Bsi bs en 13454 2 2003 (2007)

BRITISH STANDARD

BS EN
13454-2:2003
Incorporating
amendment no. 1

Binders, composite
binders and factory
made mixtures for
floor screeds based
on calcium sulfate —
Part 2: Test methods

The European Standard EN 13454-2:2003, incorporating amendment
A1:2007, has the status of a British Standard

ICS 91.100.10; 91.100.50

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:


BS EN 13454-2:2003

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 13454-2:2003,
incorporating amendment A1:2007.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
B/544, Plastering, rendering, dry lining, to Subcommittee B/544/1,Gypsum
plasters, cast gypsum and ancillaries.
A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.

This British Standard was
published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee
on 29 March 2004

© BSI 2007

ISBN 978 0 580 60111 8

Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No.

Date

Comments

17357

28 September 2007

Implementation of CEN amendment
A1:2007

EUROPEAN STANDARD

EN 13454-2:2003+A1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

July 2007

ICS 91.100.10; 91.100.50

Supersedes EN 13454-2:2003

English Version

Binders, composite binders and factory made mixtures for floor
screeds based on calcium sulfate - Part 2: Test methods
Liants, liants composites et mélanges fabriqués en usine à
base de sulfate de calcium pour chapes de sol - Partie 2:
Méthodes d'essai

Calciumsulfat-Binder, Calciumsulfat-Compositbinder und
Calciumsulfat-Werkmörtel für Estriche - Teil 2:
Prüfverfahren

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 September 2003 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 22 June 2007.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36

© 2007 CEN

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.

B-1050 Brussels

Ref. No. EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007: E


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

Contents

Page

Foreword..............................................................................................................................................................3

1

Scope ......................................................................................................................................................4

2

Normative references ............................................................................................................................4

3
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.2
3.3

Test conditions and sampling ..............................................................................................................4
General requirements for testing .........................................................................................................4
Water .......................................................................................................................................................4
Apparatus ...............................................................................................................................................4
Sampling for binders (CAB, CAC)........................................................................................................5
Sampling for factory made mixtures (CA)...........................................................................................5

4
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.2
4.3

4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
4.3.4
4.3.5
4.4
4.4.1
4.4.2
4.4.3
4.4.4
4.4.5
4.5
4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3
4.5.4

Test methods for binders (CAB ; CAC) ...............................................................................................5
Content of calcium sulfate....................................................................................................................5
Principle..................................................................................................................................................5
Apparatus ...............................................................................................................................................5
Reagents.................................................................................................................................................6
Procedure ...............................................................................................................................................6
Determination of pH...............................................................................................................................7
Determination of setting time ...............................................................................................................7
Principle..................................................................................................................................................7
Apparatus ...............................................................................................................................................7
Standard consistence test ....................................................................................................................7
Procedure ...............................................................................................................................................7
Setting time test .....................................................................................................................................8

Determination of strengths...................................................................................................................9
Apparatus ...............................................................................................................................................9
Procedure .............................................................................................................................................11
Water demand for flow table value ....................................................................................................12
Preparation of test specimens ...........................................................................................................12
Testing the specimens ........................................................................................................................13
Determination of shrinkage and swelling .........................................................................................14
Principle................................................................................................................................................14
Apparatus .............................................................................................................................................15
Preparation and storage of the specimens.......................................................................................16
Measuring of the specimens ..............................................................................................................16

5
5.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.4

Test method for factory made mixtures (CA) ...................................................................................17
Determination of pH value ..................................................................................................................17
Working time ........................................................................................................................................17
Flowing mixture ...................................................................................................................................17
Stiff mixture ..........................................................................................................................................18
Determination of strength ...................................................................................................................18
Composition of the test sample .........................................................................................................18
Flexural and compressive strength ...................................................................................................18

Determination of shrinkage and swelling .........................................................................................18

6

Test report ............................................................................................................................................18

Bibliography ......................................................................................................................................................20

2


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 241 “Gypsum
and gypsum based products”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or by
endorsement, at the latest by January 2008 and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by
January 2008.
This document includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 2007-06-22.
This document supersedes EN 13454-2:2003.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags ! ".
!deleted text"
The European Standard EN 13454 for binders, composite binders and factory made mixtures for floor screeds
based on calcium sulfate consists of two parts:
Part 1: Definitions and requirements
Part 2: Test methods
The requirements in prEN 13454-1 are based on the results of tests according to EN 13454-2 on binders,
composite binders and factory made mixtures for floor screeds based on calcium sulfate.
This European Standard describes test methods for binders, composite binders and factory made mixtures where

the principal active component is calcium sulfate.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

3


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

1

Scope

This European Standard describes the test methods for binders and composite binders for floor screeds based on
calcium sulfate specified in prEN 13454-1.
This European Standard describes the test methods for factory made mixtures for floor screeds based on calcium
sulfate specified in EN 13813.
This European Standard describes reference test methods. If other than these methods and conditions are used, it
is necessary to show that they give results equivalent to those given by the reference methods. In the event of a
dispute, only the reference test method is used.

