What is BS EN 413-1 - masonry cement specifications about?
Masonry cement is a special blended cement that is mixed in specific proportions with sand and water to form a strong binding mortar.  The BS EN 413 series is a European Standard series on masonry cement that is supplied for use in mortar and contains an air entrainer to give improved workability, and subsequently frost resistance after hydration.
BS EN 413-1 is the first part of the BS EN 413 series of documents that specifies the definition and composition of masonry cements as commonly used in Europe for the production of mortar for bricklaying and blocklaying and for rendering and plastering.
Note: For normal applications the information given in EN 413-1, in EN 998-1 and in EN 998-2 is generally sufficient. However, in special cases, an exchange of additional information between the masonry cement producer and user can be helpful. The details of such an exchange are not within the scope of EN 413-1 but should be dealt with in accordance with national standards or other regulations or can be agreed between the parties concerned.
Who is BS EN 413-1 - masonry cement specifications for?
BS EN 413-1 on masonry cement specifications is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of concrete and cement
- The construction industry
- Builders / real estate developers / architects
- Contractors
- Civil / building / construction engineers
- Project managers
- Roadway / highway authorities
- Product development / innovation team
- Quality control personnel
Why should you use BS EN 413-1 - masonry cement specifications?
Masonry cement is defined and specified under BS EN 413-1 precisely with sufficiently stringent requirements to satisfy those who are responsible for the design and construction of buildings and other structures for maximum safety and durability.
BS EN 413-1 is a carefully balanced document that has been thoroughly discussed, taking into account the need to provide clear definitions and specifications and to arrive at a usable standard.
The requirements of BS EN 413-1 are, where appropriate, based on the results from tests on masonry cement in accordance with EN 196 'Methods of testing cement'. Strength is measured on a standard mortar prepared in accordance with EN 196-1 with a fixed water/cement ratio and compacted using the equipment described in EN 196-1. However, some additional tests have been found necessary and these tests are described in EN 413-2.
CEN/TC 51 recognizes the importance of workability (cohesivity at standard consistence) of mortars prepared from masonry cements. A test method is available in CR 13933, and in which results of a test programme are also given.
In many applications, particularly in severe environmental conditions, the choice of the type/class of masonry cement from EN 413-1 can influence the durability of mortar, e.g., in respect of frost and chemical resistance.
BS EN 413-1 includes physical, mechanical and chemical requirements and defines strength classes. EN 413-1 also states the conformity criteria and the related rules. Necessary durability requirements are also given.
BS EN 413-1 guides you through the process of producing masonry cement to be used in building construction, ensuring its strength, durability, aesthetic appeal, and resistance against climatic and chemical deterioration.
In this way, masonry cement can be used in building structures as a time saving and more reliable alternative to on-site cement and hydrated lime preparations.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 413-2:2016 supersedes BS EN 413-1:2004, which is withdrawn. BS EN 413-2:2016 includes some technical and editorial changes with respect to BS EN 413-2:2005. These include:
- Introduction of a class MC 22,5 (air-entrained) cement
- Removal of references to EN 459-2 for compressive strength testing
- The upper limit for SO3 content is increased
