EN 1015-18:2002

Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 18: Determination of water absorption coefficient due to capillary action of hardened mortar

This European Standard specifies a method for determining the water absorption coefficient due to capillary action of rendering mortars containing mineral binders and normal as well as light weigth aggregates.

Prüfverfahren für Mörtel für Mauerwerk - Teil 18: Bestimmung der kapillaren Wasseraufnahme von erhärtetem Mörtel (Festmörtel)

Diese Europäische Norm legt ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung der kapillaren Wasseraufnahme von Putzmörteln mit mineralischen Bindemitteln und Normal- sowie Leichtzuschlägen fest.

Méthodes d'essai des mortiers pour maçonnerie - Partie 18: Détermination du coefficient d'absorption d'eau par capillarité du mortier durci

La présente Norme européenne décrit une méthode de détermination du coefficient d'absorption d'eau par capillarité des mortiers durcis à base de liants minéraux et de granulats courants et légers.

Metode preskušanja zidarske malte – 18. del: Določevanje koeficienta kapilarnega vpijanja vode strjene malte

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 03-Dec-2002
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 125 - Masonry
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 125/WG 4 - Test methods
• Current Stage: 9092 - Decision on results of review/2YR ENQ - revise - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 05-Nov-2025
• Completion Date: 26-Nov-2025
• Directive: 305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Directive: 89/106/EEC - Construction products
• Mandate: M/116 - Mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardization work for harmonized standards on masonry and related products
• Ref Project: SIST EN 1015-18:2004 - Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 18: Determination of water absorption coefficient due to capillary action of hardened mortar

Overview

EN 1015-18:2002 is a European Standard published by CEN that specifies a reliable method to determine the water absorption coefficient due to capillary action in hardened masonry mortars. This standard focuses on rendering mortars containing mineral binders with both normal and lightweight aggregates. Understanding and measuring this property is critical for evaluating the moisture behavior and durability of masonry mortars, especially in building envelopes exposed to environmental moisture.

The method uses prism specimens of mortar that are dried, partially immersed in water, and weighed at specific intervals to quantify water absorption by capillarity. This standard is essential for manufacturers, testing laboratories, and construction professionals seeking consistent and comparable test results for mortar water absorption characteristics.

Key Topics

• Scope and Relevance
  Applicable to hardened rendering mortars with mineral binders, including lime, cement, gypsum, and others with normal or lightweight aggregates. Primarily used to evaluate moisture transport properties critical for durability and performance.

• Test Specimen Preparation
  Mortar prisms (160 mm × 40 mm × 40 mm) are prepared according to EN 1015-11, cured under controlled temperature and humidity conditions depending on the mortar type, then dried to constant mass prior to testing.

• Test Procedure
  One face of the hardened mortar prism is immersed 5 to 10 mm in water. The increase in specimen mass is recorded at intervals (10 and 90 minutes for general mortars, and after 24 hours for renovation mortars). The test setup includes a water tray with controlled water level and minimal evaporation conditions to ensure accuracy.

• Calculation of Water Absorption Coefficient
  The coefficient (C) is determined from the mass increase relative to specimen surface area and the square root of immersion time. Different calculation formulas are applied for renovation mortars versus other mortar types to reflect their differing moisture absorption behaviors.

• Curing Conditions and Sampling
  Detailed curing regimes are specified for different mortar compositions, ensuring consistency and reproducibility in test results. Sampling follows rigorous guidelines from EN 1015-2 for bulk sampling and specimen preparation.

• Test Reporting Requirements
  The test report must contain detailed information including the standard reference, sampling details, mortar type, preparation and curing conditions, flow value as per EN 1015-3, individual and mean water absorption coefficients, and any relevant remarks.

Applications

• Quality Control in Mortar Production
  Using EN 1015-18:2002 allows manufacturers to reliably assess and verify the capillary water absorption properties of their mortar products, minimizing risk of moisture-related failures in masonry.

• Durability Assessment of Renderings and Plasters
  Understanding water uptake via capillarity helps evaluate mortar suitability for different exposure conditions, contributing to the longevity of facades and masonry structures.

• Renovation Mortar Testing
  Specialized procedures for renovation mortars enable heritage conservation professionals to select mortars compatible with historic masonry, ensuring appropriate moisture transfer without damage.

• Research and Development
  Laboratories and product developers utilize the standard for testing innovative mortar formulations, optimizing composition for balanced water absorption and mechanical performance.

Related Standards

• EN 1015-11: Methods for Determining Flexural and Compressive Strength of Hardened Mortar
  Provides complementary mechanical property tests essential alongside water absorption data.

• EN 1015-2: Sampling and Preparation of Test Mortars
  Describes standardized methods for sampling bulk mortar and preparing test specimens used in EN 1015-18.

• EN 1015-3: Determination of Consistence of Fresh Mortar (Flow Table Method)
  Specifies flow testing which is reported as part of mortar preparation for the absorption test.

• prEN 998-1 and prEN 998-2: Specifications for Rendering, Plastering, and Masonry Mortars
  Define mortar product categories relevant to testing under EN 1015-18 for capillary water absorption.

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By adhering to the EN 1015-18:2002 standard, professionals ensure precise evaluation of mortar water absorption by capillarity, critical for predicting moisture behavior, enhancing mortar durability, and maintaining masonry health in building construction and restoration projects.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Prüfverfahren für Mörtel für Mauerwerk - Teil 18: Bestimmung der kapillaren Wasseraufnahme von erhärtetem Mörtel (Festmörtel)Méthodes d'essai des mortiers pour maçonnerie - Partie 18: Détermination du coefficient d'absorption d'eau par capillarité du mortier durciMethods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 18: Determination of water absorption coefficient due to capillary action of hardened mortar91.100.10Cement. Mavec. Apno. MaltaCement. Gypsum. Lime. MortarICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 1015-18:2002SIST EN 1015-18:2004en01-januar-2004SIST EN 1015-18:2004SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 1015-18December 2002ICS 91.100.10English versionMethods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 18: Determinationof water absorption coefficient due to capillary action ofhardened mortarMéthodes d'essai des mortiers pour maçonneries - Partie18: Détermination du coefficient d'absorption d'eau parcapillarité des mortiersPrüfverfahren für Mörtel für Mauerwerk - Teil 18:Bestimmung der kapillaren Wasseraufnahme vonerhärtetem Mörtel (Festmörtel)This European Standard was approved by CEN on 6 July 2002.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2002 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 1015-18:2002 ESIST EN 1015-18:2004
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