ISO 8336:2017

Fibre-cement flat sheets - Product specification and test methods

ISO 8336:2017 specifies methods for the inspection and testing of fibre-cement flat sheets and provides the acceptance conditions for their use in one or more of the following applications: - external wall and ceiling finishes; - internal wall and ceiling finishes; - internal and external backing sheets. Products covered by this document can be used for other purposes, provided they comply with the appropriate national or international application code or standard. NOTE 1 ISO 8336:2017 does not apply to sheets for fire protection purposes. NOTE 2 ISO 8336:2017 does not include calculations for installation design requirements, wind uplift or water proofing of the installed sheets. NOTE 3 ISO 8336:2017 does not apply to the following products: - boards of Portland or equivalent cement reinforced with fibrous wood particles; - fibre-reinforced boards of calcium silicate or cement for thermal insulation or fire protection; - sheets containing asbestos fibre reinforcement; - sheets containing steel fibre reinforcement; - fibre-cement roofing slates.

Plaques planes en fibres-ciment — Spécification des produits et méthodes d'essai

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 13-Jun-2017
• ICS: 91.100.40 - Products in fibre-reinforced cement
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 77 - Products in fibre reinforced cement
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 77 - Products in fibre reinforced cement
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 13-Sep-2022
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Relations

• Consolidated By: ISO 19014-2:2022 - Earth-moving machinery - Functional safety - Part 2: Design and evaluation of hardware and architecture requirements for safety-related parts of the control system
• Effective Date: 06-Jun-2022
• Revises: ISO 8336:2009 - Fibre-cement flat sheets - Product specification and test methods
• Effective Date: 20-Oct-2012

Overview - ISO 8336:2017 (Fibre‑cement flat sheets)

ISO 8336:2017 specifies product requirements and standardized test methods for fibre‑cement flat sheets used as finishes or backing in building construction. The standard sets inspection, dimensional and performance criteria to ensure consistent quality for fibre‑cement sheets used as external and internal wall and ceiling finishes and as internal/external backing sheets. It updates and replaces ISO 8336:2009 and was prepared by ISO/TC 77 (Products in fibre reinforced cement).

Scope limits

• Not applicable to sheets for fire protection purposes.
• Does not include design calculations for installation (wind uplift, waterproofing).
• Excludes certain products (e.g., Portland cement boards with fibrous wood particles; calcium silicate boards for thermal/fire protection; sheets reinforced with asbestos or steel fibres; fibre‑cement roofing slates).

Key technical topics and requirements

ISO 8336:2017 combines product specification with reproducible test methods. Key technical topics include:

• Sheet classifications and categories (A, B, C) and associated use cases.
• Composition and manufacture requirements (cement, reinforcement fibres, production methods).
• Dimensions and tolerances (nominal length, width, thickness, flatness).
• Physical performance criteria, including:
  • Modulus of rupture (MOR) - bending strength
  • Apparent density
  • Moisture movement and dimensional stability
  • Water permeability and water vapour transmission
  • Freeze–thaw, heat‑rain, warm water, and soak‑dry durability tests
  • Resistance to mould growth, nail head pull‑through, and saturated shear bond
  • Surface burning characteristics (fire properties section)
• Evaluation of conformity: type testing, initial/further testing, quality control system, consignment inspection and marking.
• Normative annexes (Annexes D–K) define the specific test procedures for MOR, density, moisture movement, permeability, freeze‑thaw, heat‑rain, warm water and soak‑dry tests.

Practical applications and users

ISO 8336:2017 is intended for:

• Manufacturers of fibre‑cement flat sheets (product specification and QC)
• Testing laboratories performing standardized tests and conformity assessment
• Architects, specifiers and builders selecting sheet materials for façades, interior walls and backing applications
• Procurement and quality assurance teams ensuring supplied sheets meet performance criteria
• Regulatory bodies and certification schemes that reference standardized test methods

Although optimized for the specified uses, products conforming to ISO 8336:2017 can be used for other purposes if they comply with relevant national or international application codes.

