Proposed Changes to BS 8415

The following is a list of changes Stone-Safe proposes should take place to BS 8415.

• Some of the fixings permitted under BS 8415 have failed, in an independent test, to pass the recommended 150kg Pull Test - This could represent an unacceptable Health & Safety risk and undermine the credibility of BS 8415. (A copy of the independent test report is enclosed to support this).
• BS 8415 needs a revision to the test methodology of the Pull Test to demonstrate and ensure the product is fit for purpose.
• 'Stone-Safe additionally proposes an Increase to 250Kg on the Pull Test for all new Installations.

2.) Clarification on the Importance and effects of soil conditions, test methodology and where responsibility for testing lies:

• BS8415 relies on the Mason or Cemetery Manager to be aware of the soil conditions however many may not be conversant with appropriate soil test procedures, resulting in the wrong type of foundation being installed.
• There needs to be the inclusion of appropriate test methodology to determine soil type and which type of foundation would be fit for purpose In a given soil type. (This would add further credibility to the aforementioned Pull Test).
• *Stone-Safe additionally proposes the inclusion of test methodology to certify In-depth foundations suitable for all soil conditions (Such certification may remove the need for on site soil sampling).

3.) Amendments to the performance and suitability of joints, particularly cement joints:

• BS 8415 presently allows for the use of cement joints with no provisions attached, however cement has a hardening period of 48 hours and a curing time of 28 days and therefore does not provide immediate stability. This could represent an unacceptable Health & Safety risk and undermine the credibility of BS8415.
• BS 8415 should highlight the need for cement joints to be stabilized, through agreed methods, during the 28 day curing period. (Enclosed is a copy of the Cement and Concrete Association's recommendations).
• *Stone-Safe would also like consideration given to the effects of weather conditions on applied cement. (Weather conditions can affect the strength of concrete throughout Its life and therefore increase the likelihood of failure.)
• Stone-Safe believes the mason should hold a greater level of responsibility against their product and work, there should also be greater clarity of where responsibility lies, in the event of a failure, to safeguard both the relative(s) and the cemetery owner. Stone-Safe feel there is a potential need to include such provisions into BS 8415
• Stone-Safe would like it noted that under the Sale of Goods Act the Mason is only responsible for a period of 6 years, from installation, on the performance of the headstone. Any headstone failures between 6 to 30 years from installation would usually become the liability of the relatives to the deceased (Presuming they are traceable). In the event that the relatives are untraceable liability shifts to the owners of the cemetery, usually a local authority. (This is often not divulged to either the relative(s) or the owners of the cemetery and may need addressing.)

Considerations for Proposed Changes to BS 8415

Outlined below are some issues Stone-safe would like considered when reviewing the proposed changes to BS 8415:

The installation of a single pin Involves the installer forcing a pin into an unknown soil condition unaware that it could contain unexpected voids. With an in depth foundation the installer has to excavate 2 x 100mm diameter foundation holes and should become aware of any voids during this process. Any voids would then be back filled with excess wet concrete.

If any below ground lateral pressure is present the resistance of the single 20mm pin will be far less than that of an in-depth 2 x 100mm concrete foundation with stainless steel 20mm threaded bolts. If lateral pressure is applied to the base, plinth and headstone due to grave settlement, the single pin system cement joint is likely to fracture at either the base to plinth, plinth to headstone or both.

An in-depth foundation with a mechanical fixing Is unlikely to fail in these areas.

Concrete foundation

Concrete foundations are an integral part of memorial stability. A Stone-safe concrete foundation was tested by professor Moy at Southampton University to in excess of 250kg. (The concrete foundation slab is not included in the Southern testing report, only the ground anchors in various soil conditions were tested.)

The standard memorial headstone and plinth weighs 119kg.

Stone-safe feel it would be important to include in the amendment to BS 8415 a minimum dimension requirement of the slab with pre moulded fixing holes and fibre reinforcement.