Re

pub
li
cofUg
and
a

≠ EDI
CTOFGOVERNMENT±
I
no r
dert
opromotepub
li
ce duc
ati
onandpub
li
csafet
y,equ
al
j
us
tic
eforal
l,abet
teri
nfor
me dci
ti
zenr
y,t
heruleofla
w,wor
ld
t
rad
eandworldpea
ce,t
hisleg
aldocu
menti
sh e
rebymade
a
vai
lab
leonan o
ncommerci
albas
is
,asiti
stheri
ghtofal
l
h
umanstoknowandspe
akthelawstha
tgov
ernthem.

US 366-2 (2003) (English): Masony cement - Part

2: Test Methods
 US 366-2:2003

UGANDA STANDARD

Masonry cement –Part 2 Test methods

First Edition: July 2003

UGANDA NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Price Group: C

Descriptors:

© 2003 Uganda National Bureau of Standards. All rights reserved.

ICS 91.100.10
 US 366:2003

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT USERS OF UGANDA STANDARDS ASCERTAIN THAT

THEY ARE IN POSSESSION OF THE LATEST AMENDMENTS OR LATEST
EDITIONS

The following table will assist the user to update the standard

AMENDMENTS

Clause Amendment No. Date of Issue Text affected

In order to keep abreast of technological development Uganda Standards are subject to periodic
review.

NOTE:
1. Compliance with this Standard does not, in itself confer immunity from
legal obligations.
2. A Uganda standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of
a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Uganda National Bureau of Standards
P.O. Box 6329
Tel:256-41- 222367/9
Fax: 256-41-286123
Website: www.unbs.org
E-mail: unbs@afsat.com

ii
 US 366:2003

CONTENTS

FOREWORD .............................................................................................................................................................IV

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP ..............................................................................................................................IV

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... V

1 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................. 1

2 NORMATIVE REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... 1

3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING .................................................................................................. 1

4 PREPARATION OF STANDARD MORTAR ...................................................................................................... 2

5 WATER RETENTION ............................................................................................................................................ 5

6 AIR CONTENT ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

7 WORKABILITY (COHESIVITY) ....................................................................................................................... 11

iii
 US 366:2003

Foreword
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Tourism,
Trade and Industry established by the Act of Parliament of 1983, of the Laws of Uganda. UNBS
is

i. a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO);

ii. a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and

iii. the National Enquiry Point on TBT and SPS Agreements of the World Trade Organisation
(WTO).

The work of preparing Uganda standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A
Technical Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and
consists of representatives of consumers, traders, academicians, manufacturers, Government and
other stakeholders.

Draft Uganda standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to
stakeholders and the general public for comments, which are reviewed before recommending
them to the National Standards Council for declaration as national standards.

This Uganda Standard US 366:2003 was prepared the Ugandan National Bureau of Standards
Technical Committee on Building and Civil Engineering (UNBS/TC3). n the preparation of this
standard reference was made to the European Standard EN 413-2:1995 Masonry cement- Part 2:
Test methods. This assistance is hereby acknowledged.

Committee membership
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:
Department of Civil Engineering, Makerere University Kampala
Ministry of Works, Housing, and Communication
Tororo Cement Industries
Central Materials Laboratory- Ministry of Works, Housing, and Communication
Hima Cement Limited
Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE)
Uganda Consumer Protection Association (UCPA)
Volcano Uganda Ltd.
Uganda Association of Consulting Engineers (UACE)
Department of Geological Surveys and Mines
Uganda National Bureau of Standards-Secretariat
First Edition: July 2003
Uganda National Bureau of Standards
Plot M217 Nakawa Industrial Area, P.O. Box 6329, Tel. 222367/9, Fax 286123,Kampala
E-mail: unbs@afsat.com
7 2003 Uganda National Bureau of Standards. All rights reserved.

iv
 US 366:2003

Introduction
The tests described in this standard are required to support the specification for masonry cement,
US 366 which is equilent to the European standard ENV 413-1 and its UK equivalent DD ENV
413- 1.

The European Standard, EN 413 for masonry cement consists of the following Parts. Part 1:
Specification Part 2: Test methods

The existing standards from the US 100 EN 196 ) series were used as a basis for US 366-2 (EN
413-2). However, because of the chemical and physical properties of masonry cement, other test
methods than those used for common cements are necessary and have been incorporated into this
European Standard.

