EN 14617 Agglomerated Stone Products - Test Methods

The European standard “EN 14617 Agglomerated stone products - Test methods” consists of a number of sub-sections published under the same title. Namely,

The standard “EN 14617-1 Part 1: Determination of apparent density and water absorption” describes a method for determining the apparent density and water absorption of agglomerated stone products. For the purposes of this standard, apparent density is the ratio between the mass and the apparent volume on the outer surface of the body. Water absorption is the maximum amount of water absorbed by the material when immersed in deionized water at room temperature and pressure and is expressed as a percentage of the dry mass of the sample.
The standard EN 14617-2 Part 2: Determination of flexural strength (bending)" describes a method for determining the flexural strength (bending resistance) of agglomerated stone flat products under concentrated load. The principle of this method is to place a sample in two cylinders and load the sample gradually in the middle. The breaking load is measured and the flexural strength is calculated.
The standard “EN 14617-3 Part 3: Connections and associated devices” describes graphical symbols for functional connections, mechanical connections, pipelines and associated devices such as connecting joints, ISO ports, terminals, quick release couplings and connectors in diagrams. ISO 81714-1 applies for the basic rules for creating and applying graphical symbols in diagrams. ISO 14617-14617 applies for an overview of the standard, information on the creation and use of registration numbers to identify graphical symbols used in diagrams, rules for the presentation and application of these symbols and examples of their use and application.
The standard “EN 14617-4 Part 4: Determination of abrasion resistance” describes a method for determining the abrasion resistance of agglomerated stone products. This test method is based on the principle of scraping the top surface of an agglomerated stone sample using an abrasive material under standard conditions. The abrasive required for this test is corundum (white fused aluminum oxide, i.e. alumina) with a grain size of F8486 according to ISO 1-80. This substance should not be used more than three times.
The standard “EN 14617-5 Part 5: Determination of freeze and thaw resistance” describes a method for assessing the effect of freeze and thaw cycles on agglomerated stones. This standard contains provisions for a technological test to be carried out to assess the effect of freeze and thaw cycles on the flexural strength properties of stone. The principle of this test method is to determine the ratio between the flexural strength of samples after 25 freeze and thaw cycles and the flexural strength of unfrozen samples. A freeze and thaw cycle consists of a freezing part, in which a water-saturated sample is loaded into a freezer (temperature minus 20 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees), and a thawing part, in which a frozen sample is immersed in tap water (temperature minus 20 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees).
The standard “EN 14617-6 Part 6: Determination of thermal shock resistance” describes a method for assessing possible changes in agglomerate stones under the influence of sudden temperature changes (thermal shock) by immersion in hot water. After drying at 40 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees until constant mass is reached, the samples are subjected to successive cycles, each consisting of thermal shock at 70 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees and then immediate immersion in water at 15 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees. After 20 cycles, the samples are visually inspected and compared with the reference sample, and all visible changes are recorded. Finally, the mass and flexural strength changes of the samples after 20 cycles are determined by comparing them with the values of reference samples of the same amount. The selected test temperature of 70 degrees is for flooring and wall applications.
The standard “EN 14617-7 Part 7: Basic mechanical components” describes the graphic symbols in diagrams:
- Mechanical elements such as weights, springs, clutches and brakes
- Pipe and duct elements such as restrictors, nozzles and vents
- Storage devices such as tanks, pressure vessels and gas bottles

For basic rules for creating and applying graphical symbols in diagrams, ISO 81714-1 applies. For an overview of ISO 14617, information on creating and using record numbers to identify graphical symbols used in diagrams, rules for presenting and applying these symbols, and examples of their use and application, ISO 14617-1 applies.

