Standards Development

Scope

This British Standard specifies methods of sampling, preparation, physical testing, and chemical analysis of mortars for bricklaying, plastering and rendering. The methods described are for the determination of parameters that have traditionally been used in the UK, but which are neither defined, nor superseded, by BS EN 998-1, BS EN 998-2 or BS EN 1015 (all parts).

Purpose

There has been a revival of interest in the use of Hydraulic Lime Mortars, particularly for use in historic buildings. The current test methods in BS 4551 do not contain the appropriate test methods for Lime Mortars. This revision is to rectify this.

In addition to enabling historically correct materials to be used in refurbishment and repair of important architectural and historically significant structures, there is an increasing interest in using natural stone masonry for new build. It empathises with the environment, and its use with natural masonry materials provides a durable and safe masonry solution, in some cases safer and longer lasting than alternatives.