2
identification provisions of the ICC-ES Rules of Procedure of ASTM C1670.
for Evaluation Reports. 3.6 Freeze-Thaw Durability: Resistance to freezing
2.2 Testing Laboratories: Testing laboratories must and thawing shall be tested in accordance with Section 6 of
comply with Section 2.0 of the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria ASTM C1670. Conditions of acceptance shall be as stated
for Test Reports (AC85) and Section 4.2 of the ICC-ES in Section 6.3.2 of ASTM C1670.
Rules of Procedure for Evaluation Reports. 3.7 Linear Drying Shrinkage: Shrinkage due to drying
2.3 Test Reports: Test reports must comply with AC85 shall be tested in accordance with Section 9.3 of ASTM
and include the following: C1670, and shall comply with Section 9.3.2 of ASTM
1. Witnessing of casting of specially molded test C1670.
specimens. 3.8 Thermal Resistance (Optional): If thermal
2. Preparation of test specimens, including complete resistance (R-value) of the veneer units is to be addressed,
description of the specimen components, mix proportions the results of testing in accordance with an applicable test
and curing. method must be submitted.

3. Description of test procedures, along with details. 3.9 Interior Finish (Optional): For AMSMV to be
evaluated for use as an interior finish, a report of testing in
4. Test observations, including description of veneer accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 must be submitted
before and after testing. Description shall be supported by to determine the interior finish classification.
photographs.
3.10 Fire-resistance-rated Construction (Optional):
5. Statement as to whether the test results meet the Testing in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263 is
conditions of acceptance given in the criteria. required if evaluation of fire-resistance-rated construction is
6. Descriptions of veneer units sampled. sought.
7. Age of specimens following molding or fabrication. 4.0 QUALITY CONTROL
8. Sample transportation, curing or conditioning 4.1 The AMSMV units shall be manufactured under an
procedures. approved quality control program with inspections by ICC-
ES or by a properly accredited inspection agency that has
2.4 Product Sampling: Test specimens must be
a contractual relationship with ICC-ES.
representative of standard manufacture. For tests
performed on fully manufactured veneer units, specimens 4.2 Quality documentation complying with the ICC-ES
shall be sampled in accordance with Section 3.2 of AC85. Acceptance Criteria for Quality Documentation (AC10) shall
For tests performed on specially cast shapes, the test be submitted. The quality documentation shall include
specimens must be sampled in accordance with Section 3.1 provisions for periodic testing of the product, as required by
of AC85. ASTM C1670.
3.0 TEST AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS 4.3 A qualifying inspection shall be conducted at each
manufacturing facility in accordance with the requirements
3.1 General: For each mix design being evaluated, test
of the ICC-ES Acceptance Criteria for Inspections and
data in accordance with Sections 3.2 through 3.7 shall be
Inspection Agencies (AC304).
submitted. Alternatively, where more than one mix design
is to be evaluated, a proposed testing plan shall be 5.0 EVALUATION REPORT REQUIREMENTS
submitted to ICC-ES for approval prior to the The evaluation report shall include the following:
commencement of testing. At a minimum, this testing plan
shall include the following: the mix design(s) to be tested, 5.1 Product Description: A list of the evaluated
the mix designs that are to be qualified based on the testing, veneer styles.
and justification for the selection of the mix design(s) to be 5.2 Installation Information: The following language
tested. shall appear in Section 4.0 of the evaluation reports:
3.2 Water Absorption and Saturated Density: Water Installation over a Lath and Mortar Scratch Coat
absorption and saturated density shall be determined in Over Framed Walls: The scratch coat must be installed
accordance with Section 8 of ASTM C1670. over a water-resistive barrier complying with 2021 and 2018
3.3 Weight: Based on Section 8.3.2 of ASTM C1670, IBC Section 1404.10.1.1 (2015 IBC Section 1405.10.1.1) or
the weight per square foot of each unit type shall be 2021, 2018 and 2015 IRC Section R703.12.3, as
determined by multiplying the saturated density, applicable. Also, flashing must be installed as required by
determined in accordance with Section 3.2, by the average 2021 and 2018 IBC Section 1404.10.1.2 (2015 IBC Section
thickness for the unit type, and shall not exceed 15 pounds 1405.10.1.2) or 2021, 2018 and 2015 IRC Sections R703.4
per square foot (73 kg/m2). and R703.12.2, as applicable, including a foundation weep
screed installed at the bottom of the stone veneer. The
3.4 Compressive Strength: Compressive strength foundation weep screed must comply with, and be installed
tests of veneer mixture shall be conducted in accordance in accordance with, the requirements for flashing at
with Section 5 of ASTM C1670, with conditions of foundation shown in 2021 and 2018 IBC Section
acceptance as noted in Section 5.4 of ASTM C1670. 1404.10.1.2.1 (2015 IBC Section 1405.10.1.2.1) or 2021,
3.5 Shear Bond Strength: The bond strength between 2018 and 2015 IRC Section R703.12.2, as applicable. The
the veneer unit and the mortar setting bed shall be veneer must be installed with the clearances required by
determined in accordance with Section 7 of ASTM C1670. 2021 and 2018 IBC Section 1404.10.1.3 (2015 IBC Section
The shear bond strength shall be a minimum of 50 pounds 1405.10.1.3) or 2021, 2018 and 2015 IRC Section
R703.12.1, as applicable.
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ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR ADHERED MANUFACTURED STONE MASONRY VENEER (AC51)