2

Normative references

This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For

dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).
!EN 196-1:2005", Methods of testing cement – Part 1 : Determination of strength
!EN 196-3:2005, Methods of testing cement - Part 3: Determination of setting times and soundness"
EN 196-7:1989, Methods of testing cement – Part 7: Methods of taking and preparing samples of cement
EN 459-2:2001, Building lime – Part 2: Test methods
EN 13813, Screed material and floor screeds - Screed material - Properties and requirements
EN 13892-1, Methods of test for screed materials - Part 1: Sampling, making and curing specimens for test

3 Test conditions and sampling
3.1
3.1.1

General requirements for testing
Water

The water used for testing and chemical analyses shall be distilled or deionised.
Unless otherwise specified, the water temperature shall be the same as the air temperature in the laboratory.
3.1.2

Apparatus

The apparatus used for gauging and the moulds used for preparing the test specimens, shall be free from leaks
and shall be manufactured from a water proof material which is non reactive to calcium sulfate (e.g. glass, brass,
stainless steel, hardened steel, hard rubber and plastics etc.).
Since the characteristics of calcium sulfate are strongly influenced by the presence of particles of calcium sulfate
dihydrate which can influence the setting time, all equipment used in the tests shall be kept in a perfect state of
cleanliness.

4


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

3.2

Sampling for binders (CAB, CAC)

Sampling for binders shall be carried out in accordance with EN 196-7 and EN 459-2.

3.3

Sampling for factory made mixtures (CA)

Sampling for factory made mixtures shall be carried out in accordance with EN 13892-1.The composition of
samples shall always be representative of the average composition of the material, the possibility of segregation
being taken into consideration. The test report shall state whether the samples taken are spot samples or
composite samples (See 3.6 and 3.7 of EN 196-7:1989).
Samples which are likely to change in air shall be placed in airtight containers, such as cans, immediately after they
have been taken.
Wherever possible tests shall be carried out on specimens prepared immediately after obtaining the sample, if
necessary on site. Specimens shall be prepared during working time but not later than 2 h after gauging. This
period shall also be observed when fresh samples are supplied to a testing centre, and may be appropriately
decreased or increased for samples containing accelerators or retarders.
If transportation of fresh samples cannot be avoided, they shall be supplied immediately for testing, accompanied
by a certificate stating which tests are to be carried out, and protected from changes, such as loss of water, entry of
water etc., as may occur during transportation. Specimens shall be prepared immediately on receipt of the sample,
after the sample has been mixed again manually.
Specimens shall be prepared within the working time after gauging. For this reason, they shall as a rule (e.g. when

prepared in situ) be stored under vibration-free conditions and protected from climatic effects (e.g. frigobox etc.) for
at least 24 h before they are conveyed in the moulds for testing. If special requirements in respect of the
preparation and storage of the particular sample are specified for the tests envisaged these shall be observed.

4

Test methods for binders (CAB ; CAC)

4.1

Content of calcium sulfate

4.1.1

Principle

The calcium sulfate is decomposed by digestion with hydrochloric acid solution. Insoluble impurities are removed
by filtration. The sulfate in the filtrate is determined gravimetrically as barium sulfate.
4.1.2

Apparatus

a)

Sieve 0,1 mm mesh.

b)

600 ml and 800 ml beakers.

c)

Rapid filtration funnels.

d)

Muffle furnace.

e)

Ignition crucible, porosity 4.

f)

Filter paper capable of retaining particles greater than 2,5 µm.

g)

Porous porcelain or silica crucible.

