EN 12372:2022
(Main)Natural stone test methods - Determination of flexural strength under concentrated load
Natural stone test methods - Determination of flexural strength under concentrated load
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.
Prüfverfahren für Naturstein - Bestimmung der Biegefestigkeit unter Mittellinienlast
Dieses Dokument legt ein Prüfverfahren für die Beurteilung von Naturstein durch die Bestimmung der Biegefestigkeit unter Mittellinienlast fest. Es sind sowohl eine Identitätsprüfung als auch eine Produktprüfung enthalten.
Méthodes d'essai pour pierres naturelles - Détermination de la résistance à la flexion sous charge centrée
Le présent document spécifie une méthode d'essai permettant de déterminer la résistance à la flexion sous charge centrée des pierres naturelles. Il comprend un mode opératoire d'essai d'identification ainsi qu'un mode opératoire d'essai technologique du produit.
Preskušanje naravnega kamna - Ugotavljanje upogibne trdnosti s koncentrirano obremenitvijo na sredini razpona
Ta dokument določa preskusno metodo za ugotavljanje upogibne trdnosti naravnega kamna s koncentrirano obremenitvijo na sredini razpona. Vključena sta postopek prepoznavanja in postopek tehnološkega preskušanja proizvoda.
General Information
Relations
Overview
EN 12372:2022 - published by CEN - defines a standardized test method for determination of flexural strength under a concentrated load for natural stone. The standard covers both an identification (reference) test and a technological (product) testing procedure for natural stone used in construction and decorative applications. It supersedes EN 12372:2006 and was approved in January 2022.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: three‑point bending with a centred (concentrated) load applied to a specimen supported on two rollers; breaking load is recorded and converted to flexural strength.
- Specimens: minimum of 10 specimens from a homogeneous batch; preferred size for fine‑grained stone is 50 × 50 × 300 mm (±3 mm). Thickness (h) must be 25–100 mm and greater than twice the largest grain; total length L = 6 × h; support span l = 5 × h.
- Surface finish: identification tests use sawn, honed or polished faces; technological tests may use finished products or sawn samples. Any applied texture (flamed, shot‑blasted, etc.) or reinforcement must be reported.
- Conditioning: dry to constant mass at (70 ± 5) °C (or 40 ± 5 °C for certain marbles), then equilibrate at ambient temperature before testing.
- Loading: increase load at (0.25 ± 0.05) MPa/s until failure; report breaking load (nearest 10 N), fracture location and dimensions adjacent to fracture (nearest 0.1 mm).
- Result calculation: flexural strength R is calculated from the breaking load, span and specimen cross‑section (standard three‑point bending formula: R = 3 F l / (2 b h^2)) and expressed in MPa to 0.1 MPa.
- Reporting & statistics: test report must include specimen orientation (planes of anisotropy), dimensions, loading rate, individual results, mean, standard deviation and lower expected value per Annex A. Annex B provides an alternative calculation for off‑centre fractures.
Applications
EN 12372:2022 is used for:
- Quality control of natural stone (slabs, tiles, cladding, paving).
- Product identification and material characterization for specification and procurement.
- Performance assessment for structural and architectural use where flexural strength under concentrated loads is critical (e.g., countertops, steps, façade panels).
- Acceptance testing by suppliers, fabricators and testing laboratories to ensure conformity with technical specifications.
Who should use this standard
- Materials and stone testing laboratories
- Quarry operators and stone processors
- Architects, structural engineers and specifiers
- Manufacturers of natural stone products and façade installers
- Certification bodies and product compliance teams
Related standards
- EN 12390‑4 (testing machines - reference for force calibration)
- EN 12670 (drying conditions for certain marbles)
- CEN/TC 246 publications on natural stone testing
Keywords: EN 12372:2022, natural stone test methods, flexural strength under concentrated load, three‑point bending, stone quality control, CEN standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12372:2022 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Natural stone test methods - Determination of flexural strength under concentrated load". This standard covers: 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 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.
EN 12372:2022 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12372:2022 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12372:2006. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
You can purchase EN 12372:2022 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2022
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 12372:2007
Preskušanje naravnega kamna - Ugotavljanje upogibne trdnosti s koncentrirano
obremenitvijo na sredini razpona
Natural stone test methods - Determination of flexural strength under concentrated load
Prüfverfahren für Naturstein - Bestimmung der Biegefestigkeit unter Mittellinienlast
Méthodes d'essai pour pierres naturelles - Détermination de la résistance à la flexion
sous charge centrée
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 12372:2022
ICS:
73.020 Rudarstvo in kamnolomsko Mining and quarrying
izkopavanje
91.100.15 Mineralni materiali in izdelki Mineral materials and
products
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 12372
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2022
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 91.100.15 Supersedes EN 12372:2006
English Version
Natural stone test methods - Determination of flexural
strength under concentrated load
Méthodes d'essai pour pierres naturelles - Prüfverfahren für Naturstein - Bestimmung der
Détermination de la résistance à la flexion sous charge Biegefestigkeit unter Mittellinienlast
centrée
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 10 January 2022.
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. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC 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
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, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2022 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12372:2022 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms, definitions and symbols . 4
3.1 Terms and definitions . 4
3.2 Symbols . 4
4 Principle . 4
5 Apparatus . 4
5.1 Balance . 4
5.2 Ventilated oven . 5
5.3 Linear measuring device . 5
5.4 Testing machine . 5
5.5 Device for applying loads on the specimen by a three-point load . 5
5.6 Room . 5
6 Preparation of the specimens . 5
6.1 Sampling . 5
6.2 Test specimens . 5
6.2.1 Surface finish . 5
6.2.2 Technological test . 5
6.2.3 Dimensions. 5
6.2.4 Tolerance . 6
6.2.5 Planes of anisotropy . 6
6.2.6 Conditioning before testing. 6
7 Test procedure . 6
8 Expression of the results . 7
9 Test report . 7
Annex A (normative) Statistical evaluation of the test results . 13
A.1 General. 13
A.2 Symbols . 13
A.3 Statistical evaluation of test results . 13
Annex B (informative) Calculation of flexural strength for off-centre specimen fracture . 16
Bibliography . 18
European foreword
This document (EN 12372:2022) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 246 “Natural
stones”, the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2022, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by September 2022.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 12372:2006.
In comparison with the previous edition, the following technical modifications have been made:
— inclusion of an informative annex (Annex B) presenting an alternative method for calculation of
flexural strength for off-centre specimen fracture.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: 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, Turkey and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
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.
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 amendments) applies.
EN 12390-4, Testing hardened concrete - Part 4: Compressive strength - Specification for testing machines
3 Terms, definitions and symbols
3.1 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.2 Symbols
For the purposes of this document, the following symbols apply.
Symbol Quantity Unit
F breaking load N
L total length of the specimen mm
R flexural strength MPa
tf
V loading rate N/s
a load rate MPa/s
b width of the specimen adjacent to the plane of fracture mm
h thickness of the specimen adjacent to the plane of fracture mm
l distance between the supporting rollers mm
4 Principle
The principle of this method is to place a specimen on two rollers and to progressively load the specimen
in the middle. The breaking load is measured and the flexural strength calculated.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Balance
A balance capable of weighing the specimen with an accuracy of 0,01 % of the mass of the specimen.
5.2 Ventilated oven
A ventilated oven capable of maintaining a temperature of (70 ± 5) °C.
5.3 Linear measuring device
A linear measuring device with an accuracy of 0,05 mm.
5.4 Testing machine
A testing machine of appropriate force, in accordance with EN 12390-4 and calibrated according to this
document.
5.5 Device for applying loads on the specimen by a three-point load
A device for applying loads on the specimen by a three-point load. It consists of two lower rollers
(supporting rollers) and one upper roller (load-applying roller) which shall be centred exactly in the
middle between the two supporting rollers (see Figure 1). The distance between the two supporting
rollers shall be reported as requested in 6.2.3 and 6.2.4.
5.6 Room
A room which can be maintained at a temperature of (20 ± 10) °C.
6 Preparation of the specimens
6.1 Sampling
The sampling is not the responsibility of the test laboratory except where specially requested. At least 10
specimens shall be selected from a homogeneous batch (see also 6.2.5).
6.2 Test specimens
6.2.1 Surface finish
The surface finish of the faces of specimens used as a standard reference shall be sawn, honed or polished
(identification test).
6.2.2 Technological test
For the technological test, specimens may be finished products or specimens sawn from slabs or other
semi-finished or finished products.
If the surface of a specimen has an applied texture (e.g., flamed, bush hammered, shot blasted), the nature
of the applied texture shall be stated in the report.
If a mesh or similar reinforcement has been attached to a specimen, this shall be removed prior to testing
or its presence shall be stated in the test report.
The dimensions of the specimens shall be reported.
6.2.3 Dimensions
For stones with a size of the largest grain lower than 25 mm, preferred dimensions are
50 mm × 50 mm × 300 mm with a tolerance of ± 3 mm for each dimension.
...
SIST EN 12372:2022 표준은 자연석의 집중 하중 하에서의 휨 강도를 측정하기 위한 시험 방법을 규정하고 있습니다. 이 문서는 두 가지 주요 측면인 식별 절차와 기술적 제품 시험 절차를 포함하고 있어, 자연석의 물리적 특성을 평가하는 데 있어 매우 중요한 역할을 합니다. 이 표준의 강점 중 하나는 정밀한 시험 절차를 통해 다양한 유형의 자연석에 대한 휨 강도를 신뢰성 있게 측정할 수 있다는 것입니다. 이를 통해 건축 및 조경 산업에서 자연석을 사용하는 데 필요한 품질 보증을 제공하며, 재료 선택과 설계 결정 시 중요한 참고자료가 됩니다. 또한, SIST EN 12372:2022 표준은 다른 국가 및 국제적인 시험 방법과의 일관성을 유지하고 있어, 글로벌 시장에서의 경쟁력 있는 제품 개발을 지원합니다. 이러한 점에서 이 표준은 자연석을 활용하는 업계 종사자들에게 필수적인 도구로 자리 잡고 있으며, 품질 관리 및 기술 혁신에 중요한 기여를 하고 있습니다. 결론적으로, SIST EN 12372:2022 표준은 자연석의 휨 강도 시험을 위한 포괄적이고 실용적인 지침을 제공하며, 이로써 업계 전반의 효율성을 높이고 기준을 강화하는 데 중요한 역할을 하고 있습니다.
標準化文書SIST EN 12372:2022は、天然石の集中荷重下における曲げ強度の測定方法を定義しており、非常に重要な役割を果たしています。この標準には、識別のための手順と技術的な製品試験の両方が含まれており、天然石の特性評価における重要な指針を提供します。 この文書の強みは、その包括的なテスト方法にあります。曲げ強度の評価は、天然石の使用方針や適切な用途を評価する上で不可欠です。また、実際の使用条件に近い状況を模倣することで、より現実的なデータを取得することができます。このような標準化された試験手順は、製造業者や設計者にとって、材料選定や品質管理の際に有用です。 さらに、SIST EN 12372:2022は、天然石の市場における国際的な競争力を高める要因とも言えます。標準化された評価方法は、製品の信頼性を向上させ、顧客からの信頼を獲得することに繋がります。このため、業界全体での適用が進むことで、品質の均一化や不良品の削減に寄与します。 総じて、SIST EN 12372:2022は、天然石に関する曲げ強度試験の標準化文書として、高い意義と実用性を持ったものです。この標準に従い、データの信頼性を確保し、製品の性能を科学的に裏付けることが可能となります。エネルギー効率や持続可能性が求められる現代において、この標準化文書は特に重要です。
The EN 12372:2022 standard provides a comprehensive and systematic approach for assessing the flexural strength of natural stone when subjected to a concentrated load. Its scope signifies a critical advancement in the testing methodologies for natural stones, ensuring that both identification and technological product testing procedures are meticulously outlined. One of the key strengths of this standard is its rigorous testing method, which allows for precise determination of flexural strength, an essential property that influences the performance and durability of natural stone in various applications, from construction to decorative uses. The inclusion of both identification and technological testing facilitates a dual-purpose approach that streamlines the assessment process, thereby optimizing both quality control and regulatory compliance for manufacturers and suppliers. Moreover, the EN 12372:2022 standard is particularly relevant in today’s market, as it aligns with the increasing demand for high-quality natural stone products. By providing standardized testing procedures, it supports the industry’s movement towards quality assurance and enhances consumer confidence in the structural integrity and aesthetic value of natural stone materials. Additionally, the document encompasses a rigorous framework that ensures consistency across the industry, which is crucial for stakeholders involved in the sourcing, testing, and application of natural stone. Overall, EN 12372:2022 stands out not only for its technical specificity but also for its broader implications in promoting uniform standards in the natural stone sector, making it an essential reference for industry professionals aiming to uphold quality and performance in their products.
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