FROM INTUITIVE PARAMETERS TO
THE REQUIREMENTS THAT ASSURE DURABILITY
A few simple questions, which the User can readily answer, help focus the
intended ceramic tile service application:
►
Is the tile going to be stepped on?
A negative answer leads directly to wall tiling. An affirmative answer
will indicate that it is intended for flooring, so that it becomes necessary to know
the type and intensity of the traffic it will be subject to, with the added
consideration of the risk of abrasive material being carried in by that traffic.
►
Is it intended for exteriors or interiors?
Depending on whether the answer is affirmative or negative, the tile will
be linked to certain requirements that assure durability against climatic or
environmental aggression, and to the consideration of slip resistance in floors.
The foregoing two questions lead to the following diagram:
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
1
That diagram already defines the intended ceramic tile use quite well,
associating the risk of abrasion with exterior floors, with interior floors that are
directly accessible from outdoors, or with interior floors subject to heavy or not
exclusively pedestrian traffic.
Only a few incidental explanations are needed in particular cases:
•
If the tile in an inner tiling might be subject to chemical aggression,
since that possibility is always considered outdoors.
•
If the climate in an intended outdoor application involves frost risk
(i.e. environment temperature may reach -5ºC or lower temperatures
at least five days a year).
Slip resistance is considered, as a function of risk, in:
•
Exterior floors
•
Interior floors directly linked to the outside
•
Interior floors with heavy traffic
•
Interior floors that are wet for special reasons
The last two floors are usually associated with publicly trafficked
architecture or floors with special requirements, in common-use building areas
and in industrial or commercial building areas.
There is then finally a third question, which will determine the
dimensional characteristics of the ceramic tile and the tile installation mode:
►
How wide is the tile-to-tile joint to be?
The User’s ability to choose the type of tile-to-tile joint is limited by
conditioning factors unrelated to the dimensional quality of the ceramic tile, as
set out in the diagram.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
2
However, the distinction established by European standard EN 14411
according to type of tile (glazed and unglazed, product group), and tile
dimensions in certain cases, lead to the need to pose two new questions:
►
►
Glazed or unglazed ceramic tile?
What size do we intend to select?
This second question is not just related to the dimensional tolerances of
the ceramic tile, but also to the selection of the tile-to-tile joint and the
constraints stemming from the location (floor or wall tiling, interior or exterior)
and from the service requirements in the case of floors.
If we need to know the maximum dimensional tolerances of the ceramic
tile according to EN 14411 (e.g. for a tile installation with an open joint of 5 mm
or larger), further questions remain to be posed, based on the chosen product
group:
►
►
►
►
►
What is the product group according to EN 14411?
If extruded tiles (group A) are involved, are they natural or
precision tiles?
What is the surface area of the tile in square centimetres, for
pressed tiles
What is the longest tile side, for pressed tiles of subgroup BIII
Are there spacer lugs (small projections on the tile edges) or not,
also for subgroup BIII
These last seven questions, which are the result of differences in the
characteristics and requirements as a function of the product group in European standard
EN 14411, do not mar the intended simple contextualisation of a tile as a function of its
intended use, based on three key questions [treadable or non-treadable, interior or
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
3
exterior, and tile-to-tile joint], which led to other complementary questions [frost risk in
exteriors, type and intensity of traffic across the floor, and direct accessibility of indoor
flooring from outdoors].
That contextualisation is achieved by relating the three key questions to physicochemical characteristics and, subsequently, to minimum levels that assure durability.
Treadable or non-treadable?
This is related to characteristics of a mechanical nature, which affect the
integrity of the tile and its fair face, in addition to another characteristic related to traffic
safety, whether exclusively pedestrian or not.
There are further the complementary considerations of cleanability (stain
resistance) in all types of tiles, before and after tile surface mechanical strength has been
tested, and chemical resistance in applications with risk of aggression by chemical
products.
The mechanical strength to be displayed by a ceramic tile in order to preserve its
integrity is related to:
►
►
Breaking load or breaking strength, according to the test in EN ISO 10545-4,
the results of which already identify the main possible applications
Bending strength or modulus of rupture according to the same test, on tiles
that need to meet special requirements
If a tile is intended for non-treadable ceramic cladding, whether horizontal (for
example, non-treadable decks or terraces) or vertical (wall tiling), considerations
relating to requirements of resistance to the impairment of appearance by mechanical
action, in terms of scratching and/or abrasion, may be disregarded. As a result, ceramic
tiles intended for non-treadable claddings will only need to exhibit:
►
Minimum mechanical strength, measured through breaking load or breaking
strength, according to the EN ISO 10545-4 test method. This minimum
requirement will be 450 Newton.
►
Minimum stain resistance of Class 3, according to EN ISO 10545-14
Compliance with these two parameters assures minimum good performance of
the tile intended for non-treadable cladding.
