oSIST prEN 196-15:2026
(Main)Methods of testing cement - Part 15 - Sulfate resistance - Flat prism method
- Abstract
This document describes test methods (reference and alternative) applicable to cast test specimens for evaluating the Sulftate Resistance (SR characteristic) of cements. Sulfate resistance means that these binders can be used in concrete bodies submitted to sulfate attacks.
In these methods, the test is carried out under controlled exposure conditions using an increased concentration of sulfate solution. These test conditions are intended to accelerate external sulfate attack.
The reference test method is adapted from the modified SVA test method (German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt), Expert Committee (SVA)): “Testing the Sulfate Resistance of Cements with pozzolanic main constituents”. The modified SVA test method is listed in European Assessment Document – EAD 150007-01-0301, Annex C. This test method is appropriate for various binders, in particular those with pozzolanic main constituents.
The alternative test method is listed in European Assessment Document – EAD 150009-01-0301, Annex A. This test method is appropriate for CEM III/A cements.
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 22-Oct-2026
- Technical Committee
- CAA - Mineral binders and masonry
- Current Stage
- 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 06-Aug-2026
- Due Date
- 24-Dec-2026
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 is the Slovenian adoption of draft European Standard prEN 196-15, prepared by CEN/TC 51 and published by SIST. It specifies the flat prism method for testing the sulfate resistance of cement specimens, with a reference method and an alternative method carried out under accelerated sulfate exposure. Cement laboratories, manufacturers, and conformity assessment bodies use it to compare expansion, mass change, and stiffness change in mortar specimens exposed to sulfate solution and to reference storage.
What does oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 specify?
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 specifies how to prepare, store, measure, analyse, and report mortar specimens for sulfate resistance testing. The document is organized into clauses 1 to 11, covering scope, normative references, terms and definitions, the general method, cements, specimen preparation, storage, initial measurements, further measurements, analysis, and the test report.
The scope focuses on cast test specimens and on external sulfate attack accelerated by a concentrated sulfate solution. The reference method is based on the modified SVA test method and is suited to various binders, especially those with pozzolanic main constituents. The alternative method is intended for CEM III/A cements.
What are the key requirements of oSIST prEN 196-15:2026?
Test concept and exposure conditions
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 measures sulfate resistance by comparing specimens stored in Na2SO4 solution (NS) with specimens stored in saturated Ca(OH)2 solution (CH) at 5 °C and 20 °C. The reference method runs for up to 728 days, while the alternative method runs for 182 days. In practice, this means the test is designed to show whether a cement expands differently in sulfate exposure than in a reference environment.
Specimen preparation
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 requires mortar made according to EN 196-1, using the tested cement and two reference cements according to EN 197-1, with a water/cement ratio of 0.50. From each mortar, 24 flat prisms are made, 12 with measuring pins and 12 without measuring pins, with dimensions 10 mm x 40 mm x 160 mm. This split is important because length measurement and dynamic modulus measurement are carried out on different sets.
Curing, pre-storage, and solution handling
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 requires the prisms to stay in the mould for 48 hours at 20 °C and high humidity, then to be pre-stored in saturated Ca(OH)2 until 28 days for the reference method or 14 days for the alternative method. After that, groups of three prisms with pins and three without pins are placed in each storage condition, with containers kept air-tight, light-proof, and made of non-reactive material. The sulfate solution is renewed on a defined schedule, and the calcium hydroxide solution is checked for saturation. For the reader, this means storage conditions must be controlled closely or the result is not comparable.
Measurements during the test
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 requires initial and repeat measurements of mass, length, and longitudinal resonance frequency. The initial measurements are taken immediately after pre-storage, after wiping the specimens with a damp cloth, to limit drying. Length is measured to 0.001 mm, mass to 0.01 g, and the resonance frequency is used to calculate the dynamic modulus of elasticity in accordance with EN 14146.
Measurement schedule and observations
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 defines repeat measurement times of 13-week intervals for the reference method and specific day counts for the alternative method. At each time point, the test records length, mass, resonance frequency, and the external appearance, including cracking or spalling. In practice, this gives a time history of how the specimen changes in sulfate and reference storage.