Related standards and notes

• Prepared by ISO/TC 77; replaces ISO 8336:2009.
• For installation design, wind uplift, waterproofing or fire‑specific performance, consult applicable national building codes and specialized standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 8336
Third edition
2017-06
Fibre-cement flat sheets — Product
specification and test methods
Plaques planes en fibres-ciment — Spécification des produits et
méthodes d’essai
Reference number
©
ISO 2017
© ISO 2017, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 4
5 Requirements . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Sheet classifications . 5
5.2.1 Category A . 5
5.2.2 Category B. 6
5.2.3 Category C . 6
5.3 Composition and manufacture . 6
5.3.1 General. 6
5.3.2 Reinforcement fibre . 6
5.3.3 Cement . 6
5.3.4 Manufacture . 6
5.4 Appearance and finish . 6
5.5 Dimensions and tolerances . 6
5.5.1 Nominal length and width . 6
5.5.2 Thickness . 7
5.5.3 Tolerances on nominal dimensions and shape . 7
5.6 Physical requirements and characteristics . 8
5.6.1 General. 8
5.6.2 Modulus of rupture . 9
5.6.3 Apparent density . 9
5.6.4 Moisture movement . 9
5.6.5 Water permeability . 9
5.6.6 Water vapour transmission .10
5.6.7 Thermal conductivity . .10
5.6.8 Freeze-thaw performance .10
5.6.9 Heat-rain performance .10
5.6.10 Warm water performance .10
5.6.11 Soak-dry performance .10
5.6.12 Resistance to mould growth .10
5.6.13 Resistance to nail head pull-through .11
5.6.14 Saturated shear bond performance .11
5.6.15 Surface burning characteristics .11
5.7 Fire properties . .11
5.8 Product performance .11
6 Evaluation of conformity .12
6.1 General .12
6.2 Type testing .12
6.2.1 General.12
6.2.2 Initial type testing .13
6.2.3 Further type testing .13
6.3 Quality control system.14
6.3.1 General.14
6.3.2 Acceptance tests .14
6.3.3 Equipment .15
6.3.4 Raw materials and components .15
6.3.5 Product testing and evaluation . .15
6.3.6 Non-conforming products .15
6.4 Inspection of a consignment of finished products .15
7 Test requirements .15
7.1 General .15
7.2 Dimensional and geometrical tests .15
7.2.1 General.15
7.2.2 Number of measurements .16
7.3 Physical performance tests .16
7.3.1 Modulus of rupture .16
7.3.2 Apparent density .17
7.3.3 Moisture movement test .17
7.3.4 Water permeability .18
7.3.5 Freeze-thaw test .18
7.3.6 Heat-rain test .18
7.3.7 Warm water test .19
7.3.8 Soak-dry test .19
7.3.9 Mould testing .19
7.3.10 Nail head pull-through .20
7.3.11 Saturated shear bond test .20
8 Marking .20
Annex A (normative) Consignment and inspection sampling .21
Annex B (normative) Statistical method for determining the corresponding wet values
or revised dry specifications for the MOR when making the dry method of test or
when tested prior to coating for quality control purposes .22
Annex C (normative) Dimensional measurement and geometrical testing procedure .26
Annex D (normative) Test method for the determination of fibre-cement sheet modulus of
rupture (bending strength) .30
Annex E (normative) Test method for the determination of the apparent density of fibre-
cement sheets .34
Annex F (normative) Test method for the determination of moisture movement
characteristic of fibre-cement sheets .36
Annex G (normative) Test method for the determination of water permeability of fibre-
cement sheets .38
Annex H (normative) Test method for the evaluation of freeze-thaw performance of fibre-
cement sheets .39
Annex I (normative) Test method for the evaluation of heat-rain performance of fibre-
cement sheets .41
Annex J (normative) Test method for warm water evaluation of fibre-cement sheets .43
Annex K (normative) Test method for soak-dry evaluation test of fibre-cement sheets .45
Bibliography .47
iv © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see the following
URL: w w w . i s o .org/ iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 77, Products in fibre reinforced cement.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 8336:2009), which has been technically
revised.
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to provide manufacturers and purchasers with uniform requirements
for fibre-cement flat sheet products. These requirements are performance-based and have been
specified with the objective of ensuring product quality, industry efficiency and the performance of the
