BS EN 1015-12:2016

BSI Standards Publication

Methods of test for mortar for

masonry
Part 12: Determination of adhesive strength
of hardened rendering and plastering
mortars on substrates
BS EN 1015-12:2016 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 1015-12:2016.
It supersedes BS EN 1015-12:2000 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee B/519, Masonry and associated testing.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2016.
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2016
ISBN 978 0 580 87438 3
ICS 91.080.30; 91.100.10
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 30 June 2016.
Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Date Text affected
 BS EN 1015-12:2016

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1015-12

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM June 2016

ICS 91.100.10 Supersedes EN 1015-12:2000

English Version

Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 12:

Determination of adhesive strength of hardened rendering
and plastering mortars on substrates
Méthodes d'essai des mortiers pour maçonnerie - Prüfverfahren für Mörtel für Mauerwerk - Teil 12:
Partie 12 : Détermination de l'adhérence des mortiers Bestimmung der Haftfestigkeit von erhärteten
d'enduit durcis appliqués sur supports Putzmörteln

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 9 April 2016.

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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, 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: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 1015-12:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN 1015-12:2016
EN 1015-12:2016 (E)

Contents Page

European foreword....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 5
3 Principle ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
4 Symbols ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
5 Apparatus........................................................................................................................................................... 5
6 Sampling and sample preparation............................................................................................................ 6
6.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
6.2 Laboratory prepared mortars .................................................................................................................... 6
6.3 Mortars, other than laboratory prepared mortars ............................................................................. 7
7 Preparation and storage of test specimens ........................................................................................... 7
7.1 Substrate ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
7.2 Application ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
7.3 Test areas ........................................................................................................................................................... 7
7.3.1 General ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
7.3.2 Fresh mortar ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
7.3.3 Hardened mortars .......................................................................................................................................... 8
7.4 Storage and curing conditions .................................................................................................................... 8
8 Procedure........................................................................................................................................................... 8
9 Expression of results — Adhesive strength ........................................................................................... 8
10 Test report ...................................................................................................................................................... 10

2
 BS EN 1015-12:2016
EN 1015-12:2016 (E)

European foreword

This document (EN 1015-12:2016) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 125 “Masonry”,
the secretariat of which is held by BSI.

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 December 2016, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by March 2018.

This document supersedes EN 1015-12:2000.

The following technical changes have been done in this new edition:

— There has been a relaxation in the choice of metal for the pull-head plates.

— The temperature range for storage and curing the specimens has been extended slightly.

— The substrates may be rendered stored and tested either in the vertical or horizontal attitude
instead of the vertical only.

EN 1015, Methods of test for mortar for masonry, currently comprises the following parts:

— Part 1: Determination of particle size distribution (by sieve analysis);

— Part 2: Bulk sampling of mortars and preparation of test mortars;

— Part 3: Determination of consistence of fresh mortar (by flow table);

— Part 4: Determination of consistence of fresh mortar (by plunger penetration);

— Part 6: Determination of bulk density of fresh mortar;

— Part 7: Determination of air content of fresh mortar;

— Part 9: Determination of workable life and correction time of fresh mortar;

— Part 10: Determination of dry bulk density of hardened mortar;

— Part 11: Determination of flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar;

— Part 12: Determination of adhesive strength of hardened rendering and plastering mortars on
substrates (the present document);

— Part 17: Determination of water-soluble chloride content of fresh mortars;

— Part 18: Determination of water absorption coefficient due to capillary action of hardened mortar;

— Part 19: Determination of water vapour permeability of hardened rendering and plastering mortars;

— Part 21: Determination of the compatibility of one-coat rendering mortars with substrates.

3
BS EN 1015-12:2016
EN 1015-12:2016 (E)

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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.

4
 BS EN 1015-12:2016
EN 1015-12:2016 (E)

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the adhesive strength between
rendering and plastering mortars and a substrate.

2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 772-11, Methods of test for masonry units - Part 11: Determination of water absorption of aggregate
concrete, autoclaved aerated concrete, manufactured stone and natural stone masonry units due to
capillary action and the initial rate of water absorption of clay masonry units

EN 998 (all parts), Specification for mortar for masonry

EN 1015-2, Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 2: Bulk sampling of mortars and preparation of
test mortars

EN 1015-3, Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 3: Determination of consistence of fresh mortar
(by flow table)

EN 1015-11, Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 11: Determination of flexural and compressive
strength of hardened mortar

3 Principle
The adhesive strength is determined as the maximum tensile stress applied by a direct load
perpendicular to the surface of the rendering or plastering mortar on a substrate. The tensile load is
applied by means of a defined pull-head plate glued to the test area of the mortar surface. The adhesive
strength obtained is the quotient between the failure load and the test area.