This Uganda Standard includes test methods that enable the performance of masonry cement to
be assessed when used in mortar for bedding masonry units and for rendering and plastering.
One of these methods provides an estimate of the workability of the fresh mortar as measured by
the cohesiveness at a defined level of consistence. This property has for many years proved to be
exceedingly difficult to characterize and, whilst the method described in this European Standard
does not represent the ultimate development, it is considered to be particularly helpful for
monitoring changes in the workability of mortar made with masonry cement from one source.

v
 US 366:2003

Masonry cement – Part 2: Te4st methods

1 Scope
This Uganda Standard describes reference and alternative test methods to be used when
testing masonry cements to assess their conformity to US 366 –1 (ENV 413- 1). It gives the
tests on fresh mortar for consistence, water retention, air content and workability.

In the event of a dispute, only the reference methods are used.

2 Normative references
This Uganda 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.

US 100-1 Methods of testing cement - Part 1: Determination of strength

US 366-1 Masonry cement - Part 1: Specification

EN 459-2 Building lime - Part 2: Test methods

3 General requirements for testing

3.1 Laboratory

Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all the tests described in this Uganda Standard shall
be carried out in a laboratory where the air temperature is maintained at (20 + 2) ºC and the
relative humidity at not less than 50 %.

3.2 Manufacturing tolerances for test equipment

3.2.1 Linear dimensions

Figures indicating the specified requirements for apparatus used in the tests described in this
European Standard shall include essential dimensions for which manufacturing tolerances are
given.

NOTE. All other dimensions are given for guidance.

3.2.2 Mass

Specified masses shall have manufacturing tolerances within ± 1 % of the mass unless
otherwise stated.

1
 US 366:2003

3.3 Tolerances for test equipment in use

Tolerances applying to apparatus which has been subjected to wear in use shall not exceed
twice the corresponding manufacturing tolerance unless alternative requirements are
specified.

4 Preparation of standard mortar

4. 1 Principle

The properties of fresh mortar made with masonry cement are assessed on standard mortar
prepared in accordance with US 100-1, but with the water content necessary for the standard
consistence. The consistence is measured using the plunger apparatus (see 4.2) as the
reference method to achieve the required value of penetration.

A flow table test (see 4.3) is allowed as an alternative to the plunger test but it is important
that the flow table spread equivalent to the required value of penetration is established, using
the same type of masonry cement as that which is to be tested.

4.2 Consistence of fresh mortar by plunger apparatus (reference method)

4.2.1 Apparatus

The mixer and ancillary equipment shall be as described in US 100-1.

The plunger apparatus shown in figure I shall conform to the dimensions specified.

The shape of the baseplate (1) shall enable the mortar container (8) to be placed centrally
below the plunger (7). The plunger shall have a hemispherical lower end, be resistant to
corrosion and not attacked by mortar. The total mass of the rod (6) and plunger (7) shall be
(90 ± 2) g. A release mechanism (5) holds the measuring rod in its initial position so that the
lower end of the plunger is (100 ± 1) mm above the mortar surface prior to commencing the
test (the initial position in 4.2.2).

The tamper (see figure 2) shall consist of a round rod made of impermeable material with
sheet metal protection and shall weigh (250 ± 15) g.

4.2.2 Procedure

Prepare the mortar by the procedure described in US 100-1 except that the water content shall
be that determined to give the consistence required. Before the start of each test wipe the
plunger with a damp cloth.

Fill the container in two layers immediately after completing the mixing procedure. Compact
each layer with 10 light strokes of the tamper.

Strike off any excess mortar within I min after the completion of mixing. After placing the
container on the baseplate, release the plunger from its initial position (150 ± 15) s after the
completion of mixing and determine the value of penetration into the mortar by reading the
scale.

2
 US 366:2003

A value of penetration of (35 ± 3) mm is required for the mortar to be of standard

consistence. If the mortar does not achieve the standard consistence required then mix a new
batch of mortar using a different quantity of water. Repeat the test on new batches of mortar
until the value of penetration of (35 ± 3) mm is obtained in two consecutive tests. Record the
mass of water required in grams to obtain standard consistence and the value of penetration in
millimetres.

