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EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 413-2

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM June 2005

ICS 91.100.10 Supersedes EN 413-2:1994

English version

Masonry cement - Part 2: Test methods

Ciment à maçonner - Partie 2: Méthodes d'essai Putz- und Mauerbinder - Teil 2: Prüfverfahren

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 29 April 2005.

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 Central Secretariat 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 Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, 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 B-1050 Brussels

© 2005 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 413-2:2005: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

Contents

Page
Foreword.......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
1 Scope................................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Normative references ......................................................................................................................... 5
3 General requirements for testing ...................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Laboratory........................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Manufacturing tolerances for test equipment .................................................................................. 5
3.3 Tolerances for test equipment in use ............................................................................................... 5
3.4 Number of tests .................................................................................................................................. 6
4 Determination of setting time ............................................................................................................ 6
4.1 General ................................................................................................................................................ 6
4.2 Method A ............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.3 Method B ............................................................................................................................................. 6
5 Preparation of standard mortar ......................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Principle .............................................................................................................................................. 7
5.2 Consistence of fresh mortar by plunger apparatus (reference method)........................................ 7
5.3 Consistence of fresh mortar by flow table (alternative method)..................................................... 8
6 Determination of water retention....................................................................................................... 9
6.1 Principle .............................................................................................................................................. 9
6.2 Preparation.......................................................................................................................................... 9
6.3 Apparatus.......................................................................................................................................... 11
6.4 Procedure.......................................................................................................................................... 12
6.5 Repeatability and reproducibility .................................................................................................... 12
7 Determination of air content ............................................................................................................ 13
7.1 General .............................................................................................................................................. 13
7.2 Pressure method (reference method) ............................................................................................. 13
7.3 Alcohol method (alternative method).............................................................................................. 14
Bibliography .................................................................................................................................................. 17

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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

Foreword
This European Standard (EN 413-2:2005) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 51
“Cement and building limes”, the secretariat of which is held by IBN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by December 2005, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by December 2005.

This European Standard supersedes EN 413-2:1994.

EN 413 Masonry cement consists of the following Parts.

⎯ Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria

⎯ Part 2: Test methods

The main differences between this European Standard and EN 413-2:1994 are:

⎯ Exclusion of workability (cohesivity).

⎯ Introduction of an optional setting time procedure using the specimen storage conditions (in air)
that were previously specified in EN 196-3:1994. This is necessary because the (under water)
method specified in EN 196-3:2005, is not suitable for some masonry cements which have low
clinker contents.

⎯ Diameter of filter paper used in the water retention test increased from 100 mm to the more
readily available 110 mm size.

⎯ Specification introduced for non-woven tissue to be used in the water absorption test.

⎯ Weighing precision in water content test increased from 1 g to 0,1 g.

⎯ Improved description of procedure for filling of air content test apparatus.

⎯ Introduction of precision statements for determination of mortar standard consistency, water

retention and air content.

⎯ Clarification of requirements for retesting if mortar flow does not lie within the required range.

⎯ Clarification of requirements for retesting if pairs of results for water retention or air content differ
by more than twice the standard deviation of repeatability.

⎯ Clarification of calibration procedures for flow table and air content apparatus.

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

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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

Introduction
This European Standard includes additional test methods to those described in EN 196 Methods of
testing cement that enable the performance of masonry cement to be assessed when used in mortar
for bedding masonry units and for rendering and plastering.

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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

1 Scope
This European Standard describes reference and alternative test methods to be used when testing
masonry cements to assess their conformity to EN 413-1. It 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.

2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.

EN 196-1, Methods of testing cement — Part 1: Determination of strength

EN 196-3:2005, Methods of testing cement — Part 3: Determination of setting time and soundness

EN 459-2: 2001, Building lime — Part 2: Test methods

EN 22768-1, General tolerances - Part 1: Tolerances for linear and angular dimensions without
individual tolerance indications (ISO 2768-1:1989)

3 General requirements for testing

3.1 Laboratory

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

3.2 Manufacturing tolerances for test equipment

3.2.1 Dimensions

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

Unless otherwise stated, tolerance class m according to EN 22768-1 should be applied.

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.

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.

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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

3.4 Number of tests

Where the test is one of a series subject to statistical control, determination of each property by a
single test shall be the minimum required.

Where the test is not part of a series subject to statistical control, two tests shall be performed to
determine each property.

4 Determination of setting time

4.1 General

The setting time is determined by observing the penetration of a needle into a cement paste of
standard consistence until it reaches a specified value.

The setting time is determined in accordance with either method A (4.2) or method B (4.3).

Method B is the reference method.

4.2 Method A

The setting time is determined in accordance with EN 196-3.

NOTE Experience has shown that the method specified in EN 196-3, in which the specimens are tested
under water, is not suitable for some masonry cements which have low clinker contents.

