What is BS EN 413-2 - Reference and alternative test methods on masonry cement about?
BS EN 413 is a series of the European standards 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 413-2 is the second part of the BS EN 413 series of documents that describes reference and alternative test methods to be used when testing masonry cement to assess their conformity to EN 413-1.
BS EN 413-2 gives the tests on fresh mortar for consistence, water retention and air content.
In the event of a dispute, only the reference methods are used.
Who is BS EN 413-2 - Reference and alternative test methods on masonry cement for?
BS EN 413-2 on masonry cement is relevant to:
- Road contractors
- Manufacturers of masonry cement
- Manufacturers and suppliers of cement mortar
- Quality control inspectors
Why should you use BS EN 413-2 - Reference and alternative test methods on masonry cement?
Masonry cement is a special blended cement that is mixed in specific proportions with sand and water to form a strong binding mortar.
BS EN 413-2 provides the general apparatus requirements for testing and manufacturing tolerances for test equipment.
The setting time of cement is determined by BS EN 413-2 by observing the penetration of a needle into a cement paste of standard consistence.
BS EN 413-2 specifies the preparation of standard mortar and the properties of fresh mortar made with masonry cement.
The consistence of fresh mortar is measured using:
- Consistence of fresh mortar by plunger apparatus (reference method)
- Consistence of fresh mortar by flow table (alternative method)
The apparatus requirement and test procedure to determine water retention and air content of the mortar by pressure method and alcohol method is defined in BS EN 413-2.
Furthermore, BS EN 413-2 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 413-2:2005. BS EN 413-2:2016 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 413-2:2005. These include:
- Updating of normative references
- Revised guidance on the properties of gauzes used in the water retention test
- Revised repeatability and reproducibility limits for setting time (Method B), water retention and air content