4.3 Consistence of fresh mortar by flow table (alternative method)

4.3.1 Apparatus

Flow table, as described in 5.5.2.1.2 of EN 459-2

4.3.2 Calibration

Calibrate the flow table, using the same type of masonry cement as that to be tested, against
the plunger used for the consistence test described in 4.2. Carry out a minimum of three pairs
of tests in order to establish the spread on the flow table which is equivalent to a (35 ± 3) mm
value of penetration using the plunger apparatus. Then adopt this spread in order to achieve
the defined level of consistence required. The relationship between the values using the flow
table and the plunger apparatus shall be updated at least once every 4 weeks.

4.3.3 Procedure

Before the start of each test, ensure that the plate and inner surface of the mould are clean and
dry.

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

In order to determine the flow diameter, place the mould in the centre of the clean, dry
surface of the flow table (4.3.1). Fill it with two layers of mortar (prepared just before in
accordance with 4.2.2) during which operation the mould with the mounted hopper shall be
held 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 mortar by tamping it lightly 10 times with the
tamper (figure 2) so that the mould is filled uniformly.

Remove the hopper without delay and strike off excess mortar. Clean the flow table and
remove any water in the proximity of the mould. After 10 s to 15 s have elapsed from the
time the mortar has been struck off, lift the mould slowly and vertically from the plate (150 ±
15) s after the completion of mixing. Spread the mortar by jolting the plate 15 times at one
jolt per second. 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 I mm as the flow.
Record the mass of water used to achieve this flow as a percentage of the mass of the
masonry cement in the mortar.

3
 US 366:2003

1) Baseplate
2) Support
3) Holder
4) Guide bushes
5) Release mechanism
6) Aluminium measuring rod
7) Plunger (scale with 2 mm graduations)
8) Container (with drip protection)

Dimensions in millimeters

Figure 1. Plunger apparatus for measuring consistence

4
 US 366:2003

Dimensions and tolerances in millimetres

Figure 2. Tamper

5 Water retention
5.1 Principle

The fresh mortar, of standard consistence, is subjected to a suction treatment under defined
conditions using filter paper as a substrate. The water retention of the mortar is the mass of
water retained in the mortar after the suction treatment and is expressed as a percentage by
mass of its original water content.

5.2 Preparation

Having completed the consistence test described in 4.2 or 4.3, remix the mortar remaining in
the mixing bowl on low speed for 15 s and then carry out the water retention test. Should the
time interval between the commencement of mixing and the start of the suction period of the
water retention test exceed 10 min, then a fresh batch of mortar shall be prepared.

5.3 Apparatus

5.3.1 Rigid mould, of (100 ±1) mm internal diameter and (25 + 1) mm internal depth as
shown in figure 3.

5.3.2 Metal straightedge, as shown in figure 3.

5.3.3 Mass, 2 kg.

5.3.4 Rigid plate, non porous 110 ± 5) mm diameter, (5 ± 1) mm thick.

5.3. 5 Cotton gauze, two circles (100 ± 1) mm diameter or two squares of (100 ± 1) mm side.

5.3.6 Balance, with a capacity of at least 2 kg and capable of weighing to 0, 1g.

5
 US 366:2003

5.3.7 Filter paper, eight circles(100 ± 1) mm diameter of 180 g/m2 to 200 g/m2 dry paper
each circle having a nominal thickness of 0,40 mm and having a nominal particle retention
size of 5 4m. Discard all used filter papers.

5.3.8 Palette knife, with a blade 150 mm to 200 mm long and 20 mm to 30 mm wide.

5.4 Procedure

Weigh the empty and dry mould (5.3.1) to the nearest 1 g (u ) . Weigh the eight circles of
unused filter paper to the nearest 0, 1 g (v ) .

Fill the mould with the mortar in about 10 increments using the end of the palette knife.
When the mortar is slightly above the edge of the mould, strike off the mortar surface plane
and level with the top edge of the mould using the straightedge. Hold the straightedge at
about 45° and move once across the mould with a sawing action and then, at a slightly flatter
angle, smooth the surface in a single action in the reverse direction.

