EN 13279-1 Gypsum Binders and Gypsum Plasters - Part 1: Definitions and Requirements

The European standard "EN 13279-1 Gypsum binders and gypsum plasters - Part 1: Definitions and requirements" describes the properties and performance of gypsum binder-based powder products for construction purposes. These products include premixed gypsum construction plasters for plastering internal walls and ceilings of buildings, where they are applied as a finishing material that can be decorated.

These products are specifically formulated to meet application requirements through the use of additives, aggregates and other binders. They include gypsum and gypsum-based construction plasters for manual and mechanical applications.

The standard is valid both for direct site use and for gypsum binders for further processing into gypsum blocks, gypsum boards, fibre-reinforced gypsum boards, gypsum fibre plasterwork and gypsum ceiling elements. Gypsum mortar for non-load-bearing internal partitions that are not exposed to water is also within the scope of this standard. However, calcium sulphate used as a binder for floor screeds is not within the scope of this standard.

This European standard defines reference test methods for technical specifications and enables the conformity of products within the scope of this standard to be assessed.

Building lime as calcium hydroxide can be used as an additional binder together with the gypsum binder. If the gypsum binder is the main active binder component in a plaster, then the plaster falls within the scope of this standard. If building lime is the main active binder component in a plaster, then the plaster falls within the scope of the standard “EN 998-1 Specification for masonry mortars - Part 1: Plasters and plaster mortars”.

The requirements depending on the end-use conditions in the EN 13279-1 standard are explained as follows:

• Reaction to fire: Gypsum binders and gypsum plasters are classified as Class A1 (non-contributing to fire development) without testing when they contain less than 1 percent by weight or volume of organic matter, whichever is the heavier. If products contain 1 percent or more of organic matter by weight or volume, they are tested and then classified in accordance with EN 13501-1. If the determination of organic matter is by volume, the determination of uncompressed bulk density given in ISO 3049 is used.
• Fire resistance: Fire resistance is a property of the assembled system and not a property of the product in isolation. In end-use conditions, gypsum and gypsum-based construction plasters provide certain levels of fire resistance. Where relevant, they must be tested and then classified according to EN 13501-2.
• Acoustic performance: Direct airborne sound insulation is a property dependent on an installed system and not on an insulated product. Where required, the direct airborne sound insulation of an installed system containing gypsum plaster or binder is determined in accordance with EN ISO 140-3 and EN ISO 717-1, as appropriate. Acoustic absorption is a property dependent on an installed system and not on an insulated product. Where required, the manufacturer declares the sound absorption performance in the end-use condition tested in accordance with EN ISO 354.
• Thermal resistance: When required, the thermal resistance of the assembled system of gypsum binders and gypsum plasters in the end-use condition is calculated using the equation given in EN ISO 6946. The thermal conductivity design values ​​required for this calculation can be used as given in the table in the standard. For gypsum plasters and gypsum binders where the aggregate content is sufficient to cause significant deviations from the values ​​given in the table, the thermal conductivity is determined according to EN 12664. The values ​​given in the table are taken from EN 12524.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the standard “EN 13279-1 Gypsum binders and gypsum plasters - Part 1: Definitions and requirements” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.