The standard “EN 14617-8 Part 8: Determination of resistance to fixing (dowel hole)” describes a test method for determining the breaking load in a dowel hole of agglomerated stone slabs used as cladding or lining in buildings. This method consists of applying a force perpendicular to the surface of the sample by means of a dowel previously placed in a hole drilled into one side of the sample and measuring the breaking load of the sample.
The standard “EN 14617-9 Part 9: Determination of impact resistance” describes the method for determining the impact resistance of agglomerated flat stone products. The impact resistance is determined by the time it takes for a spherical steel ball to be dropped from a certain height until the sample breaks.
The standard “EN 14617-10 Part 10: Determination of chemical resistance” describes a method for determining the chemical resistance and stain resistance of agglomerate stones with a polished surface after prolonged contact with chemical substances. It should be noted that agglomerate stones containing calcium carbonate aggregates are sensitive to any acid attack.

Resistance to chemical attack is the property that describes the behaviour of a floor or wall covering material when in contact with chemically aggressive substances that have the potential to react with the surface itself and thereby erode it, penetrate it permanently or in some way alter its visible appearance. The deteriorating effect of the aggressive chemical can produce two different effects:

A real chemical effect in which the change of the surface is caused by a chemical reaction between the aggressive substance and some components of the surface.
A physical absorbing action that results in the attacking agent being able to penetrate the surface and thus making its removal extremely difficult or impossible.

Both of these actions may involve a change in the visible appearance of the surface of the chemically attacked material, but only in the first case can the damage also lead to a change in the physical and mechanical properties of the material.

The standard “EN 14617-11 Part 11: Determination of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion” describes a test method for determining the coefficient of linear thermal expansion of agglomerated stones used for internal or external flooring or walling in buildings. The principle of determining the coefficient of linear thermal expansion consists in measuring the change in length of an agglomerated stone sample during a temperature change. The temperature change is obtained by heating or cooling the sample during a programmed cycle. A suitable dilatometer measures the expansion or contraction of the sample relative to its initial length.
The standard “EN 14617-12 Part 12: Determination of dimensional stability” describes the test method to be used to determine the dimensional stability and curvature of agglomerated stones when in contact with water. This standard applies to agglomerated stones to be laid with adhesive on walls and floors. The test is mainly carried out to classify the material according to its degree of sensitivity to water and to select a suitable adhesive for the correct laying of agglomerated stones.

The principle of this method is to measure the vertical displacement of a corner of the tile using a wet felt placed on the back of the agglomerate stone, thus simulating contact with water. A series of sensors measure the deformation caused by the moisture released by the cloth.

The standard “EN 14617-13 Part 13: Determination of electrical resistivity” describes a method for determining the DC insulation resistance, surface resistance and resistivity and the corresponding electrical conductivity and conductivity of samples of agglomerated stone products that meet the definition reported in the standard EN 14618. These products are usually made with stone aggregates bonded with resin and filler or cement and water (paste components) or a polymer/cement mixture and relevant additives (reinforcing fibres, electrically insulating/conductive fillers and the like). The resistivity/conductivity can also be used as an indirect measure of some properties of agglomerated stone products.

The resistivity/conductivity of a collected rock sample is evaluated by measuring direct current (DC) flow through the sample under specified conditions by suitable electrode systems. The resistivity/conductivity must be calculated from the sample and electrode dimensions and shapes.

The standard “EN 14617-15 Part 15: Determination of compressive strength” describes a method for determining the compressive strength of agglomerated stones. After mechanical preparation of the surfaces or, if necessary, after sealing, the samples are placed on the plate of a testing machine and centred. A uniformly distributed load is applied and continuously increased until failure occurs.
The standard “EN 14617-16 Part 16: Determination of dimensions, geometrical properties and surface quality of modular tiles” describes the methods for determining the dimensional properties (length, width, thickness, edge straightness, rectangularity, surface smoothness) and surface quality of agglomerated stone modular tiles. For the purposes of this standard, modular tile refers to a standard-sized, usually 12 mm thick, agglomerated stone piece. During the tests, both sides of the tested tile are measured with a precision of 5 mm, 0,1 mm away from the corners.

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