Outdoor tilings will also need chemical resistance, while in internal tilings this
parameter will be considered in building areas where there is risk of chemical
aggression, owing to the types of products used or cleaning frequency. Such is the case
of kitchens and galleries, as well as bathrooms in regard to safety against the use of
hydrochloric acid.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
4
NON-TREADABLE
►
►
►
Minimum breaking load or breaking strength of 450 N, according to EN ISO
10545-4
Class 3 stain resistance according to EN ISO 10545-14
Chemical resistance always in exterior tilings, and also in internal tilings with
aggression risk according to the EN ISO 10545-13 test, with the following
recommended minimum values:
■ GA, GLA, GHB or GA(V), GLA(V), GHB(V) for glazed tiles (GL)
■ UA, ULA, UHB for unglazed tiles (UGL)
When tiles are intended for use as treadable flooring, it is necessary to consider
traffic type and intensity, abrasion risk, and slip risk. In addition, the mechanical
strength of the ceramic body itself is also to be taken into account, since the tile will
need to withstand different dead or live loads.
In regard to tile mechanical strength, the minimum mechanical strength
requirement for breaking load or breaking strength is 900 Newton for ceramic tiles
intended for exclusively pedestrian traffic, and always above 2000 Newton for tiles
intended for non-exclusively pedestrian traffic, it being the specifications writer who
must define the requirement based on the expected loads.
In regard to the mechanical resistance against impairment of surface appearance,
the established levels of traffic need to be remembered, in accordance with the potential
mechanical aggression risk, as defined in the concept of resistance to the impairment of
surface appearance. If the phenomenon of impairment of surface appearance is
understood in terms of mechanical aggression and levels of requirements are established
as a function of traffic type and intensity, minimum requirements can be assigned to the
physical characteristics related to impairment of surface appearance by mechanical
action.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
5
LEVELS OF RESISTANCE TO IMPAIRMENT OF APPEARANCE
Type of traffic
Frequency of traffic
Abrasive materials
Minimum level
No traffic
NONE
NONE
1
Low
< 10 persons/day
NONE
2
YES
3
Intermediate
10-250 persons/day
NONE
4
YES
5
High
> 250 persons/day
ALWAYS
6
High
> 250 persons/day
ALWAYS
7
Pedestrian
Not exclusively
pedestrian
Note that in Informative Annex N of EN 14411, levels of resistance to surface
abrasion were established as a function of traffic type and intensity for glazed tiles,
which yielded classes 0–5, associated with the results of the application of the EN ISO
10545-7 test method. Broadly speaking, this six-level classification differs little from
the proposal put forward in the Tile Installation Project, since Class 0 of Annex N
corresponds to Tile Installation Project Class 1 (wall tiling) and Class 5 of Annex N
corresponds to Tile Installation Project Class 6 (floors with heavy traffic).
However, very different technical considerations underlie the two classifications:
►
In the classification proposed in Informative Annex N, only envisaged for
glazed tiles, solely the technological parameter resistance to surface abrasion
is considered.
►
In the classification proposed in the Tile Installation Project, applicable to
glazed and unglazed tiles, the technological parameters described in the
following chart are considered as a group (since they interact).
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
6
GLAZED TILES (GL)
Parameter
PHYSICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
CHEMICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
►
►
►
Resistance to surface abrasion
Scratch resistance
Measurement of gloss loss
►
►
Stain resistance
Stain resistance after surface abrasion
(visible stage)
Chemical resistance
►
Test method
EN ISO 10545-7:1999
EN 67-101
ISO 2813
EN ISO 10545-14:1998
EN ISO 10545-14:1998
EN ISO 10545-13:1998
UNGLAZED TILES (UGL)
PHYSICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
CHEMICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
►
►
►
►
EN ISO 10545-6:1998
Resistance to deep abrasion
Resistance to surface abrasion up to
600 revolutions
Stain resistance after surface abrasion
up to 600 revolutions
Chemical resistance
EN ISO 10545-7:1998
EN ISO 10545-14:1998
EN ISO 10545-13:1998
The resistance to impairment of appearance by mechanical aggression will be
minimally assured by selecting ceramic tiles that have certain minimum levels of
scratch resistance, resistance to gloss loss, resistance to deep or surface abrasion
(depending on the case involved), and that perform well in relation to stains (Class 3)
after surface abrasion, which is considered at all levels of traffic for every type of tile.
As regards scratch hardness, this is considered in glazed tiles from level 3 (low traffic
intensity and risk of abrasive material being brought in).
UNGLAZED TILES (UGL)
MINIMUM LEVELS OF RESISTANCE TO IMPAIRMENT
OF APPEARANCE
1
Maximum volume (in mm3) removed in deep abrasion,
according to EN ISO 10545-6
-
Stain resistance class according to EN ISO 10545-14, after
subjecting the tiles to the surface abrasion test according to EN
ISO 10545-7, up to the 600 revolutions stage
-
3
Stain resistance class according to EN ISO 10545-14
3
-
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
2
3
4
5
6
<649
<393
<175
3
3
3
3
-
-
-
-
<2365 <1419
7
GLAZED TILES (GL)
MINIMUM LEVELS OF RESISTANCE TO IMPAIRMENT
OF APPEARANCE
1
2
Resistance to surface abrasion class according to EN ISO 105457 (Class and visible stage≥) (the subscript indicates the number
of revolutions
-
2600 rev
Stain resistance after abrasion class (visible stage), according to
EN ISO 10545-14
-
3
3
3
3
3
Stain resistance class according to EN ISO 10545-14
3
-
-
-
-
-
Scratch resistance class according to the Mohs scale (EN 67-101)
-
-
4
4
6
6
Average value of the differences in gloss at 60º in the fifteen
positions of the test piece before and after abrasion at 600
revolutions, according to the procedure for the determination of
gloss loss with a standard reflectometer (ISO 2813)
-
-
-
<15
<15
<15
3
4
5
6
2600 rev 31500 rev 42100 rev 46000 rev
Ceramic tiles intended for floors subject to non-exclusively pedestrian traffic
(level 7), in addition to displaying breaking strength above 2000 N, should display the
same minimum requirements as flooring subject to heavy traffic (level 6), in all
characteristics set out in the foregoing charts.
