EN 13880-3 Hot Applied Sealants - Part 3: Test Method for Determination of Penetration and Recovery (Flexibility)

The European standard “EN 13880-3 Hot-applied grouts - Part 3: Test method for the determination of penetration and recovery (flexibility)” describes a test method for determining the penetration and recovery (flexibility) of hot-applied grouts using a standard penetrometer fitted with a ball penetration device.

For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply:

• The flexibility value expresses the elastomeric properties of the product under standard test conditions. The initial penetration value recorded under a controlled time-dependent loading and unloading test regime plus the relative value associated with an additional 10 mm penetration depth is determined as the percentage recovery.
• Penetration refers to the resistance to penetration as a measure of the hardness of the product under standard test conditions. It is measured as the initial absolute ball penetration depth in mm under controlled timed load.

When performing the test, in principle, a representative portion of the sealant (test sample according to EN 58) is poured into two metal containers to obtain two test samples. These are cooled in air and then capped before being immersed in turn and brought into direct contact with water in a constant temperature water bath. After the conditioning period, the samples are removed from the water bath, the caps are removed and both test samples are tested. The test is carried out immediately.

The test principle consists of measuring the elastic flexibility of a sealant sample after penetration with a ball penetration tool. These tests provide specifications for both penetration resistance and elastic recovery of sealants according to the standard “EN 14188-1 Joints and sealants - Part 1: Specifications for hot-applied sealants”. The test should not be performed underwater.

The main equipment used in these tests includes:

• Penetrometer: Penetrometer test devices that comply with EN 1426 standard allow the ball penetration tool holder to move vertically without measurable friction and allow penetration to be measured to the nearest 0,1 mm. The ball penetration tool holder must be easily removable from the device and weigh 47,50 plus/minus 0,05 g.
• Ball penetration tool: a ball penetration tool conforming to the shape in the standard. The penetration ball shall be made of steel and shall weigh 27,5 plus/minus 0,1 g. The total mass of the ball penetration tool and the standard penetrometer holder shall be 75,0 plus/minus 0,1 g.
• Water bath: A water bath with a capacity of at least 10 l, a perforated shelf at least 50 mm from the bottom of the bath, and capable of holding samples at the required test temperature of 25,0 degrees plus/minus 0,3 degrees. Distilled or deionized water should be used in the bath. Direct contact with the surface of filled cans should be avoided.
• Sample boxes: Two metal containers with a 45 mm depth, flat bottom and a diameter of 70 mm.
• Time recording equipment: Measuring devices for recording the time-controlled loading and unloading course during the test procedure. The time recording should be accurate to 0,1 s.

Precautions must be taken to ensure that the test sample is representative for the sealant according to standard EN 58. During the preparation of the test samples, any local overheating and/or contamination with oil or other substances must be avoided by following the instructions in standard EN 13880-6.

Fill two sample containers with sealant samples flush with the opening of the container. Immediately afterwards, loosely cover each test sample container and its contents with a suitably sized beaker to protect against dust and to assist in the removal of air bubbles. Allow the samples to cool in air at 2°C plus/minus 24°C for at least 23 hours but not less than 2 hours. During this conditioning period, direct air contact should be prevented by covering.

The test samples are placed in the water bath and allowed to remain immersed for a further 2 to 4 hours. During this conditioning period, the samples should be covered to prevent direct air contact. It is important to ensure that the lids are closed before immersing the samples in the water bath.

The test conditions shall be as follows: temperature 25,0 degrees plus/minus 0,3 degrees, applied load 75,0 plus/minus 0,1 g, and loading time 5,0 seconds plus/minus 0,5 seconds.

After conditioning the samples, the cover is removed and the test is performed immediately. The test should not be performed under water.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the standard “EN 13880-3 Hot applied grouts - Part 3: Test method for determining penetration and recovery (flexibility)” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.