4.3 Method B

4.3.1 Test principle

The equipment used and the specimen preparation procedures are as described in EN 196-3 but with
the additional requirement for a room or a humidity cabinet of adequate size and maintained at (20 ±
1) °C and not less than 90 % relative humidity.

4.3.2 Initial setting time procedure

Calibrate the Vicat apparatus with the needle, attached in advance of the test, by lowering the needle
to rest on the base-plate to be used and adjusting the pointer to read zero on the scale. Raise the
needle to the stand-by position. Fill a Vicat mould in accordance with 5.2.2 of EN 196-3:2005 with
paste of standard consistence mixed in accordance with 5.2.1 of EN 196-3:2005.

Place the filled mould and base-plate in the room or humidity cabinet and after a suitable time,
position the mould, base-plate and container under the needle of the Vicat apparatus. 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 base-
plate, together with the time from zero. Repeat the penetration on the same specimen at conveniently
spaced positions, not less than 8 mm from the rim of the mould or 5mm from each other and at least
10 mm from the last penetration position, at conveniently spaced intervals of time, e.g. at 10 min
intervals. Between penetrations keep the specimen in a room or humidity cabinet. Clean the Vicat
needle immediately after each penetration. Retain the specimen if determination of the final setting
time is to be made.

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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

4.3.3 Report – initial setting time

Report the time measured from zero at which the distance between the needle and the base-plate is
(6 ± 3) mm as the initial setting time of the cement to the nearest 5 min.

If the initial setting time exceeds 6h determine the final setting time.

4.3.4 Final setting time procedure

Invert the filled mould and follow the procedure described in 6.3 of EN 196-3:2005 with the specimen
held in the room or humidity cabinet at controlled humidity rather than under water.

4.3.5 Report – final setting time

Report 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 cement, to the nearest 15 min.

5 Preparation of standard mortar

5.1 Principle

The properties of fresh mortar made with masonry cement are assessed on standard mortar prepared
in accordance with EN 196-1, but with the water content necessary for the standard consistence.

The consistence is measured using the plunger apparatus (see 5.2) as the reference method to
achieve the required value of penetration.

A flow table test (see 5.3) 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.

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

5.2.1 Apparatus

The mixer and ancillary equipment shall be as described in EN 196-1.

The plunger apparatus shown in Figure 1 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 ± 0,5) mm above the mortar surface prior to commencing the test (the initial position in 5.2.2).

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.

5.2.2 Procedure

Prepare the mortar according to the procedure described in EN 196-1 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.

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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

Strike off the excess mortar, within 1 min of completion of mixing, by a gentle sawing action using the
straightedge held at an angle of about 45 degrees. Then at a slightly flatter angle smooth the surface
in a single direction in the reverse direction. After placing the container on the base-plate, 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.

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.

5.2.3 Reproducibility

The reproducibility which can be expected, expressed as the standard deviation of the results of the
penetration test obtained by different, well-experienced, laboratories is 3,0 mm.

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

5.3.1 Method

NOTE It is anticipated that the test detailed in this clause will be removed at the next revision of this
document, due to the increasing availability and use of the plunger apparatus (see 5.2).

5.3.2 Apparatus

Flow table, as described in 5.5.2.1.2 of EN 459-2:2001.

5.3.3 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 5.2. Carry out a minimum of three pairs of tests at
different water contents in order to establish the spread range 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 established for all products and updated at least once every
12 months.

NOTE It is recommended to establish a relation in the range 30-40 mm

5.3.4 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 459-2:2001)

In order to determine the flow diameter, place the mould in the centre of the clean, dry surface of the
flow table (5.3.2). Fill it with two layers of mortar (prepared just before in accordance with 5.2.2) 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 the excess mortar, within 1 min of completion of
mixing, by a gentle sawing action using the straightedge held at an angle of about 45 degrees. Then
at a slightly flatter angle smooth the surface in a single direction in the reverse direction. Clean the

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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

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 1 mm as the flow.

A value of flow corresponding to a plunger 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 required value of flow is obtained.

Record the mass of water required in grams to obtain standard consistence and the value of flow in
millimetres.

6 Determination of water retention

6.1 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.

6.2 Preparation

Having completed the consistence test described in 5.2 or 5.3, 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.

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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

Dimensions and tolerances in millimetres

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

(100 +- 0,5)
3
4
5

6
7

77 +- 2
25 +- 0,5

2
205 +- 5

R 12,5 +- 0,25 100 +- 0,5

80 +- 1
70 +- 1

Key

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

Figure 1 — Plunger apparatus for measuring consistence

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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

Dimensions and tolerances in millimetres

200 +- 1
60 +- 1

40 +- 0,5

Figure 2 — Tamper

6.3 Apparatus

6.3.1 Rigid mould, of (100 ± 1) mm internal diameter and (25 ± 1) mm internal depth.

6.3.2 Metal straightedge, as described in EN 196-1.

6.3.3 Mass, 2 kg.

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

6.3.5 Cotton gauze or non woven tissue1) two circles (110 ± 1) mm diameter or two squares of
(110 ± 1) mm side, of nominal area weight 20 g/m2 dry gauze or tissue, each piece having a nominal
thickness of 0,09 mm and nominal permeability to air of 1000 l/m2s.