product in service.
ISO/TC 77 aims to harmonize this document, where possible, with other national fibre-cement
standards (CEN, ASTM and JIS) to facilitate and promote uniform performance benchmarks for the
global use of fibre-cement products.
vi © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 8336:2017(E)
Fibre-cement flat sheets — Product specification and
test methods
1 Scope
This document specifies methods for the inspection and testing of fibre-cement flat sheets and provides
the acceptance conditions for their use in one or more of the following applications:
— external wall and ceiling finishes;
— internal wall and ceiling finishes;
— internal and external backing sheets.
Products covered by this document can be used for other purposes, provided they comply with the
appropriate national or international application code or standard.
NOTE 1 This document does not apply to sheets for fire protection purposes.
NOTE 2 This document does not include calculations for installation design requirements, wind uplift or
water proofing of the installed sheets.
NOTE 3 This document does not apply to the following products:
— boards of Portland or equivalent cement reinforced with fibrous wood particles;
— fibre-reinforced boards of calcium silicate or cement for thermal insulation or fire protection;
— sheets containing asbestos fibre reinforcement;
— sheets containing steel fibre reinforcement;
— fibre-cement roofing slates.
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.
ISO 390, Products in fibre-reinforced cement — Sampling and inspection
ISO 12572, Hygrothermal performance of building materials and products — Determination of water
vapour transmission properties — Cup method
ISO 13787, Thermal insulation products for building equipment and industrial installations —
Determination of declared thermal conductivity
ANSI A118.1, Specification for Dry-Set Portland Cement Mortar
ANSI A118.4, Specification for Latex-Portland Cement Mortar
ANSI A136.1, Organic Adhesives for Installation of Ceramic Tile
A S T M G21: 2015, Standard Practice for determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi
ASTM D1037, Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel
Materials
ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http:// www .iso .org/ obp
3.1
acceptance test
test to establish whether a batch of sheets conforms to a specification
Note 1 to entry: The test is performed on samples drawn from continuous production or from a consignment
(see ISO 390).
Note 2 to entry: Test methods, specifications and limit values are specified in this document. Sampling levels and
acceptance criteria are specified in Clause 6.
3.2
type test
test carried out to demonstrate conformity with the requirements of this document or for the approval
of a new product and/or when a fundamental change is made in formulation and/or method of
manufacture, the effects of which cannot be predicted on the basis of previous experience
Note 1 to entry: The test is performed on the as-delivered product, but is not required for each production batch.
3.3
acceptable quality level
AQL
maximum percent defective (or maximum number of defects per 100 units) which can be considered
satisfactory as a long-term average quality level in a sampling plan
Note 1 to entry: When a manufacturer’s process satisfies a sampling scheme with an AQL of 4 %, this indicates
that 96 % of the inspected product exceeds the specification. This type of specification provides the consumer
with a clearly defined lower quality boundary; this does not occur if acceptance is based solely on the average
value of the measured property. Examples of sampling schemes can be found in ISO 390, ISO 2859-1, or
ISO 3951 (all parts).
3.4
apparent density
dry weight/unit volume based upon the volume of the sample determined by water displacement or
equivalent
Note 1 to entry: This is an average density of the material as-delivered coated or uncoated.
3.5
as delivered
same condition as the producer intends to supply the product after completing all aspects of the process
including maturing and, when appropriate, painting
3.6
upper face
face normally exposed
3.7
under face
reverse of the upper face (3.6)
2 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