The resistance to impairment of appearance by chemical aggression is always
considered in exteriors, while it is taken into account in tiles intended for internal
flooring in the following cases:
►
Floors directly accessible from outdoors
►
Permanently or frequently wet floors
►
Always in dry floors with the traffic levels 4, 5, 6, and 7, since the need for
cleaning and cleaning frequency and potential mechanical wear may also
lead to impairment of appearance owing to chemical aggression
►
Optionally in dry floors with traffic levels 2 and 3 when there is risk of
chemical attack, as remarked for non-treadable tiles. This would be the case
of tiles intended for flooring in home kitchens and galleries, or in other
building areas where cleaning products are handled or stored.
Taking into account these considerations and using the foregoing charts, the
User is able to select, with certain minimum assurances, a ceramic tile for a floor. If it is
difficult to keep in mind the minimum values for deep abrasion and surface abrasion
resistance, it may be easier to remember:
►
Class 3 for stain resistance after the surface abrasion stage for every type of
tile (600 rev. for UGL tiles)
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
8
►
Scratch resistance in glazed tiles from traffic level 3
►
Resistance to gloss loss from traffic level 4
In ceramic tiles intended for flooring it is necessary to consider slip resistance in:
►
All exterior floors
►
All interior floors directly accessible from outdoors, owing to the
unpredictable risk of their becoming wet, with materials being carried in that
encourage slipping in the case of rain or snow
►
Internal floors that are wet owing to their particular use
►
Dry internal floors subject to heavy traffic, usually associated with publicly
trafficked architecture or communal areas in collective residential
architecture
The slip resistance requirements for tiles in the last applications are associated
with special requirements, as are floors with slopes or floors subjected to vehicular
traffic (for which skid resistance is considered), these being dealt with in the last part of
this document.
The problem arises when slip resistance is to be related to a recommended test
method and minimum values. At present, different tests and recommendations are found
together on national levels, though there is currently no international consensus in this
regard. The following chart reflects the situation.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
9
SLIP RESISTANCE TEST METHODS
Description
■ Dynamic
slider
for
the
measurement of the dry coefficient
of friction (FFT)
ISO/DIS 10545-17, Method A
AS/NZS 4586, Method B
■ Friction pendulum test on polished
and unpolished surfaces
ENV 12633:2003(2)
Classes
(1)
c.o.f. ≥ 0.4
c.o.f. < 0.4
Observations
This is only applied in dry tests on new or
already installed tiles.
The British FFT (floor friction tester), also
known as the Tortus, will remain optionally
applicable in dry tests.
Scale value
This method has been selected in the European
Union for measurement of the wet coefficient
unpolished slip of friction. It is also the method applied in
resistance value Spain in the SU 1 document of the Spanish
Technical Building Code (CTE).
■ PSRV -
■ USRV -
polished slip
resistance value
■ Wet pendulum test on every type
of tile
AS/NZS 4586:2004. Method A
[At present, under revision,
DR07066P, 8/3/2007]
Classes
V, W, X, Y, Z
Classes
test
under
various
R9-R13
conditions: under wet conditions
with standard footwear, barefoot, (using footwear)
A, B, C
and on materials that encourage
(barefoot)
slipping, also with standard
footwear
prEN 15673-1 (April 2007)(3)
AS/NZS 4586:2004. Method C
DIN 51097 (barefoot)
DIN 51130 (standard footwear)
■ Ramp
■ Displacement volume test in
profiled tiles
AS/NZS 4586:2004. Method E
BGR 181
Measurement of the wet coefficient of friction
through a friction pendulum scale, under all
the test variables, in the slider and the test
pieces.
This may become the universal test, together
with the ramp test, especially for intermediate
slip resistance requirements.
Measurement of slip resistance with the
inclined plane under different conditions in
respect to footwear and the presence of
materials that encourage slipping.
The method, which has evolved in regard to
German standards DIN 51097 and 51130, may
become the universal test for intermediate and
high slip resistance requirements.
Classes
Measurement of the liquid drainage or storage
V4, V6, V8, V10 capacity in a profiled tile, as the bas-relief
volume in relation to the tile unit surface area
(e.g. V6 is 6 cm3/dm2).