Weigh the mould and its contents to the nearest 1 g (w) . Cover the surface of the mortar with
the two pieces of cotton gauze and place the eight circles of filter paper on top of the gauze.
Place the non-porous plate on top of the filter papers, invert the mould on to a flat surface and
place the 2 kg mass on the inverted base of the mould.

After 5 min ± 5 s remove the 2 kg mass, re-invert the assembly, remove the rigid non-porous
plate, filter papers and the cotton gauze and weigh the filter papers to the nearest 0, 1 g (x ) .

Calculate the mass of mortar involved in the test as (w− u ) , then the mass of water present
(z ) , from:
y (w − u )
z= (1)
1350 + 450 + y

where

u is the mass of the empty mould, in grams;

w is the mass of the mould and its contents, in grams;

y is the mass of the water used to produce mortar having a penetration of (35 ± 3)
mm, in grams.

The mass of water taken up by the filter papers is given by (x − v ) .

Calculate the water retention as a percentage by mass of the total water from

R=
[z − (x − v )] 100 (2)
z
v is the mass of the eight filter papers before absorption, in grams;

x is the mass of the eight filter papers after absorption, in grams;

6
 US 366:2003

z is the mass of water present in the mortar before absorption, in grams.

Report the water retention as the average value of two tests expressed to the nearest 1 %. If
the two individual values deviate from their average value by more than 2 % absolute, test a
further two samples from a fresh batch of mortar.

a) Mould

b) Straightedge
Dimensions and tolerances in millimetres
Figure 3. Apparatus for water retention test

6 Air content
6.1 General

Two methods for air content are included in this Uganda Standard. The pressure method (6.2)
is the reference method and the alcohol method is the alternative method (6.3). Other
methods may also be used provided that prior to use they have been shown to give similar
results to the reference method.

This test shall be carried out on a fresh batch of mortar of standard consistence prepared as in
4.2.2.

6.2 Pressure method (reference method)

6.2. 1 Principle 1

The air content of the fresh mortar is determined from the reduction in volume when a
pressure is applied.

6.2.2 Apparatus

The test apparatus (see figure 4) consists of a metal cylinder (sample container) with a
capacity of (0,75 ± 0,05) l or (1,00 ± 0,05) l1). The sample container (1) and the cover (2) are
1 1
It may be necessary when using the 1,00 l container to increase the size of the batch number

7
 US 366:2003

sealed airtight together by means of clamps (3). The valve (7) is provided to enable filling
with water and venting of air. The air is compressed by means of a pump (4).

The pressure gauge (8) has a scale to measure the air content with divisions not greater than
0, 5 %.

1) Sample container
2) Cover
3) Clamp
4) Pump
5) Discharge valve
6) Correction valve
7) Ball valve
8) Pressure gauge
9) Pressure chamber
Figure 4. Schematic diagram of an air content meter

8
 US 366:2003

6.2.3 Calibration

As apparatus supplied by different manufacturers differ in detail, calibration shall be carried

out in accordance with their instructions provided that those instructions include the
following:

a) a calibration check at zero air content;

b) calibration checks at three approximately equally spaced values within the range 0 % to
25 % air content.

The calibration test shall be carried out three times at three different air contents given in b)
and the values obtained shall be used in conjunction with the pressure gauge readings to
derive a relationship that can be used to correct the values when read from the pressure gauge
in accordance with 6.2.4. If the manufacturers' instructions do not cover the requirements
stated above, their equipment shall not be used for this test.

6.2.4 Procedure

Fill the container with mortar immediately after mixing and compact it using the same tamper
as shown in figure 2. Strike off the mortar, level with the top edge of the container, in the
manner described in 5.4.

Wipe the edge of the container clean with a moist cloth or with a Sponge.

Place the cover (2) onto the container. Seal the cover and the container airtight together by
closing the clamps (3).

Allow both the valves (5) and (7) to remain open. Use a squeeze bottle to squirt water into the
valve (7) until all air still remaining in the meter has been evacuated through the overflow
valve (5) (the water which flows out through the valve (5) is to be without air bubbles).

Operate the air pump until the pressure indicator has reached the initial prescribed level.

Should the pressure fall slightly after a few seconds, and then increase the pressure by
pumping again until the pressure indicator has again reached the mark. If the indicator goes
past the mark then this she be corrected by partially opening correction valve (6) until the
pressure indicator has returned exactly to the mark.