Analysis and reporting
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 requires calculation of the length change relative to the pre-storage length and the difference between sulfate storage and reference storage. Results are presented in a diagram showing relative length change per temperature. The report must include specimen details, dates, exposure periods, gauge length, individual and mean results for length, mass, and resonance frequency, the method used, deviations, and photographic records.
What does oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 cover in practice?
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 contains a complete laboratory procedure rather than a product specification. It gives the specimen format, curing and exposure sequence, solution control, measurement steps, calculation approach, and reporting content needed for sulfate resistance testing.
The document also defines where the results are taken from physically: the test uses flat prisms in paired sulfate and reference storage, and the comparison is made through length change, mass change, and dynamic modulus of elasticity. That makes it suitable for lab work, product characterization, and documented comparison of cement performance in sulfate exposure.
Which standards are used with oSIST prEN 196-15:2026?
- EN 196-1 - provides the basis for mortar preparation and is also the method family for cement testing.
- EN 197-1 - identifies common cements and the reference cements used in specimen preparation.
- EN 14146 - gives the resonance-frequency method used to determine the dynamic modulus of elasticity.
- EAD 150007-01-0301, Annex C - contains the modified SVA method used as the basis for the reference method.
- EAD 150009-01-0301, Annex A - contains the alternative method intended for CEM III/A cements.
Who uses oSIST prEN 196-15:2026?
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 is used by cement testing laboratories, cement manufacturers, and quality teams that need to document sulfate resistance. It is also relevant to technical assessors and conformity assessment bodies comparing binders intended for concrete exposed to sulfate attack. Buyers and specifiers can use the test result to judge whether a cement is being evaluated by the reference method or the alternative method.
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Frequently Asked Questions
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Methods of testing cement - Part 15 - Sulfate resistance - Flat prism method". This standard covers: This document describes test methods (reference and alternative) applicable to cast test specimens for evaluating the Sulftate Resistance (SR characteristic) of cements. Sulfate resistance means that these binders can be used in concrete bodies submitted to sulfate attacks. In these methods, the test is carried out under controlled exposure conditions using an increased concentration of sulfate solution. These test conditions are intended to accelerate external sulfate attack. The reference test method is adapted from the modified SVA test method (German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt), Expert Committee (SVA)): “Testing the Sulfate Resistance of Cements with pozzolanic main constituents”. The modified SVA test method is listed in European Assessment Document – EAD 150007-01-0301, Annex C. This test method is appropriate for various binders, in particular those with pozzolanic main constituents. The alternative test method is listed in European Assessment Document – EAD 150009-01-0301, Annex A. This test method is appropriate for CEM III/A cements.
This document describes test methods (reference and alternative) applicable to cast test specimens for evaluating the Sulftate Resistance (SR characteristic) of cements. Sulfate resistance means that these binders can be used in concrete bodies submitted to sulfate attacks. In these methods, the test is carried out under controlled exposure conditions using an increased concentration of sulfate solution. These test conditions are intended to accelerate external sulfate attack. The reference test method is adapted from the modified SVA test method (German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt), Expert Committee (SVA)): “Testing the Sulfate Resistance of Cements with pozzolanic main constituents”. The modified SVA test method is listed in European Assessment Document – EAD 150007-01-0301, Annex C. This test method is appropriate for various binders, in particular those with pozzolanic main constituents. The alternative test method is listed in European Assessment Document – EAD 150009-01-0301, Annex A. This test method is appropriate for CEM III/A cements.
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
oSIST prEN 196-15:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2026
Metode preskušanja cementa - 15. del - Odpornost na sulfate - Metoda ploščatih
prizem
Methods of testing cement - Part 15 - Sulfate resistance - Flat prism method
Prüfverfahren für Zement - Teil15: Sulfatbeständigkeit - Flachprismenmethode
Méthodes d'essais des ciments - Partie 15 : Résistance aux sulfates - Méthode du
prisme plat
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 196-15
ICS:
91.100.10 Cement. Mavec. Apno. Malta Cement. Gypsum. Lime.
Mortar
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
August 2026
ICS 91.100.10
English Version
Methods of testing cement - Part 15 - Sulfate resistance -
Flat prism method
Méthodes d'essais des ciments - Partie 15 : Résistance Prüfverfahren für Zement - Teil15: Sulfatbeständigkeit
aux sulfates - Méthode du prisme plat - Flachprismenmethode
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 51.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
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COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
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CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 196-15:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General description of the (reference and alternative) test methods . 5
5 Cements . 6
6 Preparation of test specimens . 6
7 Storage of test specimens . 6
8 Initial measurement procedure . 7
9 Further measurement procedure . 7
10 Analysis . 8
11 Test Report . 9
Bibliography . 10
European foreword
This document (prEN 196-15: 2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 51 “Cement
and building limes”, the secretariat of which is held by NBN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
Introduction
This document describes test methods (reference and alternative) applicable to cast test specimens for
evaluating the sulftate resistance (SR characteristic) of cements. Sulfate resistance means that these
binders can be used in concrete bodies submitted to sulfate attacks.
They are established within the framework of EN 197-1.
Precision data, coming from broad round robin tests and valid for a European standard, are not yet
available.
1 Scope
This document describes test methods (reference and alternative) applicable to cast test specimens for
evaluating the Sulftate Resistance (SR characteristic) of cements. Sulfate resistance means that these
binders can be used in concrete bodies submitted to sulfate attacks.
In these methods, the test is carried out under controlled exposure conditions using an increased
concentration of sulfate solution. These test conditions are intended to accelerate external sulfate
attack.
The reference test method is adapted from the modified SVA test method (German Institute for Building
Technology (DIBt), Expert Committee (SVA)): “Testing the Sulfate Resistance of Cements with
pozzolanic main constituents”. The modified SVA test method is listed in European Assessment
Document – EAD 150007-01-0301, Annex C. This test method is appropriate for various binders, in
particular those with pozzolanic main constituents.
The alternative test method is listed in European Assessment Document – EAD 150009-01-0301,
Annex A. This test method is appropriate for CEM III/A cements.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendment) applies.
EN 196-1, Methods of testing cement - Part 1: Determination of strength
EN 197-1, Cement – Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for common cements
EN 14146, Natural stone test methods - determination of the dynamic modulus of elasticity (by measuring
the fundamental resonance frequency)
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
4 General description of the (reference and alternative) test methods
The sulfate resistance shall be determined by the flat prism method (SFPMm) on mortar specimens
aged up to minimum of 728 days (104 weeks) (reference method) or 182 days (alternative method) in a
Na SO -solution (NS), and in a saturated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) )-solution (CH) at a storage
2 4 2
temperature (T) of (5 ± 2) °C (T ) and (20 ± 2) °C (T ).
5 20
The length and the mass as well as the longitudinal resonance frequency for the determination of the
dynamic modulus of elasticity of the specimens are determined at the beginning of the storage of the
specimens in the test solutions and every 13 weeks thereafter in the reference method. In the
alternative method, these values are determined at the beginning of the storage and after 14, 28, 56, 90
and 180 days.
With the measured length of the specimens after a storage time t, the length difference of the flat
i
prisms for each storage solution (NS and CH) and storage temperature (T and T ) shall be calculated
5 20
as mean value from 3 specimens (Δl (t ,T) and Δl (t ,T)).
NS i CH i
The difference in elongation between the sulfate storage (Δl (t,T)) and the reference storage
NS i
(Δl (t ,T)) for a storage time (t ) and a storage temperature (T and T ) is given as expansion of the
CH i i 5 20
length (Δl(ti,T)).
In addition, the mass of the specimens (w (t ,T) and w (t ,T)) and the dynamic modulus of elasticity
NS i CH i
(E (t ,T) and E (t ,T)) shall be determined at a storage time t for each storage solution (NS and CH)
NS i CH i i
and storage temperature (T and T ).
5 20
5 Cements
The sulfate resistance shall be tested on specimens made of mortar according to EN 196-1.
6 Preparation of test specimens
Mortar shall be made from each cement (tested cement and the two reference cements according to
EN 197-1) in accordance with EN 196-1, with a water/cement-r
...