BS EN 1015-11:2019

What is BS EN 1015‑11- Determination of flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar about? 

BS EN 1015‑11 is a part 11 of the multi-series standard that discusses the tests of mortar for masonry. BS EN 1015‑11 specifies a method for determining and compressive strength of moulded mortar specimens. 

BS EN 1015‑11 applies to cement/air-lime mortars, air-lime mortars, mortars with hydraulic binders and retarded mortars. 

Who is BS EN 1015‑11- Determination of flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar for? 

BS EN 1015‑11 on flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar is useful for: 

• Mortar manufacturing companies 
• Companies dealing with mortar for masonry 
• Companies testing of mortar 
• Retailers and suppliers of mortar 

Why should you use BS EN 1015‑11- Determination of flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar? 

Flexural strength is a measure of the tensile strength of concrete beams or slabs, where it identifies the amount of stress and forces an unreinforced concrete slab, beam or other structure can withstand such that it resists any bending failures. 

The flexural strength of mortar is determined by the three-point loading of hardened moulded mortar specimens to failure. The compressive strength of the mortar is determined on the two parts resulting from the flexural strength test. Where the flexural strength is not required, the parts for compressive strength testing can be produced from the specimens in any way which does not lead to these parts being damaged. 

BS EN 1015‑11 includes the air-lime which mainly consists of calcium oxide and hydroxide which slowly harden in the air by reacting with atmospheric carbon dioxide and generally do not harden underwater as they have no hydraulic properties. This provides you with determining the flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar. 

The terms and definitions provided in BS EN 1015‑11 have a change in the field for mortar, since the publication of the previous edition of BS EN 1015‑11. BS EN 1015‑11 also provides you with the procedure of loading the products in a standardized manner. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 1015‑11:2019 supersedes BS EN 1015‑11:1999, which is withdrawn. It includes: 

• Editorial revision (inversion Clauses 3 and 4, Clause 3, 5.1) 
• Clause 6 has changed; time of starting and ending is indicated 
• 7.2.3: An additional type of compaction has been added 
• 9.1.2: Tolerance for plate width added 
• The storage condition is different for air lime mortars and air lime-cement mortars with cement not exceeding 50 % of the total binder mass (Table 1 and Table 2).