prEN 196-1

This document specifies the equipment and procedure for the preparation and curing of a standard mortar to be used for the determination of the compressive and flexural strength of a common cement in accordance with EN 197-1.
The determination of compressive or flexural strength can be carried out at different curing ages.
The document also describes an alternative method for the compaction of the standard mortar, which can be considered equivalent.
In addition, the document specifies the characteristics of a CEN reference sand and the minimum requirement and the acceptance procedure for the CEN standard sand.
In the case of a dispute, only the reference methods or reference sand can be used.
The same equipment and procedures can be used for other types of cement or materials; in some cases, modifications to the procedure are also permitted, provided that this standard and/or the modifications are referenced in the relevant product standards.