3.8
textured sheet
sheet that has a relief pattern which is either embossed on or applied to the upper face (3.6) as a coating
3.9
reinforcement fibre
discrete randomly dispersed elements or continuous strands of cellulose fibre, synthetic organic,
inorganic fibre or glass fibre, used in the manufacture of fibre-cement sheets
3.10
small-sized sheet
sheet for which the method of installation includes horizontal overlap
Note 1 to entry: Their dimensions are generally such that they have an area of <0,4 m and a length/width
ratio of ≤3.
3.11
large-sized sheet
sheet that do not correspond to indicators for small-sized sheets (3.10)
Note 1 to entry: Large sheets can be declared as “small-sized sheets”, provided tolerances for small-sized sheets
apply and are specified in the manufacturer’s literature.
3.12
planks
category A sheet having an aspect ratio (3.13) of >7 normally used as horizontal overlapping wall
covering
3.13
aspect ratio
ratio of the sheet length to the sheet width
3.14
modulus of rupture
MOR
maximum load/unit area of cross section at breaking, under flexural loading conditions
Note 1 to entry: The modulus of rupture is referred to as the bending strength or flexural strength in some
countries.
3.15
quality control
part of quality management to ensure the product being manufactured meets stated
requirements
Note 1 to entry: This is referred to as factory production control (FPC) in some countries.
3.16
ambient laboratory condition
laboratory condition where the temperature is at (23 ± 10) °C and (50 ± 20) % relative humidity
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
a nominal length or width of sheet, in mm
b a)  dimension of the specimen (length or width) measured parallel to the test machine
supports, in mm
b)  one of the coefficients of the regression line (see Annex B)
d apparent density of the sheet, in g/cm
e thickness of sheet, in mm
F breaking load, modulus of rupture test, in N
l length, in mm
L length of moisture movement specimen, in mm
m
l span between support centres in modulus of rupture test, in mm
s
m mass of the specimen after drying, in g
MOR modulus of rupture, in MPa
th
MOR modulus of rupture of i exposed specimen after the type test
fi
th
MOR modulus of rupture of i unexposed reference specimen
fci
th
MOR individual ratio of the modulus of rupture of the i pair of exposed and unexposed
i
specimens
n number of paired specimens
R average ratio of the modulus of rupture of exposed and unexposed specimens
R lower estimate of the mean of the ratios at 95 % confidence level of the modulus of rupture
L
of exposed and unexposed specimens
s standard deviation of the values in the appropriate calculation
μ water vapour transmission value
λ thermal conductivity
V volume of specimen, in cm
w width, in mm
th
x individual value of the i specimen tested dry
i
x minimum value to be used as the specification for the dry test method of test. This value is
std
calculated at the 97,5 % lower confidence level from the value specified for the wet method
of test (see Annex B)
x actual result obtained when dry testing (see Annex B)
mean value of x for i = 1 to n
x i
th
y individual value of the i specimen tested wet
i
4 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

