Which is an example of a reference standard specification?

• A. Gypsum Board: ASTM C1396
• B. Gypsum Board: ANSI C1396
• C. Gypsum Board: ISO C1396
• D. Gypsum Board: UL C1396

Answer: (A)

Understanding reference standards: a reference standard specification is a formally published requirement from a recognized standards organization that defines the properties, performance, and testing criteria a material must meet for project documentation. For gypsum board, the standard specification is published by ASTM as C1396, which sets the official criteria for gypsum board products, including composition, dimensions, finish, and required tests. This is the standard most commonly cited in construction documents as the basis for conformity. Other designations like ANSI, ISO, or UL pairs do not represent the official gypsum board specification in this context; ANSI is a coordinator of standards, ISO standards are international and use different numbers, and UL focuses on safety testing and product certification rather than the general material spec.