NOTE: These test methods are applied on ‘new’ ceramic tiles, though the dynamic slider and wet pendulum tests are also applied on
installed flooring [standard AS/NZS 4663:2004]
(1)
c.o.f.: dynamic coefficient of friction
(2)
Experimental European standard
(3)
Draft European standard for the determination of the slip resistance of surfaces subject to pedestrian traffic. Part 1: Reference
test methods
In the case of Spain, the slip resistance requirement is laid down in the document
SU 1 [Safety of use. Slip risk in flooring] of the Technical Building Code (CTE), which
establishes certain classes, resulting from the test according to ENV 12633:2003, and
certain minimum requirements according to intended tile use, in public or private
flooring of common-use areas, as set out in the following charts.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
10
CLASSIFICATION OF FLOORS ACCORDING TO SU 1
Slip resistance Rd
Floor classes
Rd ≤ 15
Class 0
15 < Rd ≤ 35
Class 1
35 < Rd ≤ 45
Class 2
Rd > 45
Class 3
FLOOR CLASS AS A FUNCTION OF SLIP RISK
Area
Floor class
Dry inner areas
-
surfaces with a slope of less than 6%
Class 1
-
surfaces with a slope of 6% or larger and stairs
Class 2
Wet inner areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, indoor swimming pools, etc.(1)
-
surfaces with a slope of less than 6%
Class 2
-
surfaces with a slope of 6% or larger and stairs
Class 3
Inner areas where, in addition to water, there may be agents that reduce slip
resistance (grease, lubricants, etc.), such as industrial kitchens, slaughter houses,
garages, areas of industrial use, etc.
Class 3
Exterior areas. Swimming pools (2)
Class 3
(1)
(2)
Floors around entrances to buildings from outdoors are included, except when there is direct access to dwellings or areas of
restricted use, as well as covered terraces.
In areas foreseen for barefoot use and swimming pool floors, in areas not deeper than 1.50 m.
The available test methods and the guidance provided by the relevant documents
and standards [BGR 181, GUV-I 8527, HB 197 (1999) and AS/NZS 4596 (2007
update)] allow drawing up an orientational chart of slip resistance requirements.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
11
CERAMIC TILE SELECTION CRITERIA WITH REGARD TO SLIP RESISTANCE
Floor use characteristics
Recommended
resistance level
Reference
standard
DWELLINGS. Interior flooring with risk: floors
accessible from outdoors, galleries, kitchens, and
bathrooms
Y
(R9)
Class 1
AS/NZS 4586-A
AS/NZS 4586-C
SU 1/CTE (Spain)
Inner building areas of Publicly Trafficked
Architecture. Customarily dry, level floors
C.O.F. ≥ 0.4
X, Y[1]
Class 1
15 < Rd ≤ 35
ISO/DIS 10545-17
AS/NZS 4586-B
AS/NZS 4586-A
SU 1/CTE (Spain)
ENV 12633
W, X[2]
R10
Class 2
35 < Rd ≤ 45
AS/NZS 4586-A
AS/NZS 4586-C
SU 1/CTE (Spain)
ENV 12633
V, W[3]
R12, R11[3]
Class 3
Rd > 45
AS/NZS 4586-A
AS/NZS 4586-C
SU 1/CTE (Spain)
ENV 12633
Inner building areas of Publicly Trafficked
Architecture that may be wet (those accessible from
outdoors or subject to frequent cleaning operations).
Level floors and stairs
EXTERIOR FLOORS
[1]
[2]
[3]
Class X recommended in floors with greater traffic or risk (spilled food, drinks, directional traffic, dance floors, etc.)
Class W recommended in stairs and public inner entry areas from outdoors
Class V recommended in sloping floors, stairs, and areas where materials are carried in that encourage slipping on dry and wet
floors
The special slip resistance requirement in floors should be considered in:
►
►
►
Water-related domains (swimming pools, spa baths, communal saunas,
aquatic parks, etc.)
Industrial or commercial building areas
With particular characteristics (operational, with slopes, etc.)
These are described in the section devoted to special requirements.
Interior or exterior?
The location of a wall tiling or flooring in a closed building area or, in contrast,
in an open or outdoor building area, leads to three technical characteristics that will
need to be considered or not, depending on the tile location.
In ceramic tilings in exteriors, understood as outdoor coverings or coverings in
non-closed building areas, accessible from outdoors, it will always be necessary to
consider:
►
►
Chemical resistance, owing to the real possibility of aggression for different
reasons, ranging from atmospheric pollution to situations of risk stemming
from cleaning operations or spilled chemical substances.
Slip resistance, when the ceramic tile is intended for flooring (treadable tile).
This characteristic must also always be considered here, since it cannot be
foreseen whether the floor will be dry or wet, and whether materials may be
present that encourage slipping.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
12
However, independently of the foregoing two technical characteristics, the
question ‘interior or exterior?’ also leads to consideration of frost resistance, which
will need to be known before a tile is selected.
Note that frost risk is defined as occurring in geographic areas where
temperatures below -5ºC are found at least five days a year, or where the ice index Ig >
0, or in the zone breakdown by average temperatures in the month of January, which
corresponds to the areas Y and Z (according to NBE-CT-79, in Spain). In this case, tiles
need to be selected that will withstand the frost/thaw cycles, as required by standard EN
14411 and the CE marking for tiles, since the fundamental parameter durability is
associated with passing the test in standard EN ISO 10545-12. Note, furthermore, that
resistance to frost/thaw cycles (passing the test) is required in standard EN 14411 for
tiles of groups BIa and BIb, and the manufacturer shall state the result of the test for AI
tiles.