y minimum value specified in the standard for wet testing (see Annex B)
std
y value calculated from the value obtained from a specimen tested dry, which is the estimate
at the 97,5 % lower confidence level of the value expected from a specimen tested wet
(see Annex B)
mean value of y for i = 1 to n
y i
NT new technology (European term for asbestos-free fibre-cement products)
5 Requirements
5.1 General
Sheets covered by this document are divided into three categories: A, B and C, according to their
application. Within these categories, there are five classes based upon the minimum modulus of rupture
performance (see 5.6.1). The dimensional sizes are based upon the installation requirements (see 5.5.1
and 5.5.2). They may be supplied coated or uncoated.
Dimensional tolerances are specified for two levels of product quality: Level I and Level II, which are
selected according to the installation requirements of the product.
NOTE When selecting a sheet product for a particular building application, consideration is given to the
sheet category.
Table 1 provides information concerning the sheet category which should be selected for various typical
building applications.
Table 1 — Sheet applications and categories
Application Category
Façades A
Lap siding (planks) or cladding A
Backing for tile façade A
Sub-flooring (external) A
Soffits (eaves lining) B
External backing for render or cladding B
Rigid underlay for roofs or walls B
Formwork or shuttering B
Backing for internal wall or floor tiles C
Ceiling linings C
Interior substrate for walls for paint or wallpaper finish C
Sub-flooring (internal) C
NOTE Table 1 provides examples of common building applications. Other applications can be agreed upon by
the manufacturer and the purchaser.
5.2 Sheet classifications
5.2.1 Category A
Sheets are intended for exterior applications where they may be subjected to the direct action of sun,
rain, frost or snow. They may be supplied coated or uncoated.
5.2.2 Category B
Sheets are intended for applications where they may be subjected to heat, moisture and occasional
frost, e.g. where they are either protected from or not subjected to severe weathering conditions.
5.2.3 Category C
Sheets are intended for internal applications, such as interior walls, floors, tile underlayment and
backer board, where they may be subjected to heat and moisture, but not to frost.
5.3 Composition and manufacture
5.3.1 General
Fibre cement flat sheets shall consist essentially of cement or a calcium silicate formed by the chemical
reaction of a siliceous and a calcareous material and shall contain reinforcement fibres (see 3.9). Process
aids, fillers, aggregates and pigments which are compatible with fibre-reinforced cement may be added.
5.3.2 Reinforcement fibre
Reinforcement fibre shall be one or a combination of the following materials:
a) cellulose fibre;
b) synthetic organic or inorganic fibre;
c) glass fibre.
These materials may have one or more of the following forms:
— discrete elements randomly dispersed;
— continuous strands.
5.3.3 Cement
The cement shall comply with the relevant national standards in the country of manufacture.
5.3.4 Manufacture
These products may be formed either with or without pressure and cured, under either natural or
accelerated conditions, to meet the physical requirements specified in this document.
5.4 Appearance and finish
The upper face (3.6) of the sheet can be with or without texture. The sheets can be coloured or left in
their natural colour. The sheets can also receive coatings such as sealers, primers, and/or finished top
coats. Variations of the surface appearance which do not impair the fitness for purpose of the sheets are
permitted.
5.5 Dimensions and tolerances
5.5.1 Nominal length and width
The manufacturer shall specify the nominal lengths and widths of the fibre-cement sheets.
6 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