5


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

4.1.3

Reagents

a) Hydrochloric acid solution :

2N;

b) Ammonia solution :

(50 % by volume)

c) Barium chloride :

(3 % by mass solution in water)

d) Methyl orange or other suitable indicator.
4.1.4

Procedure

Grind the dried sample until it passes completely through a sieve with a mesh of 0,1 mm. Weigh accurately about
0,5 g into a 600 ml beaker, add 25 ml of hot distilled water.
Mix the sample and water with a glass rod until all the lumps are dispersed. Add 25 ml of 2 N HCl. Bring to the boil
and maintain this for 10 min. Add 150 ml of hot water and allow to boil for 15 min. Remove the beaker from the heat
and filter through the filter paper into an 800 ml beaker. Wash out the beaker and filter paper using hot distilled or
deionised water until the filtrate is free of chloride.
Make up to approximately 350 ml using distilled water. Add a few drops of indicator and neutralise with ammonia
solution. Add 20 ml 2 N HCl. Bring to the boil again and add 50 ml of hot barium chloride solution stirring vigorously
during the addition. Bring to the boil and allow to settle just below boiling for at least 30 min.
Filter by one of the following methods :
a)

Filtration using filter crucibles.

Ignite a clean ignition crucible, porosity 4, or a porous porcelain filter crucible at (800 ± 25) °C for 10 min.
Cool in a desiccator to room temperature and weigh.
Decant the clear liquid through the crucible using a slight suction. Wash the precipitate 3 times by decantation with
hot water, transfer to the crucible and wash 6 times with small quantities of hot water. The last wash should be
chloride free. Dry the crucible and contents and ignite at (800 ± 25) °C for 10 min.
b)

Filtration using filter paper.

Use filter paper as described. Decant the clear liquid through the filter paper. Wash the precipitate 3 times by
decantation with hot water, transfer to the filter paper and wash with small quantities of hot water until the wash is
chloride free.
After filtration and washing fold the paper around the precipitate and place it in a weighed porcelain or silica
crucible, previously ignited at (800 ± 25) °C and cooled in a desiccator. Heat gently to char the paper and expel the
volatile matter. Do not allow the paper to burst into flames. Raise the temperature slowly to burn off the carbon with
free access of air.
Finally ignite for 10 min at (800 ± 25) °C. Cool in a desiccator and weigh. Calculate the CaSO4 content as a
percentage from the equation :
[CaSO4] = W2 x 58,33 / W1
where
W1 is the mass of sample, in grams ;
W2 is the mass of precipitate, in grams.

6

(1)


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

4.2

Determination of pH

Disperse 1 part by mass of the pulverised sample in 10 parts by mass of deionized or distilled water. Stir it for 5 min
and then measure the pH by a pH-meter or pH-paper to the nearest ± 0,5 pH.

4.3

Determination of setting time

4.3.1

Principle

Determine setting time using the method given in EN 196-3, "binder" being substituted, where "cement" is
mentioned.
The setting time is determined by observing the penetration of a needle into a binder paste of standard consistence
according to clause 5 of !EN 196-3:2005" until it reaches a specified value.
Binder paste of standard consistency has a specified resistance to penetration by a standard plunger. The water
required for such a paste is determined by trial penetrations of pastes with different water contents.
4.3.2

Apparatus

a)

Mixer : As described in 4.4 of !EN 196-1:2005".

b)

Vicat penetration apparatus : As described in 5.1 of !EN 196-3:2005".

4.3.3

Standard consistence test

Use the Vicat apparatus as shown in Figure 1(a) and 1(b) with the plunger shown in Figure 1(c). The plunger
(Figure 1(c)) shall be of non-corrodible metal in the form of a right cylinder of (50 ± 1) mm effective length and of
(10,00 ± 0,05) mm diameter. The total mass of moving parts shall be (300 ± 1) g. Their movement shall be truly
vertical and without appreciable friction, and their axis shall coincide with that of the plunger.
The Vicat mould (see Figure 1(a)) to contain the paste under test shall be of hard rubber. It shall be of truncated
conical form (40,0 ± 0,2) mm deep and shall have internal diameters at top and bottom of (70 ± 5) mm and
(80 ± 5) mm respectively. It shall be adequately rigid and shall be provided with a plane glass base-plate larger
than the mould and at least 2,5 mm thick.
NOTE
Moulds of metal or plastics or of cylindrical form may be used provided that they are of the specified depth and that
they can be shown to give the same test results as the specified hard rubber mould of truncated conical form.

