EN 678:1993

Overview

EN 678:1993 is a CEN (European Committee for Standardization) test standard that defines the procedure for the determination of the dry density of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). The scope covers testing of prismatic specimens to obtain reliable dry density values used in material characterization, quality control and specification compliance. ICS classification: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products.

Key Topics

This standard focuses on the standardised method and reporting for measuring dry density of AAC. Key technical topics and requirements typically addressed include:

• Specimen type and preparation - use of prismatic specimens representative of the product.
• Conditioning and drying - procedures to ensure specimens reach a defined dry state before measurement.
• Measurement methods - determination of specimen mass and volume, and calculation of dry density.
• Calculation and expression of results - how to compute dry density (mass per unit volume) and present results.
• Reporting requirements - essential information to include in test reports (specimen ID, conditioning, measurement uncertainty, results).
• Traceability and conformity - linking results to production batches and quality control records.

Note: EN 678:1993 provides the procedural framework rather than product performance limits; follow-up documents or specifications define acceptable density ranges for specific AAC grades.

Applications

EN 678:1993 is used wherever accurate, reproducible dry density data for autoclaved aerated concrete are required:

• Manufacturers of AAC - process control, batch verification and product labelling.
• Construction material testing laboratories - routine testing, certification and inter-laboratory comparisons.
• Engineers and specifiers - selecting AAC materials based on density-related properties (thermal insulation, strength, weight).
• QA/QC teams and regulatory bodies - conformity assessment, compliance with national or project specifications.
• Research and development - evaluating formulations, curing regimes and performance correlations with density.

Accurate dry density measurement supports decisions on structural design, thermal performance, and transport/handling logistics.

Related Standards

EN 678:1993 should be used alongside other CEN and national standards that cover:

• General testing methods for concrete and masonry products.
• Product standards for autoclaved aerated concrete (composition, mechanical properties, thermal properties).
• Quality assurance and sampling standards for construction materials.

For implementation, consult the current CEN catalogue and national adoption (e.g., SIST EN 678) for any updates or amendments.