Lathing must comply with IBC Section 2510 [referenced The (product name) products described in this report
from 2021 and 2018 IBC Section 1404.10.1.4.1 (2015 IBC comply with, or are suitable alternatives to what is specified
Section 1405.10.1.4.1)] or with IRC Section R703.7.1 in, the codes listed above, and must be installed in
(referenced from 2021, 2018 and 2015 IRC Section accordance with the 2018 and 2015 IBC and IRC, as
R703.12). The scratch coat must be applied in accordance described in Section 4.0.
with 2021 and 2018 IBC Section 1404.10.1.4.2 (2015 IBC
5.3 Conditions of Use: The evaluation report shall
Section 1405.10.1.4.2) and the veneer units must be
include the following conditions of use:
adhered to the scratch coat in accordance with 2021 and
2018 IBC Section 1404.10.1.4.3 (2015 IBC Section 5.3.1 Expansion or control joints used to limit the
1405.10.1.4.3). The mortar used to adhere the veneer units effect of differential movement of AMSMV supports must be
to the scratch coat must comply with 2021, 2018 and 2015 specified by the architect, designer or veneer manufacturer,
IBC Section 2103.2.4 or 2021 and 2018 IRC Section in that order. Consideration must be given to movement
R606.2.11 (2015 IRC Section R606.2.10), as applicable. caused by temperature changes, shrinkage, creep and
deflection.
Installation over Concrete and Masonry: Installation
over concrete and masonry must comply with 2021 and 5.3.2 For installation in accordance with the IBC,
2018 IBC Section 1404.10.1.5 (2015 IBC Section supporting wall construction must be designed to support
1405.10.1.5). When adhering the veneer units directly to the weight of the veneer system. Horizontal framing
the concrete or masonry, the supporting surfaces must be members, such as lintels and headers, which support
prepared in accordance with IBC Section 2510.7, and the AMSMV, must be designed to limit deflection to 1/600 of the
veneer units must be adhered to the supporting surface as span.
described in Section (number of previous section). When 5.3.3 In jurisdictions adopting the IRC, where the
adhering the veneer units to a lath and mortar scratch coat, seismic provisions of Section R301.2.2 apply, the average
the lathing and scratch coat preparation must comply with weight of the wall supporting the AMSMV, including the
Section (number of previous section). weight of the veneer system, must be determined. When
5.2.2 When code editions prior to the 2015 IBC and IRC this weight exceeds the applicable limits of IRC Section
are addressed in the report, the following statement shall R301.2.2.2, an engineered design of the wall construction
be included in Section 8.0 of the report: must be performed in accordance with IRC Section
R301.1.3. ■
.

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