Form and Style for ASTM Standards - ASTM International

the other test methods should be designated as
optional or nonreferee. When test methods are
published separately, a worthwhile saving can be
accomplished by making cross-references from
one test method to another for the apparatus and
detailed description of the procedure.
A2. Title (Mandatory)
A2.1 The title should be concise but complete
enough to identify the nature of the test, the
material to which is it applicable, and to distinguish
it from other similar titles. Titles of analogous
standards should be identical, except for the
distinctive feature(s) of each standard. Titles are
used frequently in lists, tables of contents,
indexes, tabulating card systems, etc., and therefore
should be brief but inclusive. Select words
that easily lend themselves to indexing. The
essential features of a title are the particular
property or constituent being determined, the
material to which the test method is applicable,
and when pertinent, the technique or instrumentation.
If the test method is designated to determine
a number of constituents or properties, use a
general title, omitting the names of specific constituents
or properties. When a standard includes
a number of individual test methods for different
constituents or properties, the title need indicate
only the general nature of the tests and the
material to which it is applicable.
A3. Designation and Year Date
A3.1 Designation (mandatory)— The
ASTM designation, assigned by Headquarters on
submittal for approval, consists of the following
sequential parts:
A3.1.1 A letter designation denoting in general
the classification according to material, product,
system or service.
A—Ferrous metals and products
B—Nonferrous metals and products
C—Cementitious, ceramic, concrete, and masonry materials
D—Miscellaneous materials and products
E—Miscellaneous subjects
F—End-use materials and products
G—Corrosion, deterioration, weathering, durability, and
degradation of materials and products
FORM OF ASTM TEST METHODS
A-3
A3.1.2 A sequential number following the
letter designation (for example, Specification
C150).
A3.2 Year Date: (for example, Specification
C150-01).
A3.2.1 After the designation, a hyphen is
followed by the last two numbers of the year of
acceptance or of last revision. If the standard is
revised again during the same year, this is indicated
by adding an “a” for the second revision,
“b” for the third revision, etc.
A3.2.2 The parenthetical phrase “(Reapproved
20___)” to designate the year of last
preapproval of a standard, if applicable.
A3.2.3 For editorial changes that do not
change the year designation, a note is inserted
before the text to indicate the location and date of
the change and a superscript epsilon ( e ) is added
after the year designation. The epsilon designations
and corresponding notes are numbered
chronologically and are deleted upon occasion of
the next revision or reapproval.
A3.3 The designation numbers of standards
that have been discontinued are not reassigned.
A3.4 SI Standards (see Part H and Section
G24.)
A4. Introduction
A4.1 A separate section covering general
introductory or informational material is not generally
used in ASTM test methods. Occasionally,
a test method is of such a nature that it requires an
explanatory statement for proper understanding
by the user. In such instances an introduction
should be included immediately after the title of
the test method but without a section number.
A4.2 Examples of test methods that include
introductions are as follows:
D143 Test Methods for Small Clear Specimens of Timber
D905 Test Method for Strength Properties of Adhesive
Bonds in Shear by Compression Loading
A5. Scope (Mandatory)
A5.1 Include in this section information
relating to the purpose of the test method. State if
the method is quantitative or qualitative, and any
known limitations. Concisely state the property
or constituent that is being determined and the