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

2 2
6.3.7 Filter paper, eight circles, (110 ± 1) mm diameter of 180 g/m to 200 g/m dry paper, each
circle having a nominal thickness of 0,40 mm and having a nominal particle retention size of 6 µm.
Discard all used filter papers.

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

1) Information on the supply of non-woven tissue can be obtained from DIN Deutches Institut for Normung e.V ,
Burggrafenstrasse 6, D-10787 Berlin or from BSI British Standards Institute, High Road 389, London W44AL.

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6.4 Procedure

Weigh the empty and dry mould (6.3.1) to the nearest 0,1 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 until the mortar
is slightly above the edge of the mould. Strike off the excess mortar by a gentle sawing action using
the straightedge held at an angle of about 45 degrees. Then at a slightly flatter angle smooth the
surface in a single direction in the reverse direction.

Weigh the mould and its contents to the nearest 0,1 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 (300 ± 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:

[ z − ( x − v)]100
R= (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;

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

Where the test is not part of a series subject to statistical control and two individual test results differ
by more than twice the standard deviation of repeatability (1 %), repeat the test and take the mean of
the two closest test results. Report the water retention value, which is expressed to the nearest 1 %.

6.5 Repeatability and reproducibility

The standard deviation of repeatability is 1 %.

The standard deviation of reproducibility is 2 %.

These precision data take into account uncertainty of measurement.

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7 Determination of air content

7.1 General

Two methods for determining the air content are included in this document. The pressure method
(7.2) is the reference method and the alcohol method is the alternative method (7.3). 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 5.2.2.

7.2 Pressure method (reference method)

7.2.1 Principle

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

7.2.2 Apparatus

The test apparatus (see Figure 3) consists of a metal cylinder (sample container) with a capacity of
(0,75 ± 0,05) l or (1,00 ± 0,05) l 2). The sample container (1) and the cover (2) are 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 %.

7.2.3 Calibration

Calibration shall be carried out, in addition to the manufacturer's instructions, in accordance with the
following procedure:

a) Measure and record the total weight of the air content meter on a dry basis.

b) Fill the air content meter 100 % with water, close the valve and take a calibration reading at zero
air content.

c) Measure and record the total weight of the air content meter as filled in b).

d) Calculate the difference between c) and a), d.

e) Take calibration readings at 5 approximately equally spaced values within an approximate range
of 5-25 % air content using the calculated difference, d.

The calibration test 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 (see
7.2.4).

7.2.4 Procedure

Immediately after mixing has been completed, place the mortar into the sample container in two
approximately equal layers. The final layer of mortar shall slightly overfill the sample container. To
remove air bubbles lightly touch each layer using 10 strokes of the tamper (Figure 2), evenly
distributed over the surface of the mortar. Strike off the mortar level with the top edge of the container
as described in 6.4.

2) It may be necessary when using the 1,00 l container to increase the size of the batch of mortar.

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

The air content shall be determined between 5 and 10 min after the test mortar has been mixed.

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, increase the pressure by pumping again until the
pressure indicator has again reached the mark. If the indicator goes past the mark then this shall 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 7.2.3.

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

Where the test is not part of a series subject to statistical control and two individual test results differ
by more than twice the standard deviation of repeatability (0,5 %), repeat the test and take the mean
of the two closest test results

Report the air content value, which is expressed to the nearest 0,5 %.

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 7.2.3.

7.2.5 Repeatability and reproducibility

The standard deviation of repeatability is 0,5 %.

The standard deviation of reproducibility is 1,0 %.

These precision data take into account uncertainty of measurement.

7.3 Alcohol method (alternative method)

7.3.1 Principle

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

7.3.2 Apparatus

7.3.2.1 Measuring cylinder, approximately 50 mm in diameter, with a capacity of 500 ml and with
5 ml graduations.

7.3.2.2 Rubber bung, fitting the measuring cylinder.

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

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EN 413-2:2005 (E)

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

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

7.3.3 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 %.

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Documento contenuto nel prodotto UNIEDIL STRUTTURE edizione 2006.2
E' vietato l'uso in rete del singolo documento e la sua riproduzione. E' autorizzata la stampa per uso interno.

EN 413-2:2005 (E)

5
8
4

7 9
3
2

Key

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 3 — Schematic diagram of an air content meter

16
Documento contenuto nel prodotto UNIEDIL STRUTTURE edizione 2006.2
E' vietato l'uso in rete del singolo documento e la sua riproduzione. E' autorizzata la stampa per uso interno.

EN 413-2:2005 (E)

Bibliography

[1] EN 413-1, Masonry cement — Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria

[2] ISO 5725-2, Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results — Part
2: Basic method for the determination of repeatability and reproducibility of a standard
measurement method

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