Since passing the test according to EN ISO 10545-12 does not assure ceramic
tile durability against frost once the tile has been installed, while the test method
remains unmodified it is recommended here directly to select BIa or AIa tiles; i.e. those
that have a water absorption capacity of ≤0.5% [subgroup AIa for extruded tiles is
already envisaged in the latest draft of the updated EN 14411 (May 2006)].
What tile-to-tile joint width?
The practically unanimous opinion (of manufacturers, tile fixers, tile sellers,
etc.) may be deemed satisfactory, namely that ceramic tiles should under no
circumstances be fixed without a physical spacing, and that when butt tile fixing has
occurred it has led to malfunctions, especially with large and intermediate sizes.
If butt tile fixing is thus discarded, quality and safety criteria for all types of
modular rigid coverings then allow the following three options:
►
►
►
Tile installation with a minimum spacing between tiles, between 1.5 and 3
mm, which we shall term the minimum or closed joint, with the
abbreviation J for joint width [1.5 ≤ J < 3 mm].
Tile installation with a tile-to-tile spacing between 3 and 5 mm, which we
shall term the narrow open joint [3 ≤ J < 5 mm].
Tile installation with wide joint, 5 mm or larger, which is the recommended
minimum spacing for exteriors, even for small sizes, which we shall term the
wide open joint [J ≥ 5 mm].
Tile installation with a minimum or closed joint should be reserved for small
sizes; even so the following conditions need to be met:
►
►
Ceramic tiles shall display the best dimensional quality, not only with the
smallest dimensional tolerances in length and width, but also in the other
characteristics, especially those that define rectangularity and flatness
In ceramic wall tilings, tiles shall be fixed on stable substrates
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
13
►
In interior floors, tiles shall be fixed on stable substrates and intermediate
layers, without underfloor heating, and be subject to low mechanical
requirements (levels 2, 3, 4, and 5).
Under other conditions, the tile fixer needs to advise against tile fixing with a
minimum or closed joint, or make it quite clear that no responsibility is accepted or
assurance given.
The following chart sets out what is meant by best dimensional quality of
ceramic tiles, this being the currently most qualified offer from just a few, still only very
few, tile manufacturers.
DIMENSIONAL ‘FIRST QUALITY’ CERAMIC TILES
►
►
►
►
►
►
Maximum tolerances for work size W of ± 1 mm for length and width
Marking all tiles of groups BIa, BIb and BIIa with the calibre code; in first
quality only marketing and selling the centre calibres; in addition, calibrating in
factory with tolerances of ± 0.5 mm
In rectified products, marketing and selling a single calibre, associated with size
W, with maximum dimensional tolerances of ± 0.5 mm for length and width,
whatever the dimensions of the ceramic tile
Assuring maximum tolerances of ± 1 mm for the dimensional characteristics
straightness of sides and rectangularity of angles, whatever the tile size.
Assuring maximum tolerances of 1.5 mm for flatness, especially for side
curvature and warpage, for all sizes; in addition, separating in factory concave
and convex curvatures, so that they are not mixed in the same shipment (for that
reason we have not considered the signs ‘±’ in the maximum tolerances)
Valuing the assignment, by the manufacturer, of coordination size C at least for
each series (note that C = W + J, where J is joint width)
If the Client agrees to, accepts, or decides on an open joint (minimum 3 mm)
there is a wider margin of choice in ceramic tile, and also for advice on materials and
tile installation techniques.
A tile-to-tile joint of 3 mm is appropriate:
►
►
►
For ceramic tiles that display maximum dimensional tolerances midway
between what has been defined as dimensional first quality and the
maximum tolerances specified in EN 14411, for the product groups of
pressed tiles and sizes no larger than 30x30 cm.
Interior wall tiling and flooring (without underfloor heating) on stable
substrates and intermediate layers
For floors subject to exclusively pedestrian traffic without high mechanical
strength requirements
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
14
Obviously, at joint widths of 5 mm and larger there is a wider margin in choice
of ceramic tile, as well as in tile installation on unstable substrates, underfloor heating,
and in exteriors:
►
►
►
First-quality tiles, according to standard EN 14411, even precision extruded
tiles for sizes no larger than 30x30 cm
Fixing in exterior wall tiling and flooring
Floors with intermediate mechanical strength requirements or with underfloor
heating
For extruded vitrified tiles [groups AI, AIIa-1, AIIa-2], marketed and sold as
natural, it is necessary to study the supplied maximum tolerances in order to be able to
assign joint width.
The foregoing guidelines and recommendations translate into certain maximum
dimensional tolerances, which are set out in the following charts to facilitate
consultation.
