CLEVELAND, OH, June 16, 2006 � A third round of industry-wide surveys
will be distributed by the
Marble Institute of America this summer as it zeroes
in on completing the two-year effort to develop a workable accreditation program
for the natural stone industry.
What probably will be the last survey in the pre-launch programming will
focus on content to be included on the final examination, 10 standards for
accredited companies and a proposed fee structure taking part in the
accreditation process.
"We have turned to the industry for input at several stages of the process, "
said Ken Krebs, 2005-06 MIA president. "The input provided by industry
professionals in this third round of surveys will provide the necessary feedback
we need to complete the process. I urge my industry colleagues to participate."
Krebs noted that much of the accreditation program development has been
rooted in the feedback received from stone industry professionals, as well as
major stakeholders such as architects and kitchen and bath professionals.
"At each stage of development there has been strong support for the
development of an accreditation program," Krebs explained.
Krebs said the goal is to prepare a formal report to the MIA Board of
Directors and membership for StonExpo in Las Vegas in early November, 2006.
Official launch would be early in 2007.
Much work has been accomplished by a special task force over the past 20+
months, including creation of a mission statement for the program, formation of
accreditation standards, development of a content outline for a written
examination, creation of the program application and a determination that the
initial program will have two company accreditation options - Accredited
Residential Natural Stone Fabricator and Accredited Natural Stone Commercial
Contractor.
Major elements to refined during the summer include outlining details for a
site visit for each applicant facility, completing the written exam, developing
a marketing plan to promote accredited companies to architects, designers and
the kitchen/bath communities and creating a program budget.
At the MIA Annual Meeting, held in
conjunction with StonExpo in November 8-11, 2006, MIA will be
introducing the natural stone industry's only comprehensive stone
industry accreditation program. The mission of this program is:
To provide excellence in the natural stone industry and
recognize companies demonstrating compliance with quality standards,
so that the public values, has access to, and benefits from
consistent, competent, and safe fabrication, installation and
maintenance of natural stone.
Hundreds of hours have been spent by experienced industry leaders to create
this program. All told, this effort will have taken over 24 months to develop
with the
Marble Institute receiving input from hundreds of natural stone
professionals and important stakeholders, such as architects and kitchen/bath
professionals.
One final round of industry surveys will be conducted in the summer of 2006.
The following information is posted for
REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY to
help prepare industry respondents for the survey:
- Names of Accreditation Task Force Committee Members & Goals Set at Initial Meeting (March 2005)
- Results of Industry Surveys Conducted with Positive Results (April-May 2005)
- Companies Eligible for, and Standards for Initial Accreditation Program (December 2005 - March 2006)
- Components of the Draft Application (May 2006)
- Written Exam
- Site Visit
- Accreditation Application / Exam / Site Visit Timeline & Renewal Process
- 2006 Industry Survey
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 | | Marble | MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS
This standard includes general information on the characteristics
and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems
associated with the material.
INTRODUCTION
Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite
(CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of
limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic
processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone
with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite
porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high
polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and
sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially
polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects
of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed,
is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is
readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the
actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the
acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds
react differently with marble and produce various by-products,
which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability
of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine
the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration.
Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the
other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid
attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the
brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red,
yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition.
TYPICAL USES
Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for
outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture
it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative
features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is
used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of
exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the
feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not
the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage
to which marble is susceptible. | |  |
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