Shut both valves (5) and (7). Open the correction valve (6) until the pressure equalization has
been achieved. Tap lightly on the gauge until the indicator comes to rest and read the air
content of the mortar as indicated. Correct this reading using the calibration relationship
derived in 6.2.3.

After testing, open both valves (5) and (7) slowly to relieve the pressure in the sample
container (1) and then repeat the test.

Calculate the average of the two corrected readings. If the two individual values deviate more
than 10 % relatively from their average value, test two additional samples and calculate a new
average value. Report the result as the air content to the nearest 0,5 %.

9
 US 366:2003

NOTE. Variations to this procedure may be found between apparatus supplied by different
manufacturers. However, the manufacturers' instructions have to be followed to obtain a
calibration as required in 6.2.3.

6.3 Alcohol method (alternative method)

6.3.1 Principle

The air content of the mortar is determined from the reduction in volume, which occurs when
the air is expelled by a liquid.

6.3.2 Apparatus

6.3.2. 1 Measuring cylinder, approximately 50 mm in diameter, with a capacity of 500 ml

and with 5 ml graduations.

6.3.2.2 Rubber bung, fitting the measuring cylinder.

6.3.2.3 Funnel, fitting the measuring cylinder and suitable for filling it with mortar.

6.3.2.4 Mixture, of 60 % by volume alcohol (ethanol) and 40 % by volume water.

NOTE. A sufficient quantity of 2-octanol may be used in place of ethanol.

6.3.3 Procedure

Place approximately 200 ml of mortar into the cylinder using the funnel, taking care to avoid
cavities in the mortar. Tap the cylinder to level the mortar surface and release entrapped air.
Record the mortar volume ( Vm ) to the nearest millilitre. Pour the mixture of alcohol and
water carefully into the cylinder up to the 500 ml mark.

Seal the cylinder with the rubber bung and invert 20 times to obtain a complete dispersion of
the mortar in the alcohol-water mixture. Let the dispersion settle for (5,0 ± 0,5) min and read
the resulting liquid level to the nearest millilitre.

Repeat this process until two successive readings do not differ by more than 1 ml. With this
liquid level ( Vv ) calculate the air content ( A) of each mortar sample as a percentage of the
original mortar volume from the following formula to the nearest 0, 1 %:

A = [ (500 − Vv ) Vm ] 100 (3)

where

Vm is the volume of mortar, in millilitres;

Vv is the volume of mortar plus liquid after shaking, in millilitres.

Calculate the average value of the two individual air contents to the nearest 0, 5 %. If the two
individual values deviate more than 10 % relatively from their average value, test two
additional samples and calculate a new average value. Report the result as the air content to
the nearest 0,5 %.

10
 US 366:2003

7 Workability (cohesivity)
7.1 Principle

The cohesivity is measured on a mortar of standard consistence to provide an estimate of

workability by the use of a workability meter to measure the flow time under defined
conditions. The more cohesive the mortar the longer the flow time.

7.2 Apparatus

7.2.1 Workability meter, (see figure 5) comprising: a) a rectangular container (5) made of
corrosion resistant metal of internal dimensions (180 ± 1) mm length, (90 ± 1) mm width and
(90 ± 1) mm height. A horizontal reference line (8) is inscribed inside the container (30, 0 ±
0, 1) mm above the base across the end of the smaller compartment (7);

b) a removable wedge shaped partition (2) of (38 ± 1)° angle fitting across the container at
(50 ± 1) mm from the end with the inscribed reference line. The partition can be slid upwards
out of the container by means of vertical guides (4) fixed outside its longer faces. Removing
the partition operates a switch which activates the vibrator;

c) an electrical vibrator of nominal power 50 W which can be adjusted to produce the

required level of vibration by alterations to the degree of out of balance of two weighted
segments on a rotating shaft.

7.2.2 Solid block, weighing at least 30 kg with a flat and level surface (made, for example, in
concrete) upon which the apparatus stands on four rubber supports (3).

7.2.3 Tamper, (see figure 6) comprising a stainless steel rod with an operational section
having a diameter of (6 ± 0,5) mm and a hemispherical end. The total mass of the tamper
shall be (200 ± 10) g.