4.3.4
4.3.4.1

Procedure
Mixing the binder paste

Weigh, to the nearest 1 g, 500 g of binder. Weigh a quantity of water, e.g. 125 g, in the mixer bowl or measure the
water from the graduated cylinder or burette into the mixer bowl. Possible admixture should already be diluted in
water.
Add the binder carefully to the water in order to avoid loss of water or binder. The time of addition shall not be less
than 5 s nor more than 10 s. Note the time of completion of the addition as zero time from which later

measurements of time shall be made. Start the mixer immediately and run at low speed for 90 s.
Stop the machine after 90 s for 15 s during which remove with a suitable scraper any paste adhering to the bowl
outside the mixing zone and return it to the mix. Restart the machine and run at low speed for a further 90 s. The
total mixer running time shall be 3 min.
NOTE
Any other mixing method, whether by machine or hand, may be used provided that it can be shown to give the
same test results as the specified method.

7


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

4.3.4.2

Filling the mould and carrying out the test

Transfer the paste after mixing immediately to the mould, which has previously been placed on a lightly greased
plan glass base plate, and fill it to excess without undue compaction or vibration. Remove the excess by a gentle
sawing motion with a straight-edged implement in such a way as to leave the paste filling the mould and having a
smooth upper surface.
Adjust the Vicat apparatus with the plunger (Figure 1c) attached in advance of the test, by lowering the plunger to
rest on the baseplate to be used and adjusting the pointer to read zero on the scale. Raise the plunger to the
stand-by position.
Immediately after levelling the paste, transfer the mould and baseplate to the Vicat apparatus and position it
centrally under the plunger. Lower the plunger gently until it is in contact with the paste. Pause in that position for
between 1 s and 2 s in order to avoid initial velocity or forced acceleration of the moving parts. Then release the
moving parts quickly and allow the plunger to penetrate vertically into the centre of the paste. The release of the
plunger shall occur 4 min after zero time. Read the scale when penetration has ceased or 30 s after the release of
the plunger, whichever is the earlier.

Record the scale reading, which indicates the distance between the bottom face of the plunger and the baseplate,
together with the water content of the paste expressed as a percentage by mass of the binder. Clean the plunger
immediately after each penetration.
Repeat the test with pastes containing different water contents until one is found to produce a distance between
plunger and baseplate of (6 ± 3) mm. Record the water content of that paste to the nearest 0,5 % as the water for
standard consistency.
4.3.5
4.3.5.1

Setting time test
Determination of initial setting time

Remove the plunger and replace it by the needle (Figure 1 (d)) which shall be of steel and in the form of a right
cylinder of effective length (50 ± 1) mm and diameter (1,13 ± 0,05) mm. The total mass of moving parts shall be
(300 ± 1) g. Their movement shall be truly vertical and without appreciable friction, and their axis shall coincide with
that of the needle.
Adjust the Vicat apparatus with the needle (Figure 1d), attached in advance of the test, by lowering the needle to
rest on the baseplate to be used and adjusting the pointer to read zero on the scale. Raise the needle to the standby position.
Fill a Vicat mould with paste of standard consistency and level it, in accordance with 4.3.4.1 and 4.3.4.2.
Place the filled mould and baseplate in the room and, after a suitable time, transfer to the Vicat apparatus and
position under the needle. Lower the needle gently until it is in contact with the paste. Pause in that position for
between 1 s and 2 s in order to avoid initial velocity or forced acceleration of the moving parts. Then release the
moving parts quickly and allow the needle to penetrate vertically into the paste. Read the scale when penetration
has ceased, or 30 s after the release of the needle, whichever is the earlier.
Record the scale reading, which indicates the distance between the end of the needle and the baseplate, together
with the time from zero. Repeat the penetration test on the same specimen at conveniently spaced positions, not
less than 10 mm from the rim of the mould or from each other, at conveniently spaced intervals of time, e.g. at
10 min intervals. Between penetration tests keep the specimen in a room. Clean the Vicat needle immediately after
each penetration.
Record the time measured from zero at which the distance between the needle and the baseplate is (6 ± 3) mm as

the initial setting time of the binder to the nearest 5 min. The required accuracy may be assured by reducing the
time interval between penetration tests near the end point and observing that successive results do not fluctuate
excessively.

8


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

4.3.5.2

Determination of final setting time

Invert the filled mould used in 4.3.4 on its baseplate so that the tests for final set are made on the face of the
specimen originally in contact with the baseplate. Fit the needle with a ring attachment (Figure 1 (e)) to facilitate
accurate observation of small penetrations. Use the procedure described in 4.3.4. The intervals of time between
penetration tests may be increased to e.g. 30 min.
Record, to the nearest 15 min, the time measured from zero at which the needle first penetrates only 0,5 mm into
the specimen as the final setting time of the binder. This time is that which the ring attachment first fails to mark the
specimen and may be accurately established by reducing the time interval between tests near the end point and
observing that successive test results do not fluctuate excessively.
NOTE
Automatic setting time machines are commercially available and may be used provided that they can be shown to
give the same test results as the specified apparatus and procedure.

