EN 1015-2:1998

Overview

EN 1015-2:1998, published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), defines standard methods for sampling and preparing mortar used in masonry construction. This part of the EN 1015 series focuses on the procedures to take bulk samples of fresh mortar and the preparation of these samples into test mortars. It also covers methods for producing test mortars from dry constituents (such as cement, lime, gypsum) and water, ensuring consistent and reliable testing conditions.

The standard aims to establish reproducible sampling and mixing techniques that are critical for the accurate evaluation of mortar properties during quality control and research.

Key Topics

• Bulk Sampling of Fresh Mortars
  EN 1015-2 specifies precise procedures to collect representative bulk samples from fresh mortar batches to avoid contamination or segregation, thus maintaining sample integrity.

• Preparation of Test Mortars
  Instructions are given on preparing test mortars either directly from bulk samples or by mixing dry constituents with water. This ensures consistency in laboratory testing environments.

• Standardized Mixing Procedures
  The standard outlines the mixing sequence, duration, and conditions to create homogeneous test specimens that reflect actual on-site performance.

• Sample Size and Handling
  Guidelines on the required volume of samples and proper handling techniques prevent changes in mortar properties before testing.

• Relevance to Cement, Lime, and Gypsum-Based Mortars
  EN 1015-2 is applicable for mortars commonly made with cement, lime, gypsum, or their combinations, widely used in masonry construction.

Applications

• Quality Control in Masonry Construction
  Ensuring mortar sampled and prepared according to EN 1015-2 helps construction quality control teams verify material compliance and detect deviations early.

• Material Research and Development
  Researchers testing new mortar formulations rely on this standard to create reproducible test mortars for mechanical and durability assessments.

• Contractor Compliance Testing
  Contractors and site engineers use EN 1015-2 methods to provide standardized mortar samples for independent testing laboratories.

• Laboratory Testing for Building Standards
  Accredited testing labs adopt these sampling and preparation methods to meet international best practices during mortar property evaluation.

Related Standards

• EN 1015-1: Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 1: Sampling of mortars
  Focuses on initial mortar sampling on-site before bulk sampling and preparation.

• EN 1015-3: Determination of consistence of fresh mortar (by flow table)
  Specifies how to measure workability of test mortars prepared per EN 1015-2.

• EN 1015-11: Determination of flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar
  Applies to test mortars formed following procedures in EN 1015-2.

• EN 998 Series: Specification for mortar for masonry
  Defines mortar performance classes tested using mortars prepared under EN 1015-2 protocols.

Keywords: EN 1015-2, bulk sampling of mortar, test mortar preparation, masonry mortar testing, cement lime gypsum mortar, European Standard for mortar, mortar quality control, mortar mixing methods, mortar test samples, CEN standards.