EN 15818:2011

Overview

EN 15818:2011 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies a standardized procedure for assessing the dimensional stability at high temperature of polymer modified bituminous thick coatings used for waterproofing applications. This test ensures that waterproofing coatings maintain their integrity and do not deform, flow, or slide when subjected to elevated temperatures, which is critical for long-term durability in construction and infrastructure projects.

The standard focuses on how these polymer modified bitumen coatings behave when exposed to a controlled heat environment, specifically at 70 ± 2 °C, for a minimum duration of two hours. Maintaining dimensional stability under such conditions confirms the suitability of these coatings for applications where thermal stresses are expected.

Key Topics

• Scope: Applies to polymer modified bituminous thick coatings designed for waterproofing, addressing their stability under high temperature conditions.
• Test Methodology:
  • Preparation of test specimens involves applying a wet coating layer on metal plates leveled to achieve a dry thickness of 3 ± 0.3 mm.
  • Specimens must be conditioned in a controlled environment of 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity for 28 days.
  • Testing requires placing specimens vertically in a drying oven at 70 ± 2 °C for at least 2 hours.
• Assessment Criteria: Visual inspection for:
  • Drain down – downward flow or movement of the coating material.
  • Slide down – slipping or displacement of the coating from its original position.
• Standardized Apparatus and Conditions: Utilizes metal plates (approx. 100 mm x 100 mm), drying ovens, and vertical supports to ensure uniform test conditions.
• Reporting Requirements: Includes reference to EN 15818, product details, test parameters (wet/dry thickness, temperature), procedure deviations, observed results, and test dates.

Applications

• Building Construction: Verification of polymer modified bituminous coatings used for waterproofing foundations, basements, roofs, and retaining walls where thermal effects may impact coating performance.
• Infrastructure Engineering: Ensures coatings applied to bridges, tunnels, and other civil engineering structures withstand elevated temperatures without dimensional instability.
• Quality Control and Product Certification: Manufacturers can use EN 15818 to validate and certify that their bituminous waterproofing products meet European standards for heat resistance and dimensional stability.
• Material Development: Supports R&D efforts for enhancing polymer formulations to improve thermal stability and longevity of waterproofing coatings.
• Regulatory Compliance: Enables compliance with national and European regulations governing waterproofing materials specified for construction projects.

Related Standards

• EN 15814:2011 – Defines general requirements and definitions for polymer modified bituminous thick coatings, complementing the testing procedure in EN 15818.
• ISO 554 – Specifies standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing materials, which is referenced for specimen pre-conditioning in EN 15818.
• Additional CEN standards related to waterproofing, bituminous membranes, and sealing materials may apply depending on the project requirements.

By aligning testing methods and reporting formats, EN 15818:2011 facilitates consistent evaluation of polymer modified bituminous thick coatings, helping stakeholders ensure material reliability and durability under high temperature conditions. This standard is essential for engineers, product developers, quality controllers, and regulatory bodies focused on effective waterproofing solutions in diverse construction and civil engineering applications.