4 Symbols

fu is the adhesive strength, (N/mm2);

Fu is the failure load, (N);
A is the test area of cylindrical specimen, (mm2).

5 Apparatus
5.1 Truncated conical rings, (see Figure 1) made of stainless steel or brass, with internal diameter
of (50 ± 0,1) mm and (25 ± 0,5) mm in height.

The minimum thickness of the mould wall shall be 5,0 mm at the top. The external diameter at the base
shall be (51 ± 0,1) mm.
5.2 Circular pull-head plates, made of metal, with diameter of (50 ± 0,1) mm and minimum
thickness 10 mm, and with central fitting for connection to the direct pull tensile force apparatus.

5
BS EN 1015-12:2016
EN 1015-12:2016 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Figure 1 — Sharp-edged, truncated conical ring

5.3 Adhesive based on resin, e.g. epoxy resin or methylmethacrylate resin.

5.4 Core drilling machine, with core drill of nominally 50 mm internal diameter, suitable to cut core
samples from hardened mortars and substrates.

5.5 Testing machine for direct pull tensile force test and with suitable capacity and sensitivity for
the test as specified in Clause 8.

It shall be capable of applying the load to the pull-head plate through a suitable fitting that excludes any
bending forces. The machine shall comply with the requirements in Table 1.
5.6 Storage chamber, capable of maintaining a temperature of 20 °C (+3/-2 °C) and at a relative
humidity of (65 ± 5) %.

Table 1 — Requirements for testing machine

Maximum permissible Maximum permissible Maximum permissible

repeatability of forces as mean error of forces as error of zero force as
percentage of nominal percentage of nominal percentage of maximum
force force force of range
% % %
2,0 ±2,0 ±0,4

6 Sampling and sample preparation

6.1 General

The fresh mortar for this test shall have a minimum volume of 1,5 l or at least 1,5 times the quantity
needed to perform the test, whichever is the greater, and shall either be obtained by reduction of the
bulk test sample (see EN 1015-2) using a sample divider or by quartering or by preparation from water
and the other constituents in the laboratory. Two test samples shall be prepared.
6.2 Laboratory prepared mortars

The length of mixing period shall be measured from the moment all the constituents are introduced into
the mixer.

6
 BS EN 1015-12:2016
EN 1015-12:2016 (E)

The mortar shall be brought to a defined flow value as specified in EN 1015-2 determined in accordance
with EN 1015-3 and reported. The test procedure shall not start until at least 10 min after completion of
mixing and shall be concluded within the specified workable life of the mortar (preferably within
30 min after completion of mixing), unless otherwise instructed by the manufacturer.
6.3 Mortars, other than laboratory prepared mortars

Ready to use mortars (factory-made wet mortars which are retarded), and pre-batched air-lime/sand
wet mortars when not gauged with hydraulic binders, shall be used for specimen preparation within
their specified workable life.
Before testing, the batch shall be gently stirred by hand using a trowel or palette knife for (5 – 10) s to
counteract any false setting, etc., but without any additional mixing of the batch.
The flow value of the mortar in the bulk test sample shall be determined in accordance with EN 1015-3
and reported.

7 Preparation and storage of test specimens

7.1 Substrate

For rendering or plastering systems manufactured for a specific background, i.e. clay or calcium silicate
masonry units, concrete masonry units, panels or cast in situ concrete, etc., these materials, in an air-
dried condition, should be used as test substrates. The water absorption due to capillary action of the
units used in the substrate shall be recorded, if known, or tested in accordance with EN 772-11 where
appropriate.
Where no specific background is prescribed rectangular concrete panels shall be used as substrate, with
dimensions not less than 550 mm x 150 mm and 50 mm in thickness. The concrete shall be mixed with
a water/cement ratio of 0,55 and using normal graded aggregates with maximum particle size of one
third of the concrete panel thickness. The upper surface of the moulded substrate shall be levelled and
wood-floated to achieve a suitable surface. Within a period of 6h to 24h lightly brush the surface.
The concrete panels shall have an age of not less than 28 d when applying the plastering or rendering
system, the panels being cured under standardized conditions as described in EN 1015-11.
NOTE Concrete panels as a substrate will normally give conservative adhesive strength values.

