Natural stone test methods. Determination of frost resistance

BS EN 12371:2010 Natural stone test methods. Determination of frost resistance

BS EN 12371 is a European Standard specifies a method to assess the effect of freeze/thaw cycles on natural stones. The standard contains provision for both a shorter technological test (Test A) to assess the effect of freeze/thaw cycles on the relevant performance characteristics and an identification test (Test B).

Some marbles, as defined in BS EN 12440, undergo changes in physical properties as a result of the test conditions rather than the freeze/thaw cycles. In these cases, additional tests (for example BS EN 14066) should be applied.

Contents of BS EN 12371:

• Foreword
• 1 Scope
• 2 Normative references
• 3 Principle
• 4 Symbols
• 5 Apparatus
• 6 Preparation of the specimens
• 6.1 Sampling
• 6.2 Size of specimens
• 6.2.1 Technological test (Test A)
• 6.2.2 Identification test (Test B)
• 6.2.3 Putting reference marks on the specimens
• 6.3 Monitoring core temperature
• 6.4 Drying the specimens
• 6.5 Immersion of the specimens
• 6.6 Determination of the apparent volume
• 6.7 Number of cycles
• 6.7.1 Technological test (Test A)
• 6.7.2 Identification test (Test B)
• 7 Test procedure
• 7.1 Arrangement of the specimens in the freezing tank
• 7.2 Description of the freezing and thawing cycles
• 7.3 Control measurements to determine the freeze/thaw resistance
• 7.3.1 Technological test (Test A)
• 7.3.2 Identification test (Test B)
• 8 Expression of the results
• 8.1 Technological test (Test A)
• 8.2 Identification test (Test B)
• 9 Test report
• Annex A (informative) Test cycles
• Bibliography