What is BS EN 13055 - Lightweight aggregates (LWA) about?
BS EN 13055 is a European standard on lightweight aggregates used in construction material specifying its properties, applications and manufacturing process.
BS EN 13055 specifies the properties of Lightweight Aggregates (LWA) and fillers derived thereof obtained by processing natural or manufactured materials and mixtures of these aggregates for concrete, mortar and grout, bituminous mixtures and surface treatments and for unbound and hydraulically bound applications in construction works.
Note 1: BS EN 13055 covers LWA of mineral origin having particle densities not exceeding 2000 kg/m3 (2,000 Mg/m3) or loose bulk densities not exceeding 1200 kg/m3 (1,200 Mg/m3) including:
- Natural LWA
- LWA manufactured from natural materials
- LWA manufactured from by-products of industrial processes or from recycled source materials
- LWA as by-products of industrial processes.
Note 2: The requirements specified in BS EN 13055 may not be equally relevant to all types of LWA. For particular applications, the requirements and tolerances can be adapted for the end-use.
Who is BS EN 13055 - Lightweight aggregates (LWA) for?
BS EN 13055 on aggregates is useful for:
- Manufacturers of aggregates
- Manufacturers and suppliers of construction materials
Why should you use BS EN 13055 - Lightweight aggregates (LWA)?
The lightweight aggregate is a kind of coarse aggregate that is used in the production of lightweight concrete products like concrete blocks, structural concrete, and pavement.
BS EN 13055 provides the necessity for testing and declaring all the chemical and physical characteristics according to the particular application at end use or origin of the aggregate.
Sampling and sample reduction of test specimens are specified in BS EN 13055 along with the quality test and preparation of test specimens for lightweight aggregates.
BS EN 13055 provides AVCP with the compliance of LWA with the requirements and the performance determination of the product type by type testing and factory production control systems.
Designation, supply, marking and labelling of LWA is set out in BS EN 13055.
Overall, BS EN 13055 guides you through the use of lightweight aggregate concrete, which assures the structural concrete density and compressive strength, assisting in the creation of a safe and environmentally friendly home or building.
As a result, building businesses choose to utilise lightweight aggregate in order to deliver a higher quality of work while also maintaining a safe atmosphere and a safe dwelling.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 13055:2016 supersedes BS EN 13055-1:2002 and BS EN 13055-2:2004. BS EN 13055:2016 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 13055-1:2002 and BS EN 13055-2:2004. These include:
- Merging of the former 2 parts and simplifying the title of the standard
- Clarifying the scope of the standard to cover construction products only
- Referring certain recycled aggregates and MIBA to other aggregate standards
- Adding a new general clause on dangerous substances
- Replacement of former clause on Evaluation of Conformity, and the normative text from the former annex on Factory Production Control, with new normative clauses on Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance
