ISO 13007-4:2010

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 13007-4
Second edition
2010-09-15

Ceramic tiles — Grouts and adhesives —
Part 4:
Test methods for grouts
Carreaux céramiques — Mortiers de joints et colles —
Partie 4: Méthodes d'essai pour les mortiers de joints




Reference number
ISO 13007-4:2010(E)
©
ISO 2010

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ISO 13007-4:2010(E)
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ii © ISO 2010 – All rights reserved

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ISO 13007-4:2010(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope.1
2 Normative references.1
3 General test conditions and procedures .1
3.1 Sampling.1
3.2 Test conditions .1
3.3 Test materials .2
3.4 Mixing procedures.2
3.5 Test report.3
4 Test methods .3
4.1 Determination of flexural and compressive strength .3
4.2 Determination of water absorption.5
4.3 Determination of shrinkage.6
4.4 Determination of resistance to abrasion.7
4.5 Determination of transverse deformation.8
4.6 Determination of chemical resistance.8
Annex A (normative) Test apparatus .9
Bibliography.21

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ISO 13007-4:2010(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 13007-4 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 189, Ceramic tiles.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 13007-4:2005), which has been technically
revised.
ISO 13007 consists of the following parts, under the general title Ceramic tiles — Grouts and adhesives:
⎯ Part 1: Terms, definitions and specifications for adhesives
⎯ Part 2: Test methods for adhesives
⎯ Part 3: Terms, definitions and specifications for grouts
⎯ Part 4: Test methods for grouts

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 13007-4:2010(E)

Ceramic tiles — Grouts and adhesives —
Part 4:
Test methods for grouts
1 Scope
This part of ISO 13007 describes methods for determining characteristics of grouts used in the installation of
ceramic tiles. The test methods described are the following:
a) determination of flexural and compressive strength;
b) determination of water absorption;
c) determination of shrinkage;
d) determination of resistance to abrasion;
e) determination of transverse deformation;
f) determination of chemical resistance.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 10545-6, Ceramic tiles — Part 6: Determination of resistance to deep abrasion for unglazed tiles
ISO 13007-2:2010, Ceramic tiles — Grouts and adhesives — Part 2: Test methods for adhesives
3 General test conditions and procedures
3.1 Sampling
A representative sample of at least 2 kg shall be used.
3.2 Test conditions
Standard conditions shall be (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % relative humidity and a circulation of air in the testing
area less than 0,2 m/s. Other test conditions may be specified in Clause 4.
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ISO 13007-4:2010(E)
The tolerance in the time of conditioning for all test specimens shall be as follows in Table 1:
Table 1 — Allowable tolerance window for testing time for all samples after conditioning
a b
Sample conditioning time Allowed tolerance for testing
24 h ±0,5 h
7 days ±3 h
14 days ±6 h
21 days ±9 h
28 days ±12 h
a
Testing shall be performed within the specified time window.
b
Allowed tolerance in testing time for all samples requiring conditioning.

3.3 Test materials
Condition all test materials, including water, for at least 24 h under standard conditions. The grout under test
shall be within its shelf life, where this is specified.
3.4 Mixing procedures
3.4.1 Cementitious grouts — CG
The amount of water and liquid admix, or one or the other, required for preparing the grout shall be as stated
by the manufacturer in mass fraction, i.e. liquid to dry powder (in the case where a range of values is given,
the average shall be used). Prepare a minimum quantity of 2 kg of the powder and the necessary liquid using
a mixer of the planetary type (see ISO 13007-2:2010, Figures 1 and 2) running at the slow speed settings
(140 ± 5) r/min and (62 ± 5) r/min planetary movement.
Carry out the following procedure:
a) pour the liquid into the pan;
b) scatter the dry powder over the liquid;
c) mix for 30 s;
d) take out the mixing paddle;
e) scrape down the paddle and pan within 1 min;
f) replace the paddle and mix for 1 min.
If required by the grout manufacturer's instructions, let the grout mature as specified and then mix for an
additional 15 s.
3.4.2 Reaction resin grouts — RG
Where reaction resin grouts are used, the manufacturer's instructions shall be followed.
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ISO 13007-4:2010(E)
3.5 Test report
3.5.1 General
The test report shall specify the following:
a) reference to this part of ISO 13007, i.e. ISO 13007-4:2010;
b) date of test;
c) type of grout, commercial designation and manufacturer's name;
d) source, date obtained and complete identification of test sample;
e) handling and storage of samples before testing;
f) test conditions;
g) amount of water or liquid used for preparing grout;
h) any other factor that could have affected the result.
3.5.2 Test results
The test report shall specify the following:
a) flexural and compressive strength;
b) water absorption;
c) shrinkage;
d) abrasion.
4 Test methods
4.1 Determination of flexural and compressive strength
Flexural and compressive strength shall be tested following the general test conditions and procedures given
in Clause 3 and the specific instructions which follow.
4.1.1 Apparatus
4.1.1.1 Three gang moulds, used to prepare prismatic specimens
(40 ± 0,1) mm × (40 ± 0,1) mm × (160 ± 0,4) mm, with ground surfaces, made of steel. Holes for fitting suitable
1)
pins (such as part number 62-L0009/1 or equivalent) shall be pierced into the sides of the moulds
corresponding to the ends of test specimens (see Figure A.1).
4.1.1.2 Jolting apparatus, or jolting table used for the settlement of 10 mm × 40 mm × 160 mm grout
specimen in accordance with Figure A.2.

1) Part number 62-L0009/1 is an example of a suitable product available commercially (from Invensys Controls S.R.L.,
Italy). This information is given for the convenience of users of this part of ISO 13007 and does not constitute an
endorsement by ISO of this product.
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ISO 13007-4:2010(E)
4.1.1.3 Testing machine, of flexural strength type, capable of applying the load with suitable capacity
and sensitivity for the test. The machine shall be provided with a flexure device in accordance with Figure A.3.
4.1.1.4 Testing jig, in accordance with Figure A.4, incorporated in the lower platen; the upper platen
receives the load from the compressive strength testing machine through an intermediate spherical seating.
4.1.2 Preparation of test units
Mould the specimens immediately after the mixing of the grout, with the mould firmly clamped to the jolting
table. Introduce, using a suitable scoop, the first of two layers of grout into each of the compartments, directly
from the mixing bowl. Spread the layer uniformly, then compact using 60 jolts. Introduce the second layer of
grout, level and compact with a further 60 jolts. Lift the mould gently from the jolting table, strike off excess of
material and smooth the surface with a flat trowel. Wipe off the grout left on the perimeter of the mould. Place
a 210 mm × 185 mm plate glass sheet of 6 mm thickness on the mould. A plate of steel or other impermeable
material of similar size may be used. Place the mould, suitably identified, on a horizontal base in standard
conditions, (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % relative humidity. After 24 h, carefully remove the specimen from the
mould. Prepare three specimens for each grout. For fast-setting grout, demould the specimen immediately
before the test.
4.1.3 Flexural strength under standard conditions
Keep the demoulded prism in standard conditions for 27 days leaving a clearance between prisms of at least
25 mm. After conditioning has been completed, place the prism in the testing machine (4.1.1.3) with one side
face on the supporting rollers and with the longitudinal axis normal to the support. Apply the load vertically by
means of the loading roller to the opposite side face of the prism and increase it smoothly at the rate of
(50 ± 10) N/s until fracture. Keep the prism halves in standard conditions until tested in compression.
4.1.4 Compressive strength under standard conditions
Test the prism halves broken in flexion, by means of the equipment specified in 4.1.1.4. Centre the prism
halves laterally to the platens of the machine within ± 0,5 mm, and longitudinally such that the end face of the
prism overhangs the platens or auxiliary plates by about 10 mm. Increase the load smoothly at the rate of
(2 400 ± 200) N/s over the entire load application until fracture.
4.1.5 Flexural and compressive strength after freeze-thaw cycles
Prepare the test units in accordance with 4.1.2. Condition the test units for 6 days in standard conditions and
then immerse in water for 21 days before carrying out 25 freeze-thaw cycles following the procedure given in
ISO 13007-2:2010, 4.4.4.5. Condition the test units for 3 days in standard conditions after the last cycle and
prior to test examine them and record a brief description of surface appearance of the specimen. Determine
the flexural strength in accordance with 4.1.3 and the compressive strength in accordance with 4.1.4.
4.1.6 Evaluation of results
4.1.6.1 Flexural strength
The flexural strength, R , is calculated using Equation (1):
f
(1,5 )FL()
f 2
R = N/mm (1)
f
3
b
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ISO 13007-4:2010(E)
where
b is the length of the side of the square section of the prism, in millimetres;
F is the load applied to the middle of the prism at fracture, in Newtons;
f
L is the distance between the supports, in millimetres.
2
Calculate the mean of the three determinations to the nearest 0,1 N/mm .
4.1.6.2 Compressive strength
The compressive strength, R , is calculated using Equation (2):
c
F
c 2
R = N/mm (2)
c
1 600
where
F is the maximum load at fracture, in Newtons;
c
1 600 = 40 mm × 40 mm is the area of the platens or auxiliary plates, in square millimetres.
2
Calculate the mean of the six results obtained from the test to the nearest 0,1 N/mm .
4.1.7 Test report
The information listed in 3.5.1, list items a) to h), plus the following shall be provided: 3.5.2, list item a): results
of visual inspection of each specimen before and after flexural and compressive strength testing with test
2
results individual and mean values for each condition in N/mm .
4.2 Determination of water absorption
Water absorption shall be tested following the general test conditions and procedures given in Clause 3 and
the specific instructions which follow.
4.2.1 Apparatus
4.2.1.1 Gang moulds, as described in 4.1.1.1.
4.2.1.2 Three inserts, 1 mm thick, of rigid plastic (e.g. PTFE) or HDPE with no release agent.
4.2.1.3 Jolting apparatus, or jolting table as described in 4.1.1.2.
4.2.1.4 Tray, with a flat base large enough to contain three test specimens.
4.2.2 Preparation of test samples
Place the inserts approximately in the middle of the mould, parallel to the smaller faces. Following the
procedure described in 4.1.2 prepare six specimens of each grout. After demoulding, condition the samples
for 20 days in standard conditions. Seal the four sides with dimension 40 mm × 80 mm by means of a neutral
curing silicone sealant such that they are water impermeable. Then condition the samples for 7 additional
days.
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ISO 13007-4:2010(E)
4.2.3 Test procedure
Twenty-eight days after mixing, weigh each test sample to the nearest 0,1 g and then place them vertically in
the tray, with the unsealed surface down on round or triangular spacers with dimension 40 mm × 40 mm,
immersed in water, 5 mm to 10 mm deep, taking care to prevent the prism faces from coming in contact with
each other. Maintain the water level constant by adding water when necessary. After 30 min, remove the test
samples from water, quickly dry them by blotting with a dampened cloth and immediately weigh. Replace in
the tray and repeat the procedure after an additional 200 min and 210 min.
4.2.4 Evaluation and expression of results
Calculate the water absorption, W , in grams, of each sample using Equation (3):
mt
W = m − m (3)

mt t d
where
m is the mass of the dry specimen, in grams;
d
m the mass of the specimen after immersion in grams.
t
Calculate the mean of at least three test samples.
4.2.5 Test report
The information listed in 3.5.1, list items a) to h), plus the following shall be reported: 3.5.2 list item b): test
results for water absorption expressed as individual and mean values after 30 min and 240 min.
4.3 Determination of shrinkage
Shrinkage shall be tested following the general test conditions and procedures given in Clause 3 and the
following specific instructions.
4.3.1 Apparatus
4.3.1.1 Three gang mould, with optional pin inserts as described in 4.1.1.1.
Six smooth inserts: rigid, non-absorbent frames (e.g. in polyethylene or PTFE), with dimensions of
(40 ± 0,1 x 160 ± 0,4) mm and thickness of (15 ± 0,1) mm.
4.3.1.2 Jolting apparatus, as described in Figure A.2.
4.3.1.3 Measuring apparatus, consisting of a measurement attachment and a base with adjustment
screws. The measurement attachment shall be formed by a dial gauge, which reads accurately to 0,01 mm,
rigidly mounted in a measuring frame (see Figures A.5, A.6 and A.7).
4.3.1.4 Calibration rod, or reference rod, used as a standard length against which gauge readings can
2)
be tested. The rod shall be made of material having a negligible coefficient of expansion [e.g. Invar ].

2) Invar is an example of a suitable product available commercially. This information is given for the convenience of
users of this part of ISO 13007 and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of this product.
6 © ISO 2010 – All rights reserved

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