CEN/TC 246/WG 2 - Test methods

This document specifies a test method for determination of flexural strength under a concentrated load for natural stone. Both an identification and a technological product testing procedure are included.

This document specifies a laboratory method for determining the resistance to thermal and moisture cycling of marble intended for the external cladding of building facades.
NOTE Bowing and rapid strength loss is known to occur in some marbles when used as exterior cladding.

This document specifies a method to assess the sensitivity of natural stones when exposed to accidental staining. It defines a procedure for the application of the stains as well as the cleaning and the assessment of the surface appearance after cleaning. It also covers the possibility to assess the efficiency of a chemical treatment.
Note that the method does not intend to present any de-staining technique.

This document specifies a test method to assess the relative resistance of natural stones with an open porosity of greater than 5 %, measured in accordance with EN 1936, to damage caused by the crystallization of salts. The test is not necessary for low porosity stones.

This document describes methods for verifying the geometric characteristics of products of natural stone such as rough blocks, rough slabs, finished products for cladding, flooring, stairs and modular tiles and paving units (slabs, setts and kerbs). These methods can be applied in the case of a dispute between two parties, they are not compulsory for production control.
Other measuring equipment can be used as long as their precision can be demonstrated to be equal or better than the ones mentioned here.
It is essential that all weighing, measuring and testing equipment are calibrated or retraceable to measurement standards and regularly inspected according to documented procedures, frequencies and criteria. It is important that the expression of the dimensional characteristics is in accordance with the appropriate class of the measured product.

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 European Standard specifies two test methods to determine the abrasion resistance of natural stones used for flooring in buildings.

This European Standard specifies a method to assess possible changes of natural stones under the effect of sudden changes in temperature (thermal shock).

This European Standard specifies a method to assess the effect of freeze/thaw cycles on natural stones (see EN 12670 for terminology, and EN 12440 for denomination). The standard contains provision for both a shorter technological test (Test A) to assess the effect of freeze/thaw cycles on the relevant performance characteristics and an identification test (Test B).
NOTE   Some marbles, as defined in EN 12440, undergo changes in physical properties as a result of the test conditions rather than the freeze/thaw cycles. In these cases, additional tests (for example EN 14066) should be applied.

This European Standard specifies a method for determining the water absorption of natural stone – see
EN 12670 for terminology and EN 12440 for denomination - by immersion in water at atmospheric pressure.

This European Standard specifies a method to determine the flexural strength of natural stones under constant moment. This European Standard contains provision for both an identification test and for a technological test.

This European standard specifies a method for determining the uniaxial compressive strength of natural stones.

This European standard specifies methods for determining the real density, apparent density, and open and total porosity of natural stone.

The document specifies a method to determine the static elastic modulus of natural stone in uniaxial compression.

This document specifies two methods to determine the linear thermal expansion coefficient of natural stone, respectively based on mechanical length-change measurements (Method A) or on the use of bonded electric strain gauges (Method B).

This document specifies a method for the determination of the velocity of propagation of pulses of ultrasonic longitudinal waves in natural stone, both in laboratory and in situ.

This European Standard specifies a method for determining the energy of rupture by impact of natural stones. The standard contains provision for both an identification test and a technological test (for FPC of finished products).

This European Standard defines methods to determine the fundamental resonance frequency of natural stone and the calculation of the dynamic modulus of elasticity.

This European Standard specifies a test method to determine the slip resistance value of the surface of the exposed face of natural stone elements intended to be used for flooring in buildings.
NOTE 1   If the surface of the exposed face has a roughness measured according to prEN 13373 higher than 1 mm it will be considered as not slippery, without performing the test.
NOTE 2   This method can be used for laboratory measurements or on floors in service.

This European Standard specifies a test method to determine the breaking load at the dowel hole of natural stones used for cladding or lining in building.

This European standard specifies a method for determining the water absorption coefficient of natural stone by capillarily. Note: This method is not suitable for stones with an open porosity less than 1% when determined in accordance with prEN 1936.

This European Standard specifies a method to assess possible modifications of natural stones under the effect of sudden changes in
temperature (thermal shock).This European Standard specifies a method to assess possible modifications of natural stones under the effect of sudden changes in temperature (thermal shock).

This European Standard specifies a laboratory method for determining the resistance to thermal and moisture cycling of marble intended for cladding of building facades.
For scientific definition of marble, reference is made to EN 12670 Terminology: 2.1.243 a.
NOTE   Bowing and rapid strength loss is known to occur in some marbles when used as exterior claddings.

This European Standard specifies a test method for determination of flexural strength under a concentrated load for natural stone. Both an identification and a technological product testing procedure are included.

The European Standard specifies a method to assess the sensitivity of natural stones when exposed to accidental staining. It defines a procedure for the application of the stains, the cleaning and the assessment of the surface appearance after cleaning. It also covers the possibility to assess the efficiency of a surface treatment.  Note that the method does not intend to present any de-staining technique.

This European standard describes methods for verifying the geometric characteristics of products of  natural stone such as blocks, rough slabs and finished products for cladding, flooring, stairs and tiles. These methods are to be applied in the case of a dispute between two parties, they are not compulsory for production control.

This European Standard specifies a method to assess the resistance of natural stones to ageing by salt mist.

This European Standard specifies methods for making technical petrographic descriptions of natural stone, except for roofing slates. Although chemical and physical methods of analysis are required for petrographic classification of some stone types, these methods will not be described in this standard  For this product, the method for the petrographic examination is defined in EN 12326-2.

This European Standard 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 European Standard specifies the criteria for the designation of natural stone from raw material to finished products.

This European Standard specifies a method of determining the hardness of natural stone using the Knoop indenter.

This standard describes a test method for determining the thermal shock resistance value of natural stone elements.

This European Standard specifies a method to assess the relative resistance of natural stones to damage by sulphur dioxide in the presence of humidity.

This European Standard specifies a method to assess the effect of freeze/thaw cycles on natural stones - refer to prEN 12670 for terminology, and EN 12440 for denomination -. The standard contains provision for both a shorter technological test (Test A) to assess the effect of freeze/thaw cycles on the relevant performance characteristics and an identification test (Test B).

This European Standard specifies a method for determining the water absorption of natural stone - see EN 12670 for terminology and EN 12440 for denomination - by immersion in water at atmospheric pressure.

This European Standard specifies a method to determine the flexural strength of natural stones under constant moment. The standard contains provision for both an identification test and for a technological test.

This European standard specifies methods for making technical petrographic descriptions of natural stone.

This European standard specifies a method for determining the compressive strength of natural stones.

This European standard specifies methods of determining the real density, the apparent density, and the open and total porosity of natural stone.

This European standard specifies a test method for determination of flexural strength under a concentrated load for natural stone. Both an identification and a technological product testing procedure are included.

This document specifies three test methods to determine the abrasion resistance of natural stones used for flooring in buildings. One of the methods - the 'wide wheel abrasion method' is defined as the reference method.