Butt
joint
Minimum or
Minimum or
closed joint
closed joint
with small and
with large
intermediate
sizes
sizes
Narrow
open
joint
Wide open
joint
Length and width with respect to
size W
NR
± 1.0 mm
NR
± 1.5 mm
MT
Thickness
NR
± 5%(*)
NR
± 5%(*)
MT
Straightness of sides
NR
± 1.0 mm
NR
± 1.5 mm
MT
Rectangularity of angles
NR
± 1.0 mm
NR
± 1.5 mm
MT
Convex centre curvature
NR
1.5 mm
NR
2.0 mm
MT
Concave centre curvature
NR
- 1.0 mm
NR
- 1.0 mm
MT
Spacing between centre curvatures
NR
YES
NR
YES
-
Convex side curvature
NR
1.5 mm
NR
2.0 mm
MT
Concave side curvature
NR
- 1.0 mm
NR
- 1.0 mm
MT
Spacing between side curvatures
NR
YES
NR
YES
-
Warpage
NR
± 1.5 mm
NR
± 2.0 mm
MT
(*)
Percentage with respect to work size thickness (3rd figure of W)
NR: This tile-to-tile joint is not recommended.
MT: Maximum tolerances in European standard EN 14411 for first quality tiles.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
15
MAXIMUM PERMITTED LENGTH AND WIDTH DEVIATIONS ACCORDING TO EN 14411
TYPE OF
M DIMENSION
W DIMENSION
AVERAGE
MEASUREMENT
OF 10 TILES
COMMENTS
3–11 mm joint
±1%/max. ±2 mm
±1%
W-N ≤ ± 3 MM
PRODUCT
AI P
AI N
“
”
±2%/max. ±4 mm
± 1.5 %
“
”
AIIa-1 P
“
”
±1.25%/max. ±2 mm
±1%
“
”
AIIa-1 N
“
”
±2%/max. ±4 mm
± 1.5 %
“
”
AIIa-2 P
“
”
±1.5%/max. ±2 mm
± 1.5 %
“
”
AIIa-2 N
“
”
±2%/max. ±4 mm
± 1.5 %
“
”
“
”
±2%/max. ±2 mm
± 1.5 %
“
”
“
”
±2%/max. ±4 mm
± 1.5 %
“
”
± 1.2 %
± 0.75 %
AIIb-1 P
AIIb-2 P
AIII P
AIIb-1 N
AIIb-2 N
AIII N
S≤90
BIa
BIb
BIIa
BIIb
2–5 mm joint
W-N ≤ 2%
max. ± 5 mm
90<S≤190
“
”
±1%
± 0.5 %
“
”
190<S≤410
“
”
± 0.75 %
± 0.5 %
“
”
S>410
“
”
± 0.6 %
± 0.5 %
“
”
L ≤ 12 CM
“
”
± 0.75 %
± 0.5 %
L > 12 CM
“
”
± 0.50 %
± 0.3 %
“
”
L ≤ 12 CM
“
”
---
---
“
”
L > 12 CM
“
”
+ 0.6 % // - 0.3 %
± 0.25 %
“
”
S: tile surface area
in cm2
BIII WITHOUT
SPACER LUGS
W-N ≤ 2 mm
BIII WITH SPACER
LUGS
Only for GL tiles
M refers to modular size (multiples and divisors of 100). It is not used in Europe
W is the work size, expressed as length x width x thickness and expressed in millimetres
P is introduced here to designate precision tiles
N is introduced here to designate natural tiles
P and N are not recognised by codes in the standard
The letter N is also used to designate tile nominal size, in centimetres
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
16
MAXIMUM DEVIATIONS OF THICKNESS, STRAIGHTNESS OF SIDES,
RECTANGULARITY AND SURFACE FLATNESS ACCORDING TO EN 14411
StraightThick- ness of RectanguType of product
ness
sides
larity
Surface flatness
Curvature
Centre
Side
Warpage
AI P
± 10 %
± 0.5 %
±1%
± 0.5 %
± 0.5 %
± 0.8 %
AI N
± 10 %
± 0.6 %
±1%
± 1.5 %
± 1.5 %
± 1.5 %
AIIa-1 P
± 10 %
± 0.5 %
±1%
± 0.5 %
± 0.5 %
± 0.8 %
AIIa-1 N
± 10 %
± 0.6 %
±1%
± 1.5 %
± 1.5 %
± 1.5 %
AIIa-2 P
± 10 %
±1%
±1%
±1%
±1%
± 1.5 %
AIIa-2 N
± 10 %
±1%
±1%
± 1.5 %
± 1.5 %
± 1.5 %
AIIb-1 P
AIIb-2 P
AIII P
± 10 %
±1%
±1%
±1%
±1%
± 1.5 %
AIIb-1 N
AIIb-2 N
AIII N
± 10 %
±1%
±1%
± 1.5 %
± 1.5 %
± 1.5 %
± 10 %
± 0.75 %
±1%
±1%
±1%
±1%
± 10 %
± 0.5 %
± 0.6 %
± 0.5 %
± 0.5 %
± 0.5 %
±5%
± 0.5 %
± 0.6 %
± 0.5 %
± 0.5 %
± 0.5 %
±5%
± 0.5 %
± 0.6 %
± 0.5 %
± 0.5 %
± 0.5 %
± 10 %
± 0.3 %
± 0.5 %
+ 0.5 %
- 0.3 %
+ 0.5 %
- 0.3 %
± 0.5 %
BIII (2) S ≤ 250
WITH SPACER LUGS
± 10 %
± 0.3 %
± 0.3 %
+ 0.8 %
- 0.2 %
+ 0.8 mm
- 0.2 mm
± 0.5 mm
BIII (2) S > 250
WITH SPACER LUGS
± 10 %
± 0.3 %
± 0.3 %
+ 0.8 %
- 0.2 %
+ 0.8 mm
- 0.2 mm
± 0.75 mm
S≤90(1)
BIa
BIb 90<S≤190
BIIa 190<S≤410
BIIb
S>410
BIII (2)
WITHOUT SPACER
LUGS
(1)
(2)
S: tile surface area in cm2
Only for GL tiles
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
17
In Spain it is also necessary to bear in mind the Technical Standards on Building
Construction regarding wall and floor tiling [NTE-RPA/1973 and NTE-RSB/1975].
