EN 16140:2019
(Main)Natural stone test methods - Determination of sensitivity to changes in appearance produced by thermal cycles
Natural stone test methods - Determination of sensitivity to changes in appearance produced by thermal cycles
This document specifies a method to assess possible alterations of natural stones (mainly visible sensitivity to oxidation processes) under the effect of sudden changes in temperature (thermal shock).
Prüfverfahren für Naturwerkstein - Bestimmung der Empfindlichkeit gegen Änderungen des äußeren Erscheinungsbildes durch thermische Zyklen
Dieses Dokument legt ein Verfahren zur Bewertung möglicher Verwitterungen von Natursteinen (vorwiegend sichtbare Empfindlichkeit auf Oxidationsprozesse) unter der Einwirkung plötzlicher Temperaturwechsel (thermischer Schock) fest.
Méthodes d'essai pour pierres naturelles - Détermination de la sensibilité aux changements d'aspect induits par des cycles thermiques
Le présent document décrit une méthode permettant d’évaluer les modifications possibles des pierres naturelles (sensibilité aux procédés d’oxydation généralement visible) sous l’effet de changements brusques de température (choc thermique).
Preskušanje naravnega kamna - Ugotavljanje občutljivosti pri spremembi videza, nastalega pri termičnih ciklih
Ta evropski standard določa metodo za ocenjevanje morebitnih sprememb naravnega kamna (predvsem vidne občutljivosti na oksidacijske procese) zaradi nenadnih sprememb temperature (temperaturni šok).
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 15-Jan-2019
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Jul-2019
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 246 - Natural stones
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 246/WG 2 - Test methods
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 03-Sep-2024
- Completion Date
- 14-Apr-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 23-Jan-2019
Overview
EN 16140:2019 - published by CEN - is a European test method for assessing how natural stone changes in appearance when subjected to sudden temperature variations (thermal shock). The standard measures visible sensitivity to oxidation and other appearance alterations caused by repeated thermal cycles. It defines specimen preparation, the thermal cycle procedure, inspection and photographic recording, evaluation codes and test reporting requirements.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Evaluation of visible alterations (mainly oxidation-related) produced by thermal shock on natural stone surfaces.
- Specimens:
- Minimum of seven specimens from a homogeneous batch; one retained as a reference.
- Standard identification specimen size: 200 × 200 mm ± 10 mm × e; standard surface finish: sawn (other finishes allowed for application tests).
- Apparatus:
- Ventilated oven able to maintain 70 ± 5 °C.
- Covered water tank for immersion, non-oxidising specimen supports.
- Digital camera or scanner (≥ 2.5 MP), D65 (6500 K) lighting or daylight, magnifying glass (≥ ×5).
- Thermal cycle (standard identification test):
- 18 ± 1 h drying at 70 ± 5 °C in oven, immediately followed by 6 ± 0.5 h full immersion in distilled or demineralized water at 20 ± 5 °C.
- Specimens vertically spaced ≥ 50 mm apart; water level 60 ± 10 mm above specimen top.
- Total test: 20 cycles.
- Inspection & recording:
- Visual inspection (×5 magnifier), photographic/scanner record under D65.
- Only changes affecting > 1% of specimen surface are reported.
- Evaluation codes:
- Affected surface: P1 (<1%)**, **P2 (1–5%)**, **P3 (5–50%)**, **P4 (>50%).
- Colour/contrast: C1 (weak), C2 (mean), C3 (contrasted/spots).
- Final result expressed as a combination (e.g., P2–C2).
- Reporting: Detailed test report requirements include specimen identification, petrographic/commercial name, sampling details, observed changes, photographic evidence and any deviations.
Applications and users
EN 16140:2019 is used for:
- Stone testing laboratories performing durability and quality control.
- Quarry operators and stone suppliers for product characterization and claims.
- Architects, specifiers and façade engineers selecting stone for cladding, paving or monuments exposed to rapid temperature changes.
- Restoration specialists and conservators evaluating historic stone sensitivity.
- Product certification and compliance activities where appearance stability is required.
Practical benefits include informed material selection for exterior applications, risk assessment of oxidation-related staining, and documented acceptance testing.
Related standards
EN 16140:2019 is part of the CEN natural stone test series and complements standards such as:
- EN 14066 (resistance to ageing by thermal shock)
- EN 1925, EN 1936, EN 12370, EN 12371 and other natural stone test methods for physical and durability properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 16140:2019 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Natural stone test methods - Determination of sensitivity to changes in appearance produced by thermal cycles". This standard covers: This document specifies a method to assess possible alterations of natural stones (mainly visible sensitivity to oxidation processes) under the effect of sudden changes in temperature (thermal shock).
This document specifies a method to assess possible alterations of natural stones (mainly visible sensitivity to oxidation processes) under the effect of sudden changes in temperature (thermal shock).
EN 16140:2019 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 16140:2019 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 16140:2011. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
You can purchase EN 16140:2019 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Prüfverfahren für Naturwerkstein - Bestimmung der Empfindlichkeit gegen Änderungen des äußeren Erscheinungsbildes durch thermische ZyklenMéthodes d'essai pour pierres naturelles - Détermination de la sensibilité aux changements d'aspect induits par des cycles thermiquesNatural stone test methods - Determination of sensitivity to changes in appearance produced by thermal cycles91.100.15Mineralni materiali in izdelkiMineral materials and productsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16140:2019SIST EN 16140:2019en,fr,de01-marec-2019SIST EN 16140:2019SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 16140:20111DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16140
January
t r s { ICS
{ sä s r rä s w Supersedes EN
s x s v rã t r s sEnglish Version
Natural stone test methods æ Determination of sensitivity to changes in appearance produced by thermal cycles Mßthodes d 5essai pour pierres naturelles æ Dßtermination de la sensibilitß aux changements d 5aspect induits par des cycles thermiques
Prüfverfahren für Naturwerkstein æ Bestimmung der Empfindlichkeit gegen Änderungen des äußeren Erscheinungsbildes durch thermische Zyklen This European Standard was approved by CEN on
s { November
t r s zä
egulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alterationä Upætoædate lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN memberä
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versionsä
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austriaá Belgiumá Bulgariaá Croatiaá Cyprusá Czech Republicá Denmarká Estoniaá Finlandá Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedoniaá Franceá Germanyá Greeceá Hungaryá Icelandá Irelandá Italyá Latviaá Lithuaniaá Luxembourgá Maltaá Netherlandsá Norwayá Polandá Portugalá Romaniaá Serbiaá Slovakiaá Sloveniaá Spainá Swedená Switzerlandá Turkey and United Kingdomä
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Rue de la Science 23,
B-1040 Brussels
t r s { CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Membersä Refä Noä EN
s x s v rã t r s { ESIST EN 16140:2019
Examples of evaluation codes for changes of aspect . 11 Annex B (informative)
Adapted thermal shock test . 17
IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp 4 Symbols and abbreviations e Thickness of the test specimens, in mm 5 Principle The specimens are subjected to successive cycles, each formed by drying at (70 ± 5) °C followed by immediate immersion in water at (20
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