4.4

Determination of strengths

Determine the flexural and the compressive strength in accordance with EN 196-1, "binder" being substituted,

where "cement" is mentioned.
4.4.1

Apparatus

a)

Mixer : As described in 4.4 of !EN 196-1:2005".

b)

Moulds with base : As described in 4.5 of !EN 196-1:2005" for material see 3.1.3.

c)

Vibrating table : As described in 5.1.2.2.1 of EN 459-2:2001.

d)

Flexural strength, testing machine : As described in 4.7, 4.8, 4.9 of !EN 196-1:2005".

e)

Compressive strength, testing machine : As described in clause 9 of !EN 196-1:2005".

f)

Flow table, mould, cam and tamper : As described in 5.5.2.1.2 of EN 459-2:2001

9

EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

a) Side view with mould in upright position
for initial setting time determination

c) plunger for standard consistency

d) needle for initial test

b) Front view with mould inverted for final
setting time determination

e) needle and attachment for final test

Key
5 water
3 basis plate
1 hard rubber mould
6 air vent (diameter 1,5 mm)
4 test container
2 platform for correcting weights
NOTE
The specified dimensions should be observed. If the plunger, needle and needle with attachment are all adjusted to
have the same mass, e.g. (9 ± 0,5) g, one correcting weight is sufficient for each apparatus.

Figure 1 — Vicat apparatus for determination of the standard consistency and setting time

10


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

4.4.2

Procedure

4.4.2.1

Preparation of sample

Binder (including possible admixtures), sand, water and apparatus shall be at the laboratory temperature. Carry out
weighing by means of a balance accurate to ± 1 g.
The composition of the test sample is 675 g binder, 1 350 g standard sand according to 5.1
of !EN 196-1:2005" and the necessary amount of water. The amount of water shall be such that a flow
diameter of (150 ± 5) mm according to 5.5.2.3.2 of EN 459-2:2001, is achieved, but shall not fall below a minimum
amount of 225 ml. Possible admixture shall already be diluted in water.
!For flowing mixtures for self levelling floor screeds the minimum flow diameter shall be 150 mm and the
minimum amount of water shall be 225 ml. If the required flow diameter is not achieved the amount of water shall
be increased."
Mix each batch of sample in accordance with !6.2 of EN 196-1:2005" mechanically using the mixer. With the
mixer in the operating position :
a)

pour the water into the bowl and add the binder (possible admixtures shall already have been diluted in the
water) ;

b)

then start the mixer immediately at the low speed and, after 30 s, add the sand steadily during the next 30 s.
When separate sand fractions are used, add the required quantities of each fraction in succession starting with
the coarsest. Switch the mixer to the higher speed and continue the mixing for an additional 30 s ;

c)

stop the mixer for 1 min 30 s. During the first 15 s, remove by means of rubber scraper all the paste adhering
to the wall and bottom part of the bowl and place in the middle of the bowl ;

d)

continue the mixing at the higher speed for 60 s.

The timing of the various mixing stages shall be adhered to within ± 1 s.
4.4.2.2
4.4.2.2.1

Determination of flow diameter
Principle

The flow diameter is determined by measuring the diameter of a pat of binder sample after it has been subjected to
jolting in the manner described in 4.4.2.2.2.
4.4.2.2.2

Flow diameter

If the flow table has not been used during the hour prior to the test, jolt the empty table several times. There shall
be neither fluid nor dirt between the bearing (6), and the boss (8) according to Figure 7 of EN 459-2:2001.

In order to determine the flow diameter, place the mould in the centre of the clean, dry surface of the flow table. Fill
it with two layers of the sample (prepared just before in accordance with 4.4.2.1). During this operation hold the
mould with the mounted hopper firmly onto the plate with one hand in such a way that its edge coincides with the
circle engraved on the plate. Spread each layer of the sample by tamping it lightly ten times with the tamper so that
the mould is filled to its circumference.
Strike off excess sample, clean the flow table and remove any water in the proximity of the mould. After 10 s to 15 s
have elapsed, lift the mould slowly and vertically from the plate. Spread the sample by jolting the plate 15 times by
switching on the motor set at one jolt per second. Then measure the diameter of the pat with a calliper in two
directions at right angles to one another. Report the mean value of these measurements to 1 mm as the flow
diameter.