According to those standards, which are only legally binding for the developer or
builder if they are referred to in the project technical report, automatic non-acceptance
of the wall or floor tiling may occur, after control of the realisation, if:
►
►
►
In the wall tiling, departures from parallelism in the tile-to-tile joints
exceeding ±1 mm in 1 m length are detected
In the wall tiling, departures from flatness exceeding 2 mm are detected,
measured with a 2-m straightedge in any direction of the surface
In a floor tiling, departures from flatness exceeding 4 mm, or lipping
(differences in height between adjacent tiles) exceeding 2 mm are measured,
both controlled with a 2-m straightedge. These maximum departures also
extend to the skirtings and stair steps
These conditions need to be taken into account when it comes to selecting the
ceramic tile and the tile-to-tile joint width.
The following charts provide a synopsis of the characteristics associated with the
different intended ceramic tile uses, without any special requirements.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
18
INTENDED USE
CERAMIC TILE SELECTION CRITERIA AS A FUNCTION OF INTENDED TILE SERVICE APPLICATION
MINIMUM REQUIRABLE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
MECHANICAL
BREAKING LOAD TRAFFIC LEVEL ABRASION
CODE
GL TILES
OR BREAKING
STRENGTH
(persons/day)
RISK
SURFACE
ABRASION
PEI method
F/C/S
(in Newton)
WALL TILING
FLOORING WITH
EXCLUSIVELY
PEDESTRIAN
TRAFFIC
FLOORING WITH
NOT EXCLUSIVELY
PEDESTRIAN
TRAFFIC
EN ISO
TEST METHOD
(REFERENCE TO
STANDARDS)
(*)
SCRATCH
HARDNESS
Mohs scale
STAIN
RESISTANCE
I
UGL TILES
LOSS OF
GLOSS
DEEP
ABRASION
(mm3)
AFTER
ABRASION
STAIN
RESISTANCE
(after surface
abrasion)(*)
≥ 450 N
WITHOUT
WITHOUT
1
---
---
3
Test on new tile
---
---
3
Test on new tile
≥ 900 N
< 10
< 10
10 - 250
10 - 250
> 250
WITHOUT
WITH
WITHOUT
WITH
WITH
2
3
4
5
6
2600 rev
2600 rev
31500 rev
42100 rev
46000 rev
--4
4
6
6
3
3
3
3
3
----< 15
< 15
< 15
< 2365
< 1419
< 649
< 393
< 175
3
3
3
3
3
> 2000 N
> 250
WITH
7
46000rev
6
3
< 15
< 175
3
10545-7
EN 67-101
(1992)
10545-14
ISO 2813
10545-6
10545-7
10545-14
10545-4
Surface abrasion test (PEI method) up to 600 revolutions [EN ISO 10545-7:1999]
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
19
INTENDED USE
CERAMIC TILE SELECTION CRITERIA AS A FUNCTION OF INTENDED TILE SERVICE APPLICATION
MINIMUM REQUIRABLE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
LOCATION
FROST RESISTANCE
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
SLIP RESISTANCE
REQUIREMENT
CODE
EXTERIOR
WALL TILING
FLOORING WITH
EXCLUSIVELY
PEDESTRIAN
TRAFFIC
FLOORING WITH
NOT
EXCLUSIVELY
PEDESTRIAN
TRAFFIC
WITH FROST
RISK
WITHOUT
FROST RISK
BIa (AIa)
Always
Levels A, LA, HB
---
Yes
INTERIOR
---
---
EXTERIOR
WITH FROST
RISK
WITHOUT
FROST RISK
---
Always
Levels A, LA, HB
---
INTERIOR
SU 1: Document on safety with regard to falls
No
Levels A, LB
DRY
---
Always at Levels 4, 5, and 6
Yes
Optional at
No
Levels 2 and 3
Levels A, LB
10545-12
10545-13
CTE: Technical Building Code
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
20
---
GA, GLB
GA(V), GLB(V)
UA, ULB
BIa (AIa)
WET
EN ISO
TEST METHOD
Optional
GA, GLA, GHB
GA(V), GLA(V)
GHB(V)
UA, ULA, UHB
GA, GLA, GHB
GA(V), GLA(V)
GHB(V)
UA, ULA, UHB
GA, GLB
GA(V), GLB(V)
UA, ULB
EXTERIOR
Classes V, W
Class 3
Rd > 45
WET INTERIOR
Classes W, X
Class 2
35 < Rd ≤ 45
DRY INTERIOR WITH RISK
Classes X, Y
Class 1
15 < Rd ≤ 35
AS/NZS 4586
SU 1, CTE (Spain)
ENV 12633
I
CERAMIC TILINGS WITH SPECIAL OR PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS
This section provides selection criteria of ceramic tiles intended as finishes with
special or particular requirements, as a result of use or service requirements, over and
above conventional applications, or which provide a specific property.
