Use of European harmonized AAC masonry unit test standards in the UK

Abstract

AbstractEuropean product standards for masonry units came fully into effect in the UK in 2006 replacing existing UK standard BS6073 Part 1 and 2, which had covered many types of masonry units. EN 771 Part 4 (EN 771‐4) is the product standard specifically for autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) masonry units with reference to supporting test methods. EN 771‐4 introduced a set of performance requirements to be established by harmonized product tests standards applicable throughout Europe. For the UK, these European test standards proposed changes in the specimen size, preparation, and conditioning together with the introduction of new testing criteria. This paper deals with the implementation of the main harmonized test methods and parameters of importance to the UK and will be of general interest to those attending the conference. There will be comments on the practical aspects of laboratory testing for the key physical characteristics of AAC, the relationship of evaluation methods to the declared finished product properties and how these properties align with UK regulatory requirements. The UK successfully integrated European harmonized test standards to confirm that UK AAC masonry unit products continually meet all performance requirements.