Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c)

The British Standards Institution 2013

BRITISH STANDARD

BS EN
1015-17:2000
Incorporating
Amendment No.1

Methods of test for

mortar for masonry
Part 17: Determination of water-soluble
chloride content of fresh mortars

The European Standard EN 1015-17:2000, with the incorporation of

amendment A1:2004, has the status of a British Standard

ICS 91.080.30; 91.100.10

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

BS EN 1015-17:2000

National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of
EN 1015-17:2000, including amendment A1:2004, which is included in a
package of new European Standards being prepared by CEN/TC 125 relating
to mortar for masonry. No British Standard is superseded.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
B/519, Masonry and associated tests, to Subcommittee B/519/2, Mortar, which
has the responsibility to:

aid enquirers to understand the text;

present to the responsible international/European committee any

enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the
UK interests informed;

monitor related international and European developments and

promulgate them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue
under the section entitled International Standards Correspondence Index, or
by using the Search facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of
British Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 9 and a back cover.
This British Standard, having
been prepared under the
direction of the Sector
Committee for Building and
Civil Engineering, was
published under the authority
of the Standards Committee
and comes into effect on
15 September 2000
BSI 30 November 2004

ISBN 0 580 36383 X

The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No.

Date

Comments

15418

30 November 2004 Changes to subclauses 5.3, 6.8, 7.1 and

Clause 10

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

EN 1015-17

EUROPEAN STANDARD

March 2000

NORME EUROPENNE

+ A1

EUROPISCHE NORM

October 2004

ICS 91.100.10

English version

Methods of test for mortar for masonry - Part 17: Determination

of water-soluble chloride content of fresh mortars
(includes amendment A1:2004)

Mthodes d'essai des mortiers pour maonnerie - Partie

17: Dtermination de la teneur en chlorure soluble des
mortiers frais
(inclut lamendement A1:2004)

Prfverfahren fr Mrtel fr Mauerwerk - Teil 17:

Bestimmung des Gehalts an wasserlslichem Chlorid
von Frischmrteln
(enthlt nderung A1:2004)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 25 February 2000, amendment A1 was approved by CEN on 6 August 2004.
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 Central Secretariat 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 Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMIT EUROPEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPISCHES KOMITEE FR NORMUNG

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart, 36

2000 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.

B-1050 Brussels

Ref. No. EN 1015-17:2000 + A1:2004 E

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Page 2
EN 1015-17:2000

Contents

Page

Foreword............................................................................................................................................................ 3
1 Scope .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
2 Normative references...................................................................................................................................... 4
3 Principle.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
4 Symbols .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
5 Apparatus........................................................................................................................................................ 5
6 Reagents.......................................................................................................................................................... 5
7 Sampling and sample preparation ................................................................................................................... 6
8 Procedure........................................................................................................................................................ 7
9 Calculation and expression of results.............................................................................................................. 7
10 Test report..................................................................................................................................................... 8

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Page 3
EN 1015-17:2000

Foreword
This European Standard 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 September 2000, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by September 2000.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
This European Standard calls for the use of substances and procedures that may be injurious to
health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to the technical suitability and does
not absolve the user from legal obligations relating to health and safety at any stage.

Foreword to amendment A1
This document (EN 1015-17:2000/A1:2004) 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 April 2005, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by July 2006.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Page 4
EN 1015-17:2000

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies a method for determining the water-soluble chloride content of fresh
mortars.

2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated references, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of
these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or
revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
prEN 998-1

Specification for mortar for masonry - Part 1: Rendering and plastering mortar.

prEN 998-2

Specification for mortar for masonry - Part 2: Masonry mortar.

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).
ISO 384

Laboratory glassware - Principles of design and construction of volumetric glassware.

3 Principle
An aqueous extract containing water soluble chlorides from the mortar sample is prepared. The
dissolved chloride is precipitated using a known volume of standard silver nitrate solution. Any sulfide
present is oxidized to sulfate or decomposed and does not interfere. After boiling, the precipitate is
washed with dilute nitric acid and discarded. The filtrate and washings are cooled to less than 25 C.
The excess silver nitrate is then titrated with a standard ammonium thiocyanate solution using an
iron (III) salt as indicator. This method gives the total halogen content except for fluoride and expresses
the result as percentage of Cl of sample.

4 Symbols
V1
V2
m
f

is the sample titre of 0,1 M ammonium thiocyanate solution, (ml)

is the blank titre of 0,1 M ammonium thiocyanate solution, (ml)
is the mass of the test portion, (g)
is the factor of molarity relating to ammonium thiocyanate solution, (usually 0,10 mol/l)

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Page 5
EN 1015-17:2000

5 Apparatus
5.1

General

The volumetric glassware shall be of analytical accuracy, i.e. class A or class B, defined in ISO 384.
5.2

Weighing instrument, with a capacity of 200 g and an accuracy of 0,00 01 g.