7.2 Application

The fresh mortar mix shall be applied to the prescribed substrate according to the manufacturers
recommendations and the intended use. The substrate may be either horizontal or vertical during
application. Unless otherwise specified the total thickness of the mortar layer shall be (10 ± 1) mm.
7.3 Test areas
7.3.1 General

Circular test areas of approximately 50 mm in diameter shall be cut through the mortar layer, either in
the fresh mortar according to 7.3.2 or in the hardened mortar according to 7.3.3. The diameter of the
circular test area shall be recorded for each specimen. Five test areas shall be provided.
7.3.2 Fresh mortar

After application and the initial setting of the mortar layer, the truncated conical rings (5.1), cleaned
and lubricated with a thin layer of mineral oil, shall be pressed with their sharp edge, slightly rotating,
through the fresh mortar layer until full contact with the substrate is reached. The minimum distance

7
BS EN 1015-12:2016
EN 1015-12:2016 (E)

between the rings and the free edges of the rendered substrate, and the free distance between the
individual rings, shall be 50 mm.
The rings shall be carefully removed, still slightly rotating, when the substrate is reached. If it is obvious
that the adhesion of any of the test areas has been disturbed during this preparation, another test area
shall be prepared. The specimen shall then be stored as given in 7.4.
7.3.3 Hardened mortars

After curing of the rendering or plastering mortar, test specimens shall be cut using a core drilling
machine (5.4). The core shall be cut to a depth of approximately 2 mm into the substrate. Damaged
specimens shall be rejected.
The minimum distance between the rings and the free edges of the rendered substrate and the free
distance between the individual rings shall be 50 mm.
7.4 Storage and curing conditions

When the mortar is sufficiently hard, the rendered specimens shall be enclosed within a sealed, air-tight
polyethylene bag and at a temperature of 20 °C (+3/-2 °C) for 7 d. The specimens shall subsequently be
removed and stored in air (5.6) at a constant temperature of 20 °C (+3/-2 °C) and at a relative humidity
of (65 ± 5) % for a further 21 d.

8 Procedure
Glue the pull-heads with the adhesive centrally on the test areas, preventing any excess adhesive from
bridging the cut around the test areas.
Test the specimens at an age of 28 d immediately after being removed from the storing atmosphere.
Using the testing machine (5.5), apply the tensile load perpendicular to the test area through the pull-
head plates (5.2). Apply the load without shock and at a uniform rate. Use a rate such that the stress
increases within the range of 0,003 N/(mm2 × s) to 0,100 N/(mm2 × s) according to the expected
adhesive strength and so that failure occurs between 20 s and 60 s (see Table 2). Record the failure
load. Reject any test where the mode of failure is fracture at the adhesive layer between the pull-head
plate and the mortar.
Table 2 — Loading rate

Expected adhesive Loading rate

strength
(N/mm2) (N/mm2 × s)
< 0,2 0,003 −0, 010
0,2 - < 0,5 0,011 - 0,025
0,5 - 1,0 0,026 - 0,050
> 1,0 0,050 - 0,100

9 Expression of results — Adhesive strength

Calculate the individual adhesive strengths from the following formula to the nearest 0,05 N/mm2:
Fu
fu =
A

8
 BS EN 1015-12:2016
EN 1015-12:2016 (E)

Calculate the adhesive strength as the mean value from the individual values of the 5 specimens to the
nearest 0,1 N/mm2.
Possible fracture patterns leading to valid results are given in Figures 2 to 4 inclusive. Where fracture
patterns occur as shown in Figures 3 and 4, i.e. where there is no failure at the mortar/substrate
interface, results shall be considered as lower bound values. These values shall be valid for calculation
of the mean value of adhesive strength.

Key
1 pull-head plate
2 adhesive layer
3 mortar
4 substrate

Figure 2 — Fracture pattern a - Adhesion fracture - Fracture at the interface between mortar and
substrate. Test value equals the adhesive strength

Figure 3 — Fracture pattern b - Cohesion fracture - Fracture in the mortar itself. The adhesive
strength is greater than the test value

Figure 4 — Fracture pattern c - Cohesion fracture - Fracture in the substrate material. The
adhesive strength is greater than the test value

9
BS EN 1015-12:2016
EN 1015-12:2016 (E)

10 Test report
The test report shall provide the following information:
a) the number, title and date of issue of this draft European Standard;

b) the place, date and time of taking the bulk test sample;

c) the method used for taking the bulk test sample (if known) and the name of the organization that
took it;

d) the type, origin and designation of the mortar by reference to the relevant part of EN 998;

e) preparation method;

f) the type and description of the substrate including the coefficient of water absorption due to
capillary action of masonry units (where relevant) comprising the substrate;

g) any specialized treatment of the substrate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; the
orientation of the substrate ie vertical or horizontal;

h) the date and time of testing;

i) flow value of test mortar determined in accordance with EN 1015-3;

j) details of test specimens including number, dimensions etc., if appropriate;

k) individual values of adhesive strength rounded to the nearest 0,05 N/mm2 and the mean value
rounded to the nearest 0,1 N/mm2 and description of mode of failure by reference to Figures 2 to 4
inclusive;

l) remarks, if any.