11


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

4.4.2.2.3

Reproducibility

The reproducibility which may be expected, expressed as the standard deviation of the results of the flow table test
obtained by different well experienced laboratories, is :
sR = 10 mm
A flow table and its manner of operation shall not be regarded as satisfactory if a mean value of four calibration
)
tests performed with a reference binder (specified in ASTM C 230-83, footnote 21 ) deviates from the desired value
by more than 15 mm on the standard deviation, sR, of the repeatability of the flow table tests, determined on the
basis of not less than six tests, is greater than 2 mm for a mean flow table value of approximately 150 mm.
4.4.3

Water demand for flow table value

The quantity of water in grams required for a flow table value of (150 ± 5) mm using a mortar mix described in
4.4.2.1 and made with a single prepacked bag of CEN standard sand, EN 196-1, shall be stated as the water
demand.
4.4.4
4.4.4.1

Preparation of test specimens
Size of test specimens

The test specimens shall be 40 mm x 40 mm x 160 mm prisms.
4.4.4.2

Batching and mixing

Execute in accordance with the procedure described under 4.4.2.1.
4.4.4.3

Moulding and compaction of specimens

Cast the specimens immediately after the preparation of the sample.
Compact the sample on the vibrating table.
The mould shall be mounted firmly on the vibrating table. After the vibrator has been switched on, fill the
compartments of the mould with two layers of the sample within a maximum of 45 s, proceeding as follows.
Working from right to left, place the first layer of mortar into the compartments of the mould within 15 s so that the
compartments are approximately half full.
After an interval of 15 s during which the vibrator remains switched on, place the second layer in the mould within
the following 15 s, again working from right to left. Use the total amount of the sample specified in 4.4.2.1. The
vibrator shall switch off automatically after (120 ± 1) s.

Lift the mould off the vibrating table as gently as possible and remove the hopper. Remove the excess sample
immediately afterwards using a straight edge (see Figure 3 of !EN 196-1:2005") held almost vertically and
moved slowly with a transverse sawing motion (see Figure 2 of !EN 196-1:2005") once in each direction.
Smooth the surface of the specimen using the same straight edge held almost level.

1 ) This material can be obtained from the Office of Standard Reference Material (OSRM) NIST, Room 204, Building 202,

Gaithersburg, M.D. 20899, USA as reference binder for the ASTM flow table.

12


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

4.4.4.4

Handling and storage

Wipe off the sample left on the perimeter of the mould as a result of the striking-off. Place a 210 mm x 185 mm
plate glass sheet of 6 mm thickness on the mould. A plate of steel or other impermeable material of similar size
may be used.
NOTE

In the interest of safety, ensure that glass plates used have ground edges.

Place each covered mould, suitably identified, without delay for 48 h on a horizontal base in the moist air room or
cabinet with a minimum of 90 % relative humidity at (20 ± 5) °C. The moist air shall have access to all sides of the
mould. Moulds shall not be stacked one upon the other.
If for preparation of the test specimens in situ the required temperature cannot be maintained, this shall be noted in
the test report.

Carry out demoulding after 48 h with due precautions. Plastic or rubber hammers, or devices specially made, can
be used for demoulding.
Then store the specimens out of the moulds in open topped boxes made out of wood, plastic or metal in a draughtfree atmosphere of (20 ± 5) °C and (65 ± 5) % relative humidity laid on a slatted framework with a spacing of at
least 20 mm. The distance between the upper edges of the boxes and the surface of the prisms shall be 50 mm.
Remove the specimens required for testing at any particular age from the boxes not more than 15 min before the
test is carried out. Remove any deposit on the test faces.
4.4.5
4.4.5.1

Testing the specimens
Procedure

The strengths shall be determined in compliance with EN 196-1. Calculate the age of specimens from the time of
mixing the binder, sand and water at the beginning of the test. The strengths shall be determined after
72 h ± 45 min (3days) and 28 days.
Use the centre point loading method to determine the flexural strength by means of the equipment specified in 4.7
of !EN 196-1:2005".
Test portions of prisms broken in flexure in compression on the moulded side faces over an area of
40 mm x 40 mm.
When the flexural strength value is not required, this test may be omitted but the compressive strength tests shall
be carried out on the two halves of the prism broken by suitable means which do not subject the prism halves to
harmful stresses.
4.4.5.2

Flexural strength

Place the prism in the testing machine with one side face on the supporting rollers and with its longitudinal axis
normal to the supports. Apply the load vertically by means of the loading roller to the opposite side face of the prism
and increase it smoothly at the rate of (50 ± 10) N/s until fracture occurs.