7.2.4 Timer, calibrated to 0,1 s.

7.2.5 Hand trowel.

7.2.6 Metal straightedge, as shown in figure 3.

7.3 Calibration

Calibration shall be carried out at the location at which the apparatus is to be used.

Using the mixer and the mixing procedure given in US 100-1, disperse 27,0 g of water
uniformly into (1350 ± 5) g of Uganda Standard sand or CEN Standard sand It is essential
that any oil is removed from the internal surfaces of the workability meter and the surfaces
left absolutely dry. When the mixing procedure has been completed, place the damp sand into
the larger compartment (6) in four approximately equal layers. Tamp each layer using the
tamper (7.2.3) keeping the direction of tamping parallel to the sloping wall of the removable
partition. When full, cut off the sand level with the top edge of the container using the metal
straightedge held almost vertically and moved slowly with a transverse sawing motion. Lift
out the removable partition to start the vibration and start the timer. Measure the flow time (to
the nearest 0, 1 s) as the time taken from lifting the removable partition to the time when the
first part of the damp sand reaches the reference line (8).

11
 US 366:2003

Adjust the amplitude of vibration as necessary so that the average of 10 consecutive flow
time measurements lies between 7 s and 8 s and the standard deviation of these 10
measurements is equal to or less than 0,5 s.

1) Vibrator rigidly attached to the outside wall of the face of the container upon which
the reference line (8) is engraved
2) Removable partition
3) Four rubber supports
4) Guides
5) Container
6) Larger compartment
7) Smaller compartment
8) Reference line
9) Direction of rotation
Dimensions and tolerances in millimeters
Figure 5. Workability meter

12
 US 366:2003

Dimensions in milimetres

Figure 6.Tamper

7.4 Procedure

Before making a test for cohesiveness check the consistence of the mortar in accordance with
4.2 or 4.3 and adjust, if appropriate, the water content to ensure it gives the required value,
(35 + 3) mm in the case of 4.2.

Carry out the cohesivity test on a freshly prepared batch of mortar of standard consistence.

Prepare the workability meter for operation with the removable partition (2) in place and the
internal surfaces lightly coated with mould oil. Once the mortar mixing procedure has been
completed, place the mortar into the larger compartment (6) in four approximately equal
layers. Tamp each layer using the tamper (7.2.3) keeping the direction of tamping parallel to
the sloping wall of the removable partition. When full, cut off the mortar level with the top of
the container using the metal straightedge held almost vertically and moved slowly with a
transverse sawing motion. At 2,5 rnin after completion of mixing, lift the removable partition
and start the timer. Removing the partition starts the vibrating action. Measure the time (to
the nearest 0,1 s) for the first part of the flowing mortar to reach the reference line (8). Record
this value as the flow time. Report the average value of two determinations to the nearest
second using freshly prepared mortar.

13
 US 366:2003

British National Annex NA (informative)

Comparison between EN 413-2: 1994 and BS 5224: 1976

Property EN 413-2 - 1994 BS 5224: 1976

Preparation of 1:3 (by means) 1:5 (by mass)

standard mortar
EN 196-2 sand Graded BS 4550: 1980 sand
fractions
Water to give a standard consistence for
all tests apart from strength which is Water to give a standard
fixed at w = 0,5 consistence for all tests
c

Consistence of Plunger reference test method. Dropping ball test

fresh mortar
(35 ± 3) mm penetration (10.0 ± 0.5) mm penetration

Alternative method is the flow table, as

described in EN 459-2, calibrated
against the plunger.

Water retention Suction treatment under defined Suction treatment under defined
conditions using filter papers as for BS conditions using filter papers
5224, but contact time 5 min
Contact time 2 min

Air content Pressure method (air meter) – reference Density method

Alcohol method – alternative

Other methods, e.g. density method,

may also be used provided they are
validated against the reference method

Workability Flow time in a workability meter Flow table spread expressed as

(represents cohesiveness) % flow (represents
cohesiveness

Compressive Mortar prisms Mortar cubes

strength
US 100-1 (EN 196-1) test Modified BS 4550: 1980 test

1:3 (by mass), w = 0,5 1:5 (by mass) at standard

c consistence

14