5.3

10 ml burette, graduated to 0,1 ml.

5.4
Desiccator, containing anhydrous magnesium perchlorate [Mg(ClO4)2] or other suitable
desiccant.
5.5

Filter paper, coarse (pore diameter approximately 20 m).

5.6

5 ml pipette.

5.7

500 ml stoppered conical flask.

5.8

250 ml borosilicate glass beaker.

5.9

Sieves, with 10 mm and 0,125 mm apertures.

5.10

Polyethylene bottle with a screw-on cap, capacity approximately 150 ml.

5.11
Rotary shake, capable of revolving at 60 rev/min or magnetic stirrer and polyethylene
covered follower.
5.12

1 000 ml volumetric flask.

5.13

Borosilicate glass wide-mouthed jar with airtight cap, capacity approximately 500 ml.

6 Reagents
6.1

General

The degree of dilution of the concentrated nitric acid (6.2) is given as a volumetric sum, for example,
dilute nitric acid 1+2 (6.3) means that 1 volume of concentrated nitric acid is mixed with 2 volumes of
water.
Use reagents of recognized analytical grade.
For the determination of factor f, see 6.8.
6.2

Concentrated nitric acid (HNO3), density 1,40 to 1,42 kg/l at 20 C.

6.3

Dilute nitric acid, 1+2.

6.4

Dilute nitric acid, 1+100.

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Page 6
EN 1015-17:2000
6.5

Silver nitrate (AgNO3), dried at 150 C, then cooled and stored in a desiccator (5.4).

6.6
Silver nitrate solution, 0,10 mol/l. Dissolve 16,988 g of silver nitrate (6.5) in water (6.10) in a
1 000 ml volumetric flask (5.12) and make up to the mark. Store the solution in a brown glass flask and
protect it from the light.
6.7

Ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN).

6.8
Ammonium thiocyanate solution, approximately 0,10 mol/l. Dissolve 7,6 g of ammonium
thiocyanate (6.7) in water and make up to 1 000 ml H2O.
Determine factor f by titrating the ammonium thiocyanate solution (6.8) against a known volume of the
standard silver nitrate solution (0,1 mol/l) (6.6) using ammonium iron (III) sulfate indication (6.9).
6.9
Ammonium iron (III) sulfate [NH4Fe(SO4)212 H2O] indicator solution. Add 10 ml of dilute
nitric acid 1+2 (6.3) to 100 ml of a cold saturated solution of ammonium iron (III) sulfate in water.
6.10

Water, with a maximum electrical conductivity of 2 mS/cm.

7 Sampling and sample preparation

7.1

General

The fresh mortar for this test shall have a minimum volume of 1,5 1 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 of dry mortar for factory made dry mortars or the bulk test sample of fresh mortar for all
other mortar (see EN 1015-2), i.e. by quartering or by preparation in the laboratory from water and the
other constituents. Two test samples shall be prepared from the fresh mortar sample.
Factory made wet mortars and prebatched air-lime/sand wet mortars shall be used within their specified
workable life. Laboratory prepared mortars, unless retarded, shall be used immediately.
For factory made dry mortars and laboratory prepared mortars, the length of mixing period shall be
measured from the moment when the last of the constituents are introduced into the mixer.
7.2

Preparation

7.2.1

Factory made dry mortar

If necessary, crush the sample to pass completely through a 10 mm test sieve (5.9). Then treat the
sample as in 7.3.
7.2.2

Fresh mortar

Thoroughly mix each sample and reduce to about 250 g. Then place in a wide-mouthed jar (5.13) and
enclose with an airtight cap. Immediately before starting the test, remix the reduced sample with a
spatula. Dry at 105 C 5 C to a constant mass (where organic constituents are used, e.g. aggregates
made of expanded polystyrene, a drying temperature of 60 C 5 C shall be used). The sample is
considered to have reached constant mass if two successive weighings, 2 h apart during the drying, do
not differ by more than 0,2 % of the mass of the dry specimen. Crush the dried sample to pass
completely through a 10 mm test sieve (5.9). Then treat the sample as in 7.3.

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Page 7
EN 1015-17:2000
7.3

Grinding

Reduce the sample to 50 g and crush to pass completely through a 0,125 mm test sieve. This shall be the
analytical sample.
If suitable mechanical grinding equipment is not available, use the following procedure to obtain the
analytical sample. Crush the remainder of the sample to pass completely through a 2,4 mm test sieve.
Grind a representative sub-sample of mass not less than 30 g to pass completely a 0,500 mm test sieve.
Mix the ground sub-sample well and from this take a further sub-sample of mass at least 12 g and grind
to pass completely a 0,125 mm test sieve. This shall be the analytical sample.
NOTE Metallic iron introduced during the grinding procedure should be removed with a magnet before
any chemical analysis is commenced.

