EN 13892-2:2002

Overview

EN 13892-2:2002 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies standardized test methods for determining both the flexural and compressive strength of moulded screed materials. This standard applies to various screed materials including cementitious screeds, calcium sulfate screeds, magnesite screeds, and synthetic resin screeds. Its primary purpose is to provide reliable and reproducible test procedures to evaluate structural performance parameters essential for floor screed applications in construction.

Key Topics

• Scope of Testing
  EN 13892-2:2002 covers the preparation and testing of mortar specimens shaped according to EN 13892-1, focusing on flexural strength first followed by compressive strength using broken halves from the previous test.

• Test Principles
  The flexural strength test measures the load causing specimen failure under midspan bending. Subsequently, compressive strength is determined by applying loads to the fractured specimen halves, ensuring practical use of materials and consistent results.

• Apparatus Requirements
  Specific equipment includes a testing machine compliant with EN 196-1 standards, steel rollers arranged in a three-point bending configuration for flexural tests, and hardened bearing plates for compression tests to ensure accurate load distribution.

• Testing Procedure
  The standard delineates detailed steps for both flexural and compressive tests-such as specimen dimensions (typically 40 mm x 40 mm x160 mm), loading rates, measurement of specimen dimensions pre-test, and calculation formulas for strength values.

• Accuracy and Reporting
  Test results are recorded with precision (to 0.05 N/mm² for individual tests and 0.1 N/mm² for averages). The standard also specifies comprehensive reporting requirements covering sample identification, preparation conditions, test parameters, and results to ensure traceability and quality control.

Applications

• Quality Control in Construction
  EN 13892-2 provides concrete testing protocols essential for verifying the strength performance of screeds used as floor substrates, helping manufacturers and contractors comply with structural and safety regulations.

• Material Certification
  The results guide manufacturers in product classification and compliance with performance criteria under EN 13813 (Screed material and floor screeds properties), facilitating market acceptance across European countries.

• Research and Development
  The standard serves as an established benchmark for R&D laboratories developing new screed formulations, enabling comparative analysis of mechanical properties.

• Conformity Assessment
  Compliance with EN 13892-2 allows stakeholders to fulfill national standards obligations and ensures the screed materials meet minimum structural requirements, critical in flooring installations subjected to load-bearing conditions.

Related Standards

• EN 13892-1 - Methods for sampling, making, and curing screed specimens; foundational for preparing test samples used in EN 13892-2.

• EN 13813 - Defines properties and requirements of screed materials, integrating mechanical strength results into product specifications.

• EN 196-1 - Specifies cement strength test methods; referenced for apparatus and testing machine criteria.

• EN ISO 6507-1 - Details Vickers hardness test requirements; applies to materials used for compression test bearing plates.

Summary

EN 13892-2:2002 is an authoritative European standard offering detailed methodologies for measuring flexural and compressive strength of screed materials in construction. Designed to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and compliance, it supports construction quality control, product certification, and material innovation. Adopting this standard enhances confidence in screed performance and contributes to safer, durable flooring systems in building projects across Europe.