The term mortar is used in the building industry to denote a mixture of natural sand or other fine aggregate and some binding agent, used as a jointing or a surface plastering and rendering material.
BS EN 1015 is a European Standard on methods of test for mortar for masonry. The main aim of the BS EN 1015 series is to provide the best industry guidance to ensure construction materials contribute to the structural integrity of your civil engineering works.
BS EN 1015-18 is the 18th part of the BS EN 1015 series that specifies a method for determining the water absorption coefficient due to capillary action of hardened mortars containing mineral binders and normal as well as light weight aggregates.
BS EN 1015-18 on water absorption coefficient due to capillary action of hardened mortar is useful for:
The water absorption coefficient due to capillary action is measured using mortar prism specimens under prescribed conditions at atmospheric pressure. The absorption of water by aggregate from fresh concrete may enhance the adhesion of cement paste to the aggregate and thus the tightness of hardened mortar/concrete resulting in higher strength and better durability of concrete or mortar.
In this regard, BS EN 1015-18 provides the apparatus and materials requirements used for tests as well as sampling and preparation and storage of test specimens along with test procedure to evaluate water absorption coefficient due to capillary action of hardened mortar.
As a result, you can evaluate concrete performance and demonstrate the ability of materials to contribute to the stability and structural integrity of your construction works. Compliance with
BS EN 1015-18 can also play a positive role in the concrete design mix for your construction projects.
EN 1015-18:2002