EN 846-3:2000

Overview

EN 846-3:2000 is a CEN European standard that specifies a laboratory method for determining the shear load capacity of welds in prefabricated bed joint reinforcement used in masonry. The standard applies to ancillary components for masonry and focuses specifically on assessing the shear strength and integrity of welded joints in bed joint reinforcement systems. EN 846-3:2000 supports quality control, product development and conformity assessment by providing a reproducible test approach for weld performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose - Defines the objective: to measure the shear strength of welds in prefabricated bed joint reinforcement for masonry applications.
• Test specimens and sampling - Guidance on representative specimen selection from prefabricated reinforcement assemblies to ensure meaningful shear testing (sampling principles rather than specific dimensions).
• Test apparatus and conditions - Requirements for appropriate shear-testing equipment and controlled laboratory conditions to produce reproducible results.
• Test procedure - A standardized method for applying shear loads to welded joints, recording load-displacement behavior, and identifying failure modes.
• Measurement and reporting - Instructions on measuring ultimate shear load, documenting test setup, environmental conditions, and detailed reporting to support traceability and comparison.
• Repeatability and assessment - Emphasis on consistent test execution so results can be used for quality control, product comparison and regulatory evidence.

Note: EN 846-3:2000 describes the method and reporting requirements; specific acceptance criteria or strength thresholds are outside its general scope and are set by product specifications, national rules or other standards.

Applications

• Manufacturers of prefabricated bed joint reinforcement use EN 846-3:2000 for production quality control, weld process validation and product development.
• Independent testing laboratories rely on the standard to provide consistent, comparable shear-strength data for certification and third‑party assessment.
• Structural and masonry engineers, specifiers and building authorities use test results to verify suitability of reinforcement products for specific masonry designs, ensuring durability and safety.
• Research and development teams use the method to evaluate new materials, welding techniques and reinforcement geometries.

Related standards

• EN 846 series (methods of test for ancillary components for masonry) - other parts cover additional test methods for masonry accessories.
• Eurocode 6 (EN 1996) and national masonry design standards - useful for integrating reinforcement product data into structural design and compliance documentation.

Keywords: EN 846-3:2000, bed joint reinforcement, prefabricated, weld shear strength, shear load capacity, masonry testing, CEN standard, masonry ancillary components.