ASTM is undoubtedly the most recognized leader in standard setting organizations. However, due to the vast global reach and an all encompassing array of standards, the organization is not perfect. I have great respect for ASTM history and for those actively involved on its committees. For those not familiar with ASTM International, it is a voluntary consensus standards organization that covers everything from making barbed wire, testing windows, galvanic coatings and installing plaster.
Today, ASTM has gained even more clout as the model building codes moved from a prescriptive-based code to a more of a performance-based reference code. This basically means that the code went from a “how-to-do-it” code to more of a “result-based” code. Since the code dropped much of the “how-to” language, the governing body needed a replacement. While ASTM is not perfect, it was and is the obvious and logical option available. ASTM is not the code; it is a standard referenced by the code, which does give it considerable credibility and clout.