EN 15816:2011

Overview

EN 15816:2011 is a European Standard developed by CEN specifying a test procedure to determine the resistance to rain of polymer-modified bituminous thick coatings used for waterproofing. This standard ensures that bituminous coatings applied on buildings can withstand rain exposure, providing durability and protection for construction elements. The standard focuses on assessing the coating's behavior immediately after application to simulate real-world rain conditions on site.

Key Topics

• Scope: EN 15816:2011 details a laboratory method to evaluate the rain resistance of thick, polymer-modified bituminous coatings for waterproofing purposes.
• Test Specimens: Coated concrete slabs (approx. 150 mm × 150 mm) with a layer thickness of about 3 mm ± 0.3 mm are prepared and conditioned before testing.
• Test Equipment:
  • Sprinkler system with a standard conical nozzle operating at 2 bar water pressure.
  • Specimen holder positioning the test surface at a 45° angle.
  • Stopwatch and water mains connection for controlled water flow.
• Test Procedure:
  • Specimens conditioned up to 8 hours at 23°C and 50% relative humidity.
  • Exposure to simulated rain for 15 minutes under controlled water flow and temperature.
  • Observation for discoloration or surface erosion during water runoff as indicators of coating degradation.
• Results Expression:
  • The shortest conditioning time for which two specimens show no degradation and no discoloration is recorded.
  • Maximum conditioning period capped at 8 hours.
• Test Report Requirements:
  • Reference to EN 15816:2011.
  • Product identification and application details.
  • Description of test conditions and deviations.
  • Recorded test results.
  • Date of testing.

Applications

EN 15816:2011 plays a critical role in quality assurance and product development for waterproofing materials, specifically:

• Construction Industry: Ensures that polymer-modified bituminous coatings provide effective protection against rain during the vital curing phase on-site.
• Waterproofing Manufacturers: Helps validate and differentiate products with superior rain resistance performance.
• Building Inspectors & Specifiers: Provides confidence in selecting coatings tested to withstand early rain exposure.
• Durability Assessments: Assists in lifecycle forecasting and maintenance planning of waterproofing systems on concrete structures.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports adherence to European waterproofing standards and building codes relating to moisture protection.

By adhering to EN 15816:2011, stakeholders can improve the reliability and lifespan of waterproofing coatings, reducing risks of water ingress and structural damage.

Related Standards

• FprEN 15814:2011 – Definitions and requirements for polymer-modified bituminous thick coatings for waterproofing.
• EN 206-1 – Concrete specification, performance, and production that applies to concrete substrates used in testing.
• ISO 228-1 – Specifies thread dimensions and tolerances for pipes used in test equipment setup.
• ISO 554 – Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing materials.

Keywords

polymer-modified bituminous thick coatings, waterproofing, resistance to rain, EN 15816:2011, European Standard, bituminous coatings, construction waterproofing, rain resistance test, waterproofing durability, concrete coatings, waterproof membrane testing, CEN standards, building protection, coating quality assurance, bitumen coatings testing.