A.S.T.M. breakdown tests and their justification

The prime function of the A.S.T.M. is the development of practical test standards and specifications for commercial use. Pure research is not one of its objectives, but in devising new standards and revising them to keep pace with improvements in the art, much work of a research nature is required. The A.S.T.M. approach is that of the engineer, whose chief concern is evaluation of breakdown in terms of the use to which the material is to be put. For this he requires standards that involve as simple equipment as possible, are easily reproducible, and consume minimum of testing time.