What is BS EN 13409 - Hydraulic setting smoothing and/or levelling compound setting time about?
A hydraulic setting self-levelling and smoothing compound is intended to provide a smooth, flat surface when applied to hard, inflexible sub-floors such as sand/cement screeds or concrete. It is used to stop water and leaks in concrete and masonry constructions, making the structure solid and durable.
BS EN 13409 is a European Standard on the methods of test for hydraulic setting floor smoothing and/or levelling compounds. The main aim of BS EN 13409 is to provide the best industry guidance to ensure construction materials contribute to the structural integrity of your civil engineering works and hydraulic structures.
BS EN 13409 specifies the measurement of setting time of a hydraulic setting smoothing and/or levelling compound which is referred to as "smoothing and/or levelling compound", after mixing.
Who is BS EN 13409 - Hydraulic setting smoothing and/or levelling compound setting time for?
BS EN 13409 on hydraulic setting smoothing and/or levelling compound setting time is useful for:
- Manufacturers of construction materials
- Civil engineers
- Contractors
- Cement industry
Why should you use BS EN 13409 - Hydraulic setting smoothing and/or levelling compound setting time?
The setting is the process of transition from plastic to a solid state characterised by the initial and final penetration times. The setting time is determined by observing the penetration of a needle into the smoothing and/or levelling compound mixture and recording the time for a given penetration value.
In this regard, BS EN 13409 provides the requirements of apparatus and materials used for the test and includes standard test conditions and procedures to evaluate the setting time of smoothing and/or levelling compounds.
As a result, you can evaluate the performance of smoothing and/or levelling compounds and demonstrate the ability of materials to contribute to the stability and structural integrity of civil engineering works.
Overall, setting time is essential to retain the consistency of the compound by allowing it to completely dry so that it lies flat and remains strong.