November 2025 Updates: Key Standards for Construction Materials and Building Sector

November 2025 brings a suite of significant updates with five newly published international standards that redefine performance, safety, and compliance benchmarks for the construction materials and building industry. Covering advanced specifications from steel chimney liners to explosion-resistant openings, and robust guidelines on cement analysis, timber structure design, and slip-resistant steel connections, these standards respond to evolving market demands, regulatory stringency, and technological advancements. Industry professionals, from engineers to compliance officers, must stay informed on these developments to maintain quality, safety, and competitive edge.

Overview / Introduction

The construction materials and building sector forms the backbone of modern infrastructure, where adherence to international standards ensures not only safety and quality but also harmonization across borders. Standards steer product performance, structural integrity, and workplace safety, while enabling organizations to deliver projects that meet regulatory requirements and customer expectations.

In this article, you will find:

• A breakdown of the latest standards shaping the construction materials and building industry
• Deep dives into the technical, practical, and compliance aspects of each publication
• Actionable insights to support your organization’s transition and ongoing compliance

These November 2025 releases are particularly impactful for quality managers, engineers, researchers, procurement specialists, and anyone vested in construction industry excellence.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN 13084-6:2025 – Design and Execution of Steel Liners for Free-standing Chimneys

Free-standing chimneys – Part 6: Steel liners – Design and execution

This new edition of EN 13084-6 sets comprehensive requirements for the design and execution of steel lining systems within load-bearing structures of free-standing chimneys. Covering three main types—base supported liners, sectional liners, and top-hung liners—the standard ensures that cylindrical steel liners deliver reliable containment of flue gases and withstand diverse operational and environmental stresses.

Scope and Requirements:

• Defines material selection (including compatibility and anti-corrosive properties)
• Lays out construction details (supports, guides, welding, expansion joints, insulation, and protection)
• Specifies requirements for single wall chimneys in direct contact with flue gases
• Structural design principles, including calculation of actions (wind, thermal, pressure) and gas tightness
• References essential standards for execution and product conformity

Who Should Comply:

• Industrial facility designers and chimney manufacturers
• Structural engineers and contractors working with steel chimneys
• Quality assurance professionals ensuring flue gas containment safety

Notable changes from previous edition (EN 13084-6:2015):

• Enhanced definitions and expanded construction detail clauses
• Updated structural design methodologies
• Harmonization with EN 13084-1:2025 for unified industry practices

Key highlights:

• Applicability to various steel liner designs in modern chimney structures
• Comprehensive guidelines for welded joints, corrosion resistance, and gas sealing
• Addresses both prefabricated and in-situ constructed liners for broad market coverage

Access the full standard: View EN 13084-6:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 13123-2:2025 – Explosion Resistance of Windows, Doors, Shutters, and Curtain Walling

Windows, doors, shutters and curtain walling – Explosion resistance – Requirements and classification – Part 2: Arena test

Bringing advanced safety protocols into focus, EN 13123-2:2025 establishes standardized requirements and a classification system for the explosive resistance of building envelope elements (windows, doors, shutters, curtain walling) using the arena test. These guidelines address the growing need for blast protection in critical infrastructure and public spaces.

Scope and Requirements:

• Outlines test methodology for both internal and external use cases, referencing EN 13124-2:2025
• Defines loading classes (PXR, VXR) for different explosive scenarios, from small (3–20 kg TNT eq.) to large (100–500 kg TNT eq.) charges and distances
• Sets requirements for performance under peak reflected pressure and impulse
• Introduces new classes and the inclusion of curtain walling (not in earlier editions)
• Supports user-defined load classes for bespoke risk scenarios

Who Should Comply:

• Designers and manufacturers of fenestration and facade products
• Building owners, facility managers, and security consultants
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies

Practical Implications:

• Enables specification and procurement of explosion-resistant components with standardized performance claims
• Facilitates compliance for new builds and renovations in sensitive locations (e.g., government, military, transportation hubs)
• Ensures robust product selection for both safety and insurance requirements

Key highlights:

• Clear and updated test procedures for blast resistance
• Greater scope with curtain walling and new classification options
• Essential for high-risk infrastructure and commercial buildings

Access the full standard: View EN 13123-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 196-2:2025 – Chemical Analysis of Cement

Methods of testing cement – Part 2: Chemical analysis of cement

This cornerstone standard delivers validated and harmonized procedures for the chemical analysis of cement, foundational to product quality, regulatory compliance, and performance verification.

Scope and Requirements:

• Reference methods for major oxides in cement (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, etc.)
• Alternative techniques: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for select analyses
• Addresses calibration, validation, and equivalence of alternative methods to reference procedures
• Repeatability, reproducibility, and data expression protocols
• Applicable to both cement and constituent materials, supporting cross-material compatibility

Who Should Comply:

• Concrete and cement manufacturers, R&D labs
• Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies
• Regulatory inspectors and procurement specialists

Notable changes from EN 196-2:2013:

• New procedures for total carbonate content, chloride determination by potentiometric titration, and SO₃ by ICP-OES
• Comprehensive definition and clarification of reference and alternative methods
• Strengthened requirements for analytical validation and traceability

Key highlights:

• Updated reference and performance-based analytical methods
• Clarity for dispute resolution in conformity assessments
• Supports advanced quality control and traceability across the cement supply chain

Access the full standard: View EN 196-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN 1995-1-1:2025 – Eurocode 5: General Rules for Timber Structures

Eurocode 5 – Design of timber structures – Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings

As the definitive reference for the design of timber and wood-based construction, EN 1995-1-1:2025 (Eurocode 5) delivers modernized guidance for structural safety, serviceability, and design robustness in timber buildings and civil engineering works.