5.5.2 Thickness
The manufacturer shall specify the nominal thicknesses of the sheets. For non-textured sheets, the
nominal thickness refers to the average thickness. For textured sheets, the nominal thickness refers to
the maximum thickness.
NOTE The nominal thickness of textured sheets cannot be used for the calculation of mechanical
performance.
5.5.3 Tolerances on nominal dimensions and shape
5.5.3.1 General
When measured, sheet dimensions and shapes shall be within the tolerance ranges specified in this
clause, except where alternative values have been agreed between the purchaser and manufacturer, or
where national standards specify alternative values.
5.5.3.2 Tolerances on length and width
Tolerances on nominal length and width dimensions, a, when measured in accordance with the
procedure in 7.2, shall be in accordance with the values given in Table 2, for the appropriate level
nominated for the product.
Table 2 — Tolerances on nominal length and width dimensions
for levels I and II
a Tolerance
Nominal dimension (a)
mm
Level I Level II
a ≤ 600 ±3 mm ±4 mm
600 < a ≤ 1 000 ±3 mm ±5 mm
1 000 < a ≤ 1 600 ±0,3 % a ±0,5 % a
1 600 < a ±5 mm ±8 mm
a
Nominal length or width.
5.5.3.3 Tolerances on thickness
5.5.3.3.1 Non-textured sheets
For sheets without a textured surface, the tolerances on the nominal thickness, e, when measured in
accordance with 7.2, shall comply with Table 3. The maximum difference between extreme values of
the thickness measurements within one sheet shall not exceed 10 % of the maximum measured value.
Table 3 — Tolerances on nominal thickness for non-textured sheets
Thickness
Tolerance
mm
e ≤ 6 ±0,6 mm
6 < e ≤ 20 ±10 % e
e > 20 ±2 mm
5.5.3.3.2 Textured sheets
For sheets with a textured surface, the tolerances on the nominal thickness, e, when measured in
accordance with 7.2, shall comply with Table 4. The maximum difference between extreme values of the
eight thickness measurements within one sheet shall not exceed 15 % of the maximum measured value.
Table 4 — Tolerances on nominal thickness for textured sheets
Thickness
Tolerance
mm
e ≤ 6 −0,6 mm + 0,9 mm
6 < e ≤ 20 −10 % e + 15 % e
e > 20 −2 mm + 3 mm
5.5.3.4 Tolerances on shape
5.5.3.4.1 General
When measured for straightness and squareness of edges, sheets shall comply with the requirements
given in 5.5.3.4.2 and 5.5.3.4.3, respectively. Edge straightness tolerances are only applicable to large-
sized sheets.
5.5.3.4.2 Straightness of edges
When measured in accordance with 7.2, the tolerances on the straightness of edges, defined as a
percentage of the length of the edge of the relevant dimension (length or width), shall be in accordance
with Table 5 for the appropriate level, I or II.
Table 5 — Tolerances on straightness of edges
Level I Level II
≤0,1 % ≤0,3 %
5.5.3.4.3 Squareness of edges
The tolerances on the squareness of edges of sheets measured in accordance with 7.2 shall be in
accordance with Table 6 for the appropriate level, I or II.
Table 6 — Tolerances on squareness of edges
Level I Level II
≤0,2 % ≤0,4 %
5.6 Physical requirements and characteristics
5.6.1 General
Compliance with this document requires that the sheets satisfy the prescribed minimum physical or
mechanical performance requirements, according to their category and class, as listed in Table 7. These
properties are determined on as-delivered sheets. Test results shall identify whether they apply to
coated or uncoated sheets.
8 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