8 Procedure
8.1

Extraction of water soluble chloride

Weigh 10 g 0,005 g of the sample (ground finer than 0,125 mm) at a temperature of 20 C 5 C and
transfer it to a polyethylene bottle (5.10). Add 100 ml of cold distilled or deionized water (6.10), close
the bottle with a screw-on polyethylene top and shake the bottle for 60 min using a rotary shaker
revolving at about 60 r/min or use a magnetic stirrer using a polyethylene covered follower (5.11).
Allow the bottle and contents to stand overnight (minimum of 15 h maximum of 24 h).
Filter the suspended sample and collect the filtrate into a 250 ml borosilicate glass beaker (5.8). Wash
residue on the filter with 25 5 ml of distilled or deionized water (6.10). Acidify the filtrate by adding
20 ml dilute nitric acid (1+2) (6.3) and bring to the boil. Proceed as in 8.2.
8.2

Procedure

Add 5 ml of silver nitrate solution (6.6) by pipette (5.6) into the boiling solution from 8.1. Then boil for
1 to 2 min and cool to below 25 C. Transfer the contents of the beaker to a 500 ml conical flask (5.7)
using cold distilled or deionized water to rinse the beaker.
Add 5 drops of indicator solution (6.9) and titrate (5.3) with the ammonium thiocyanate solution (6.8)
alternately shaking the flask vigorously and checking until a drop of this solution produces a faint
reddish-brown colouration which no longer disappears on shaking. Record the volume, V1, of
ammonium thiocyanate solution used in the titration.
Carry out the same procedure with no mortar sample and record the volume V2, of ammonium
thiocyanate solution used in the blank titration.

9 Calculation and expression of results

State masses in grams to the nearest 0,001 g. State volumes from burettes (5.3) in millilitres to the
nearest 0,05 ml.

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Page 8
EN 1015-17:2000
The results are given as percentage chloride of sample:
% Cl = (V2 V1 ) f

3,545
10 m

The factor of molarity, f, is derived as:

ml of AgNO3 (0,10mol/l)
f =

ml of ammoniumthiocyanate

NOTE The term m represents the standard mass of the test portion of 10 g 0,005 g from 8.1.
Express the results, given by the mean of two determinations, as a percentage generally to two decimal
places.
If the chloride content of the mortar exceeds 0,17 % by mass of sample, this will be shown during the
procedure of 8.2 by a red colouration appearing with the first drop of ammonium thiocyanate
solution (6.8). This will mean that there is insufficient silver nitrate reagent for this relatively high
amount of chloride and the test will, therefore, have to be repeated with a smaller test portion.
NOTE Following extraction as in 8.1. The chloride ion may be determined by alternative techniques
(e.g. specific ion electrode or X.R.F.) provided the method is correlated against the above method.

10 Test report
The test report shall include the following information, if relevant:
a) the number, title and date of issue of this European Standard;
b) the place, date and time of taking the bulk test sample1,2;
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
prEN 998;
e) the date of testing;
f) the test method used and details of test specimens including number, dimensions, mass, etc. if
appropriate;
g) preparation method;
h) the date and time of preparing samples for test;

1
2

The sample taken from the bulk supply that is to be used for all of the tests in EN 1015.
This information is contained on the certificate of sampling (see EN 1015-2).

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

Page 9
EN 1015-17:2000

i) mean value of chloride content to the nearest 0,01 %, quoted as percentage by mass of mortar;

j) remarks, if any.

Licensed Copy: Sheffield Hallam University Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, 20/06/2013 13:08, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) The British Standards Institution 2013

BS EN
1015-17:2000

BSI British Standards Institution

BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.
Revisions
British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of
British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.
It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9000. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7400.
BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.
Buying standards
Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
addressed to Customer Services. Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001.
Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001. Email: orders@bsi-global.com. Standards are also
available from the BSI website at http://www.bsi-global.com.
In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the
BSI implementation of those that have been published as British Standards,
unless otherwise requested.
Information on standards
BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and
international standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters
Service. Various BSI electronic information services are also available which give
details on all its products and services. Contact the Information Centre.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7111. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7048. Email: info@bsi-global.com.
Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments
and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details
of these and other benefits contact Membership Administration.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7002. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001.
Email: membership@bsi-global.com.
Information regarding online access to British Standards via British Standards
Online can be found at http://www.bsi-global.com/bsonline.
Further information about BSI is available on the BSI website at
http://www.bsi-global.com.
Copyright
Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the
UK, of the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as
permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written
permission from BSI.

BSI
389 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 4AL

This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard,
of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
written permission of BSI must be obtained.
Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright & Licensing Manager.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7070. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7553.
Email: copyright@bsi-global.com.