Scope and Requirements:

• Comprehensive rules for both general and building-specific timber structural applications
• Harmonized with EN 1990 (Basis of structural design), EN 1991 (Actions on structures), and EN 1998 (Seismic actions)
• Covers materials (structural and engineered timber products), connection design, serviceability, durability, and fatigue
• Extensive technical annexes on cross-laminated timber (CLT), stability, bracing, and robust detailing

Who Should Comply:

• Structural engineers, architects, and contractors specializing in timber construction
• Design offices and approval authorities
• Quality and regulatory compliance managers

Major updates from the 2004 edition:

• Expanded material definitions, including CLT and modern engineered wood products
• Enhanced provisions for seismic design, connection technology, and serviceability
• Practical design aids and informative annexes for robust and resilient structures

Key highlights:

• Aligns timber structure design with latest European test methods and materials
• Supports complex building applications, including hybrid and multi-story timber constructions
• Incorporates best practices for safety, durability, and quality assurance in timber design

Access the full standard: View EN 1995-1-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 18900:2025 – Slip Factor Testing for Steel Structures

Steel structures – Structural bolting – Test method for determining the slip factor for faying surfaces of slip-resistant connections

This international standard provides a robust, reproducible method for determining the slip factor of faying surfaces in slip-resistant, bolted steel connections—a critical parameter in the direct transfer of loads and the safety of steel structures.

Scope and Requirements:

• Test procedures for both coated and uncoated steel components, addressing a wide range of surface treatments
• Applicable to carbon steels and, where relevant, other grades; accommodates minimum yield strengths between 350 MPa and 700 MPa
• Detailed specimen preparation, bolt and washer selection, and conditions for test validity
• Evaluation of slip loads, statistical analysis, and documentation of test results
• Alignment with ISO/TC 167 guidance and referenced ISO 17607 parts (execution and fabrication)

Who Should Comply:

• Steel structure fabricators and bolt manufacturers
• Testing laboratories, component suppliers, and quality managers
• Design engineers responsible for specifying slip-resistant connections

Practical implications:

• Ensures accurate, repeatable characterization of slip resistance for design and specification
• Enables robust quality control and verification in major infrastructure, bridges, and industrial steelwork
• Supports regulatory and contractual requirements for safety-critical steel assemblies

Key highlights:

• Harmonized international test method for slip factor determination
• Supports a wide range of steel grades and surface treatments
• Provides essential parameters for safe and compliant steel structure design

Access the full standard: View ISO 18900:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

How These Standards Affect Construction Businesses

• Risk reduction: Adopting these standards mitigates risks related to safety, structural failures, and non-conformance penalties.
• Market access: Ensures products and projects are eligible for public and private contracts that specify up-to-date international requirements.
• Enhanced reputation: Demonstrates a commitment to best practices and compliance, building client and stakeholder confidence.

Compliance Considerations

• Update internal procedures, product specs, and supplier requirements in line with new standard versions.
• Review existing designs, especially for ongoing projects, to ensure compatibility with updated clauses.
• Factor in transition periods: Most CEN and ISO standards set 6–12 months before full withdrawal of conflicting national standards, but early adoption is strongly recommended.

Business Benefits

• Improved safety and performance of materials and structures
• More efficient, cost-effective, and evidence-based design and testing workflows
• Streamlined approvals and easier regulatory audits
• Contribution to sustainability and resilience goals in the construction sector

Non-Compliance Risks

• Rejection or rework of products/projects
• Increased insurance costs or liability exposures
• Potential for legal or regulatory action in case of safety incidents

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements

• Material specifications: Consistent quality, suitable grades (steel, timber, cement) matching design intentions and exposure conditions
• Testing and validation: Requirement for reference and alternative methods (EN 196-2:2025), reproducibility, and calibration
• Product performance: Defined classes (blast resistance, slip factor), with empirical and statistical validation
• Structural design methodology: Load actions, safety factors, and harmonization with Eurocode system (EN 1995-1-1)

Implementation Best Practices

1. Map standards to your supply chain: Identify where each standard applies—from material sourcing to finished component installation.
2. Work with accredited labs: Ensure all test methods (chemical analysis, arena/structural tests) are performed by qualified, ISO/EN-compliant facilities.
3. Continuous training: Update teams on technical and compliance requirements; invest in ongoing professional development.
4. Maintain records: Document all test results, compliance checks, and certification evidence for audits and quality assurance.
5. Early engagement: Liaise with suppliers early to confirm that products meet the latest specifications before procurement.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• EN 13084-6 and ISO 18900 require precise test procedures for validation and conformity, especially for safety-critical components.
• EN 13123-2 mandates blast tests at recognized laboratories following strict scenario simulation protocols.
• EN 196-2 emphasizes traceability, repeatability, and third-party certification where relevant.
• Qualified certification bodies should be engaged for product marking, especially when standards interface with CE marking or ISO certification schemes.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The November 2025 launch of these five international standards marks a pivotal point for the construction materials and building sector. Whether you are specifying steel chimneys, designing blast-resistant facades, analyzing cement compositions, engineering timber buildings, or verifying steel bolted joint performance, these documents equip you with the latest requirements and technical best practices to succeed.

Key takeaways:

• Update your processes to align with the November 2025 standard versions
• Engage with accredited labs and certification bodies early
• Educate your technical, procurement, and compliance teams

Action Points:

• Explore the full texts and detailed requirements of these standards at iTeh Standards
• Follow our ongoing coverage in Parts 2 and 3 for further critical updates this month
• Subscribe to standard alert services and professional forums to stay on the leading edge

For more resources, guidance, and official standard documents, visit standards.iteh.ai. Stay compliant, stay competitive, and build with confidence.