13


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

Calculate the flexural strength Rf in Newton per square millimetre from :

Rf =

1,5F f l

(2)

b3

where
b

is the side of the square section of the prism, in mm ;

Ff

is the load applied to the middle of the prism at fracture in N ;

l

is the distance between the supports in mm.

4.4.5.3

Compressive strength

Test the prism halves in compression on the side faces by means of the equipment specified in 4.8 and 4.9
of !EN 196-1:2005".
Centre the prism halves laterally to the plates of the machine within ± 0,5 mm, and longitudinally such that the end
face of the prism overhangs the plates or auxiliary plates by about 10 mm.
Increase the load smoothly at the rate of (2400 ± 200) N/s over the entire load application until fracture.
Where the load increase is regulated by hand, make adjustment for the decrease of the loading rate near the
fracture load.
Calculate the compressive strength Rc in Newtons per square millimetre from :

Rc =

Fc
1600

(3)

where
Fc is the maximum load at fracture, in N ;
2

1600 = 40 mm x 40 mm is the area of the platens or auxiliary plates, in mm .

4.5
4.5.1

Determination of shrinkage and swelling
Principle

The methods specified here serve to determine the shrinkage and swelling of inorganic non metallic building
materials with an apparently uniform texture, and are mainly to be used for mortar. The methods apply to
specimens measuring 40 mm x 40 mm x 160 mm, the aggregate particles in which are not larger than 8 mm.
The methods can only be applied if the specimens have an adequate strength.
Shrinkage and swelling are considered to be relative changes in length, e.g. as a result of a change in the moisture
content, measured along the longitudinal axis of the specimens. The value of swelling shall be given a plus sign,
the value of shrinkage a minus sign ; the measurement result shall be expressed in millimetres per metre.

14


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

4.5.2

Apparatus

a)

Mixer : As described in 4.4 of !EN 196-1:2005".

b)

Moulds : As described in 4.5 of !EN 196-1:2005"

c)

Measuring equipment: The measuring apparatus (see Figure 2) shall consist of a measurement attachment
and a tripod base with adjustment screws. The measurement attachment shall be formed by a frame, a dial
gauge with 0,001 mm scale intervals and a lockable adjustment screw. The dial gauge shall be capable of

being secured in its position by a locking device. The measurement cups shall be made of stainless steel. The
shape of the seatings for the measuring pegs shall be conical (see Figure 3), hardened and polished. The side
rods shall be made of steel (e.g. appropriate nickel steel) with a low thermal expansion coefficient.

Key
1

Adjustment screw

2
3

Frame
Measurement cup

4
5

Side rod
Specimen

6
7

Holder
Adjustment screw

NOTE

This measuring apparatus is suitable for testing specimens with a compressive strength of about 2 N/mm² or larger.

Figure 2 — Measuring apparatus

15


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1

Hardened and polished

Figure 3 — Measurement cup
4.5.3

Preparation and storage of the specimens

Unless otherwise specified, not less than 3 prisms each measuring 40 mm x 40 mm x 160 mm shall be tested in
each case. The test specimens shall be produced according to 4.4.2.1 and 4.4.4 and stored for the first 24 h in
moulds covered with a glass plate in a humid cabinet at (20 ± 5) °C and at least 90 % relative humidity. After taking
them out and covering the heads of the measuring pegs with lubricating grease the test specimens shall be stored
at (20 ± 5) °C and (65 ± 5) % relative humidity.
If the strength of the specimens after 24 h is not sufficient such that they can be demoulded, the storage period
shall be extended to 48 h. Hence, the initial measurement is taken after 48 h. This shall be noted in the test report.
Measuring pegs shall be inserted in the holes in the end faces of the moulds so that they are up against the conical
part of the hole, in so doing, care being taken to ensure that the measuring pegs are not displaced during specimen
preparation. If, for this purpose, the holes of the moulds are filled with a moulding compound into which the

measuring pegs are pressed, the moulding compound expelled shall be carefully removed.
4.5.4

Measuring of the specimens

The measurements are taken after 24 h (initial measuring) and after 3, 7, 14 and 28 days.
The position of the specimen in the measuring apparatus shall be the same for each measurement. To ensure this,
the specimen shall be marked.
When the reference specimens or the measurement frame is rotated no changes in reading of the dial gauge
greater than ± 1/2 scale interval (0,0005 mm) shall result.

