What is BS EN 14216 – Specifications for very low heat special cement about?
Low heat cement is specially blended to provide a lower heat of hydration in concrete used for building structures. Lower heat hydration can ultimately minimize the risk of cracks in concrete.
BS EN 14216 is the European standard that discusses very low heat special cements.
BS EN 14216 defines and gives the specifications of six distinct very low heat special cement products and their constituents. The definition of each cement includes the proportions in which the constituents are to be combined to produce these distinct products in a single strength class having a limited heat of hydration value.
In addition to the specified requirements, an exchange of additional information between the cement producer and user can be helpful. The procedures for such an exchange are not within the scope of BS EN 14216 but should be dealt with in accordance with national standards or regulations or can be agreed between the parties concerned.
Note 1: The word "cement" in BS EN 14216 is used to refer to very low heat special cement unless otherwise indicated.
Note 2: The risk of early-age thermal cracking in concrete depends upon the properties and execution and is, therefore, also dependent on factors other than the heat of hydration of the cement.
Who is BS EN 14216 - Specifications for very low heat special cement for?
BS EN 14216 on cement products is useful for:
- Builders
- Architects
- Civil engineers
- Cement manufacturers and suppliers
Why should you use BS EN 14216 - Specifications for very low heat special cement?
Very low heat special cement is a hydraulic binder, which is a finely ground inorganic ingredient that, when mixed with water, forms a paste that sets and hardens through hydration reactions and processes and retains its strength and stability even under water.
The requirements of the constituents of very low heat special cements are specified in BS EN 14216.
The six products in the family of very low heat special cements and their constituents are covered in BS EN 14216.
BS EN 14216 also includes conformity criteria for mechanical, physical and chemical properties, evaluation of heat of hydration and necessary durability requirements for very low heat special cements.
As a result, compliance with BS EN 14216 can ensure that low heat cement enhances later-age concrete strength, increases workability and pumpability with a large pour, and reduces the risk of thermal cracking.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 14216:2015 supersedes BS EN 14216:2004. BS EN 14216:2015 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 14216:2004. These include:
- Use of the terminology given by the Construction Products Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 305/2011)
- A clause “Dangerous substance” has been added
- The former Annex A (informative) “Water-soluble hexavalent chromium” has been deleted
- Annex ZA has been revised in accordance with the Construction Products Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 305/2011)