Table 7 — Minimum physical test requirements
Minimum test performance requirement
Category A Category B Category C
Test Test
Physical property
requirements method
(Saturated (Saturated (Ambient
condition) condition) condition)
Density See 5.6.3 See 5.6.3 See 5.6.3 See 7.3.2 Annex E
Modulus of rupture
Class 1 4 MPa 4 MPa 4 MPa
Class 2 7 MPa 7 MPa 7 MPa
See 7.3.1 Annex C
Class 3 13 MPa 13 MPa 10 MPa
Class 4 18 MPa 18 MPa 16 MPa
Class 5 24 MPa 24 MPa 22 MPa
NOTE 1  Values stated in this table are the minimum values at 4 % AQL. Minimum value (4 % AQL) for this property is to be
declared by the manufacturer.
NOTE 2  For acceptance testing, use 4 % AQL values.
NOTE 3  For initial type testing, where production variance is not yet known, an estimate of the mean MOR at the 95 %
confidence level is calculated to determine the class. See D.6.
5.6.2 Modulus of rupture
When tested as specified in 7.3.1 using the test method given in Annex D, the minimum modulus of
rupture (MOR) of the sheets expressed in MPa shall be as specified in Table 7. The MOR shall be the
average of the values obtained from testing the samples in both directions.
The MOR of the sheets in the weaker direction shall not be less than 70 % of the value specified in
Table 7 (this is not applicable for plank products).
NOTE For textured sheets, the MOR is not used for calculating mechanical performance.
5.6.3 Apparent density
The manufacturer’s literature shall specify the minimum apparent density for each category of sheet
manufactured. When tested in accordance with 7.3.2, using the test method given in Annex E, the
apparent density shall not be less than the specified value.
5.6.4 Moisture movement
The manufacturer’s literature shall state the percentage value of lineal sheet moisture movement
measured when the sheet is exposed to a relative humidity change from 30 % to 90 %. The stated value
shall be determined in accordance with 7.3.3 using the test method given in Annex F. For category C
sheets, this shall be ≤0,07 %.
NOTE Some national testing methods and performance requirements for moisture movement will differ
from those given in this document.
5.6.5 Water permeability
Category A, B and C sheets, when tested for water permeability in accordance with 7.3.4, using the
test method given in Annex G, may exhibit traces of moisture on the underside of the sheet, but in no
instance shall there be any formation of water drops.
NOTE Some national testing methods and performance requirements for water permeability will differ
from those given in this document.
5.6.6 Water vapour transmission
The manufacturer’s literature may state the value for the water vapour transmission, µ. An example of
a suitable test method is ISO 12572.
5.6.7 Thermal conductivity
The manufacturer’s literature may state the value for the thermal conductivity, λ. An example of a
suitable test method is ISO 13787.
5.6.8 Freeze-thaw performance
When tested in accordance with 7.3.5, using the test method given in Annex H, the ratio of the lower
estimate mean values of the modulus of ruptures for the exposed and unexposed specimens, determined
at the 95 % confidence levels, R , shall not be less than 0,8.
L
NOTE 1 The number of freeze-thaw test cycles required varies according to category of sheet (see Table 9).
NOTE 2 In countries of product use where there are, under normal circumstances, never or only occasionally
temperatures below 0 °C, determination of freeze-thaw performance is not necessary.
NOTE 3 This is not a performance requirement for category C sheets.
5.6.9 Heat-rain performance
When tested in accordance with 7.3.6, using the test method given in Annex I, any visible cracks,
delamination, warping or bowing or other defects in the sheet shall not be sufficient to affect their in-
use performance.
a) Water tightness is assessed according to 5.6.5;
b) Warping and bowing are visually assessed.
NOTE 1 The number of heat test cycles required varies according to the category of the sheet (see Table 9).
NOTE 2 This is not a performance requirement for category C sheets.
5.6.10 Warm water performance
When tested in accordance with 7.3.7, using the test method given in Annex J, the ratio of the lower
estimate mean values of the modulus of rupture for the exposed and unexposed specimens, determined
at the 95 % confidence levels, R , shall not be less than 0,8.
L
This test applies to all sheet categories.
5.6.11 Soak-dry performance
When tested in accordance with 7.3.8, using the test method given in Annex K, the ratio of the lower
estimate mean values of the modulus of rupture for the exposed and unexposed specimens, determined
at the 95 % confidence levels, R , shall not be less than 0,75.
L
This test applies to all sheet categories.
NOTE The number of soak-dry test cycles required varies according to category of sheet (see Table 9).
5.6.12 Resistance to mould growth
When resistance to mould growth is to be demonstrated to the purchaser or specifier, the product shall
satisfy the minimum performance requirements when tested using a method approved in the country
of application. Where no standard or performance requirement has been established, the product,
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without decoration, shall be tested in accordance with ASTM G21 and the mould growth shall not
exceed the value of 1, as specified by ASTM G21: 2015, 9.3.
5.6.13 Resistance to nail head pull-through
When minimum performance requirements for resistance against sheet fastening nail head pull-
through is to be demonstrated to the purchaser or specifier, the product shall satisfy the minimum
performance requirements when tested using a method approved in the country of application. Where
no standard or performance requirement has been established, the 6 mm thick product shall have
a minimum saturated nail head pull-through resistance of 400 N when tested in accordance with
ASTM D1037 under the conditions given in 7.3.10.
Sheets of thickness greater than 6 mm shall also satisfy this requirement.
5.6.14 Saturated shear bond performance
When the minimum saturated interlaminar sheet shear bond strength is to be demonstrated to the
purchaser or specifier, the product shall satisfy the minimum performance requirements when tested
using a method approved in the country of application. The saturated condition is as defined in this
document. Where no standard or performance requirement has been established, the product shall be
tested in accordance with the method given in ANSI A118.1, ANSI A118.4 or ANSI A136.1, using sheets
of material bonded together with the specified adhesive. The minimum shear bond strength after 7 d of
adhesive curing shall be 345 kPa.
5.6.15 Surface burning characteristics
When specific limitations on surface burning characteristics are required to satisfy national
performance requirements, testing shall be conducted using the method approved in the country of
application. Where no standard or performance requirement has been established, fibre-cement sheets
of 6 mm thickness shall have a reported flame spread index of 0, and a smoke developed index of not
more than 5, when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Sheets of thicknesses greater than 6 mm
shall meet this requirement or shall be formed at 6 mm thickness with the same formulation for test
purposes.
5.7 Fire properties
For the purpose of conformity with national regulations, products may be required to satisfy specific
product or system fire tests. The details of the specifications and acceptance criteria shall be defined by
national standards and/or regulations.
5.8 Product performance
The sheet categories defined in this document (see 5.2) cannot be considered to give an indication of
the service life of the product. Product service life will be influenced by factors such as the geographical
location, location of product on structure, type and method of installation and applied surface coatings.
This document only defines minimum physical performance requirements and does not prescribe sheet
material formulations. Therefore, presumption that the service life of sheets of similar category, made
by various manufacturers will be similar cannot be made. Service life can only be estimated for clearly
specified product applications and products in de
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