16


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

Check measurements on the reference specimen shall be made before and after the measurements. If a change
with respect to the initial measurement on the reference specimen is found during the first check measurement, the
measuring apparatus shall either be corrected or the difference taken into account in the evaluation.
If a difference is found between the check measurements before and after the measurement of the specimen, the
measuring arrangement shall be checked (for seating and cleanliness of measurement cups, for example), and the
measurement on the specimen repeated.
For the purpose of measurement, the specimen or reference specimen shall be carefully placed vertically in the
holder on the base of the measuring apparatus. Then the measuring pin of the dial gauge shall be pulled fully back
on the measurement attachment and the upper measurement cup of the attachment carefully placed on the upper
measuring peg.
Using set screws on the base, the apparatus shall be adjusted so that the axis of the specimen and the axis of the
freely suspended attachment coincide. The lower measurement cup shall then be allowed to slide onto the lower
measuring peg by the spring force in the dial gauge (not by pressing).

5

Test method for factory made mixtures (CA)

5.1

Determination of pH value

Use the method described in 4.2.

5.2

Working time

NOTE

5.2.1
5.2.1.1

In EN 13813 the term “setting time” is used for “working time”.

Flowing mixture
Apparatus

a)

Mixer : As described in 4.4 of !EN 196-1:2005".

b)

Spread cone : As described in Figure 7 of EN 459-2:2001.

5.2.1.2

Mixing of flowing mixtures and highly plastic mixtures

Weigh out (3 000 ± 3) g of base material mixture by means of a balance accurate to ± 1 g. Weigh the highest
quantity of water recommended by the producer in the mixer bowl or measure the water from the graduated
cylinder or burette into the mixer bowl. Possible admixture should already be diluted in water.
Within 15 s the base material mixture shall be carefully added to the water to avoid loss of water or base material
mixture. Note the time of completion of the addition as zero time from which later measurements of time shall be
made. Turn up the mixer to speed 2 (low speed) for 105 s and then stop it. The total mixer running time shall be
2 min.
NOTE
Any other method, whether by machine or by hand, may be used provided that it can be shown to give the same
test results as the specified method.

5.2.1.3

Determination of spread

Place the spread cone on a dry and clean horizontal glass plate and hold firmly in position with one hand. Pour the
mixture into the spread cone.
After 10 s to 15 s the spread cone shall slowly be withdrawn vertically. Any mixture adhering to the spread cone
shall be disregarded.

17


EN 13454-2:2003+A1:2007 (E)

The diameter of the path shall then be measured within 1 mm in two directions at right angles each other. The
mean diameter in millimetres is the spread.
5.2.1.4

Determination of working time

The working time is the time in which the spread of a mortar decreases from its original value by 20 % (but shall not
fall below 190 mm for flowing mixtures and 130 mm for highly plastic mixtures as the lower limit).
After mixing the mortar and the determination of the first spread, the remaining mortar shall stay in the mixer bowl.
30 min after the beginning of the mixing, mix the mortar again for 5 s on level 2 and determine the second spread.
For the production of test objects a new mixture shall be produced.
5.2.2

Stiff mixture

5.2.2.1

Apparatus

a)

Mixer: As described in 4.4 of !EN 196-1:2005".

b)

Flow table: As described in Figure 7 of EN 459-2:2001.

5.2.2.2

Mixing of stiff mixtures

Composition and mixing of the test mortar shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
5.2.2.3

Determination of the flow diameter

Determine the flow diameter in accordance with 4.4.2.2.
5.2.2.4

Determination of working time

The working time is the time in which the flow table value of a sample decreases from its original value by 20 %
(but shall not fall below 100 mm as the lower limit).

5.3

Determination of strength

5.3.1

Composition of the test sample

See EN 13892-1.
5.3.2

Flexural and compressive strength

Use the procedure described in 4.4.5.

5.4

Determination of shrinkage and swelling

Carry out the production of the test mortar according to 5.2.1 for flowing mixtures and 5.2.2 for stiff mixtures. Use
the procedure described in 4.5.

6

Test report

The test report shall include at least the following items :
a)

18

name of manufacturer ;