10
This page deliberately left blank
NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

British Standards Institution (BSI)

BSI is the national body responsible for preparing British Standards and other
standards-related publications, information and services.
BSI is incorporated by Royal Charter. British Standards and other standardization
products are published by BSI Standards Limited.

About us Reproducing extracts

We bring together business, industry, government, consumers, innovators For permission to reproduce content from BSI publications contact the BSI
and others to shape their combined experience and expertise into standards Copyright & Licensing team.
-based solutions.
The knowledge embodied in our standards has been carefully assembled in Subscriptions
a dependable format and refined through our open consultation process. Our range of subscription services are designed to make using standards
Organizations of all sizes and across all sectors choose standards to help easier for you. For further information on our subscription products go to
them achieve their goals. bsigroup.com/subscriptions.
With British Standards Online (BSOL) you’ll have instant access to over 55,000
Information on standards British and adopted European and international standards from your desktop.
We can provide you with the knowledge that your organization needs It’s available 24/7 and is refreshed daily so you’ll always be up to date.
to succeed. Find out more about British Standards by visiting our website at You can keep in touch with standards developments and receive substantial
bsigroup.com/standards or contacting our Customer Services team or discounts on the purchase price of standards, both in single copy and subscription
Knowledge Centre. format, by becoming a BSI Subscribing Member.
PLUS is an updating service exclusive to BSI Subscribing Members. You will
Buying standards
automatically receive the latest hard copy of your standards when they’re
You can buy and download PDF versions of BSI publications, including British revised or replaced.
and adopted European and international standards, through our website at
To find out more about becoming a BSI Subscribing Member and the benefits
bsigroup.com/shop, where hard copies can also be purchased.
of membership, please visit bsigroup.com/shop.
If you need international and foreign standards from other Standards Development
With a Multi-User Network Licence (MUNL) you are able to host standards
Organizations, hard copies can be ordered from our Customer Services team.
publications on your intranet. Licences can cover as few or as many users as you
wish. With updates supplied as soon as they’re available, you can be sure your
Copyright in BSI publications
documentation is current. For further information, email [email protected].
All the content in BSI publications, including British Standards, is the property
of and copyrighted by BSI or some person or entity that owns copyright in the Revisions
information used (such as the international standardization bodies) and has
Our British Standards and other publications are updated by amendment or revision.
formally licensed such information to BSI for commercial publication and use.
We continually improve the quality of our products and services to benefit your
Save for the provisions below, you may not transfer, share or disseminate any
business. If you find an inaccuracy or ambiguity within a British Standard or other
portion of the standard to any other person. You may not adapt, distribute,
BSI publication please inform the Knowledge Centre.
commercially exploit, or publicly display the standard or any portion thereof in any
manner whatsoever without BSI’s prior written consent.
Useful Contacts
Storing and using standards Customer Services
Standards purchased in soft copy format: Tel: +44 345 086 9001
Email (orders): [email protected]
• A British Standard purchased in soft copy format is licensed to a sole named
user for personal or internal company use only. Email (enquiries): [email protected]

• The standard may be stored on more than 1 device provided that it is accessible Subscriptions
by the sole named user only and that only 1 copy is accessed at any one time. Tel: +44 345 086 9001
• A single paper copy may be printed for personal or internal company use only. Email: [email protected]

Standards purchased in hard copy format: Knowledge Centre

• A British Standard purchased in hard copy format is for personal or internal Tel: +44 20 8996 7004
company use only. Email: [email protected]
• It may not be further reproduced – in any format – to create an additional copy.
Copyright & Licensing
This includes scanning of the document.
Tel: +44 20 8996 7070
If you need more than 1 copy of the document, or if you wish to share the Email: [email protected]
document on an internal network, you can save money by choosing a subscription
product (see ‘Subscriptions’). BSI Group Headquarters
389 Chiswick High Road London W4 4AL UK