EN 14956:2005

Overview

EN 14956:2005 is a CEN European Standard that specifies a laboratory method for the determination of the water content of unbound mineral surfaces used for outdoor sports areas. The procedure yields a reproducible measure of moisture content that can inform safety assessments, maintenance planning and performance evaluations of sports surfaces.

Key Topics

• Scope: Determination of water content of unbound mineral surfaces for outdoor sports areas.
• Principle: Measure specimen mass before and after drying; the mass loss equals the moisture removed.
• Apparatus:
  • Conventional oven capable of (105 ± 5) °C
  • Balance with 0,1 g resolution
  • Desiccator
• Specimen: Minimum mass of 1 000 g
• Test conditions: Ambient test laboratory conditions of (23 ± 2) °C and relative humidity (50 ± 10) %

Procedure (concise)

1. Record the initial mass of the test specimen (M_A).
2. Dry the specimen in the oven at (105 ± 5) °C for at least 24 h. Cool in a desiccator for at least 4 h and weigh (M_B).
3. Return the specimen to the oven for at least 4 h, cool in a desiccator for at least 4 h and weigh again (M_C).
4. Repeat step 3 until two successive masses differ by no more than ± 0,05 g. Record this stable mass as the dry mass (M_D).

Expression of results

Water content is calculated as a percentage using the specimen masses (wet and dry):

Water content (%) = (M_A - M_D) / M_D × 100

where M_A is the mass of the specimen before drying and M_D is the final mass after drying to constant mass.

Applications

• Routine quality control of gravel, sand or other unbound mineral infill used on outdoor sports pitches.
• Pre-use checks and periodic monitoring to guide maintenance schedules and irrigation decisions.
• Input data for surface performance and safety assessments where moisture affects traction or compaction.

Practical benefits

• Provides a simple, repeatable laboratory method for moisture quantification.
• Uses commonly available laboratory equipment (oven, balance, desiccator).
• Produces data that support maintenance planning and surface management decisions.

Related Standards

• Prepared by CEN/TC 217 (Surfaces for sports areas); national adoption required for CEN members.
• For broader surface assessment, consult other CEN standards and guidance developed by CEN/TC 217 (refer to national standards bodies for endorsed texts).

For test reporting, EN 14956:2005 requires reference to the standard, description of specimen masses (M_A, M_B, M_C, M_D) and reporting the water content as a percentage by mass (to the nearest whole number).

Keywords: EN 14956:2005, water content, unbound mineral surfaces, outdoor sports areas, moisture determination, drying oven, desiccator, sports surfaces.