This section is essentially for specifications writers, inasmuch as they are
responsible for assigning the technical requirements to the materials that are used in a
special finish, as may be the case of a ceramic tiling.
Considerations regarding special requirements:
►
►
►
High performance of a mechanical nature, understood as assurance of the
integrity of both the ceramic body and fair face, at the level foreseen for the
intended use, which is usually a floor subject to high live and dead loads, with
risk of impact and rolling action.
High chemical resistance in the face of aggression by chemical products
whose nature, concentration, and maximum exposure time may be foreseen.
High slip resistance and, where appropriate, skid resistance, in the ceramic
tiles intended for floors with special risk: exterior ramps and stairs, interior
flooring subject to activities that involve materials being brought in which
encourage slipping, and floors in water-related domains for barefoot use.
We consider particular requirements to be the particular properties required in
certain coverings that are not considered fundamental properties in ceramic tile. These
include resistance to abrupt changes of temperature, electric conductivity, colour
fastness, the expression of gloss, or the whiteness index.
Other particular requirements are associated with specific applications, such as
lead and cadmium release in glazed tiles that will be in contact with food, or parameters
evaluated in materials intended for façade cladding [mass/surface ratio, strength at the
fasteners, corrosion resistance in salt spray, etc.]
High mechanical strength
This is achieved by a combination of different characteristics that determine the
level of bending strength under applied loads, in addition to impact resistance and
resistance to rolling action. Thus, ceramic tiles with high mechanical strength are
referred to in:
►
Vitrified products, at least of group I and preferentially of subgroup Ia, with
water absorption below 0.5%.
►
Thicknesses never below 11 mm.
►
Sizes that provide surface areas smaller than 625 cm2, it being usual to find
references to nominal sizes of 20x20 cm and 24x12 cm in manuals.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
21
►
►
Breaking strength above 2000 N.
Moduli of rupture or bending strength never below 27 N/mm2 (this being the
minimum value assigned to vitrified tiles of subgroup BIa)
►
Levels of resistance to deep abrasion typical of tiles BIa UGL [maximum
volume of material removed not above 175 mm3], as well as level 7 in the
other characteristics that determine resistance to the impairment of
appearance.
►
Unglazed products.
In addition, levels may be established or the relevant test passed in the following
characteristics:
►
Impact resistance according to the test in EN ISO 10545-5, with a coefficient
of restitution not below 0.85.
►
Passing the heavy impact resistance test, according to Annex 6 of Cahier
3515 (January 2005) of the French CSTB (for the U.P.E.C. classification),
with a maximum level of damage equal to 3.
►
Passing the rolling resistance test, according to Annex 5 of Cahier 3515
(January 2005) of the French CSTB (for the U.P.E.C. classification).
These last two characteristics, together with some of those defined previously,
establish the French P4S classification for homogeneous unglazed tiles [CSTB Cahier
3515 (January 2005)].
In every case, once the tiles have been selected according to the above
recommendations, high mechanical strength of the floor depends to a large extent on the
installation mode:
►
On a screed or deck resistant to the foreseen live and dead loads, achieved by
the mortar or concrete composition, thickness of the applied layer, or fitted
with electrowelded lath in the middle as a point load-distributing element.
►
Thin-bed fixing and buttering and floating with deformable cementitious
adhesives (of classes C 2 S1 or 2 C 2 S2, according to standards EN 12004
and EN 12002) or reaction resin adhesives that are also deformable.
►
Tile installation with open joints, with a joint width never below 5 mm, filled
with grouts that are also deformable according to the most qualified offer on
the market (cementitious materials with at least code CG 2 according to EN
13888).
►
The provision of well-dimensioned perimeter and intermediate movement
joints.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
22
The correct selection of ceramic tile and an optimum constructive solution for
the floor will assure durability on exposure to the foreseen loads.
The most unfavourable
situation for modular rigid
flooring in general, and for
ceramic flooring in particular
usually occurs in industrial or
commercial building areas with
circulating fork-lift trucks or
hand pallet trucks that carry high
loads on metal wheels with a
small diameter and thickness.
Such point loads can reach 25–50
N/mm2 depending on the type of
bearing.
High chemical resistance
The starting point is the consideration of inalterability, without any apparent
impairment of appearance, for ceramic tiles intended for wall tiling and, particularly, for
flooring in building areas in which the activity involved can generate aggression of a
chemical nature. Thus, in the first place, the tiles shall pass the test in EN ISO 10545-13
for all test products; i.e. the tiles shall obtain the codes:
►
►
UA, ULA, and UHA in unglazed tiles (UGL)
GA, GLA, and GHA, or GA (V), GLA (V), and GHA (V) in glazed tiles
(GL)
In addition, in building areas with risk of chemical attack by specific products,
the maximum concentration and exposure time (usually between consecutive cleaning
operations) of these products need to be foreseen. In such cases, the result of the test
according to EN ISO 10545-13 shall also be class A for specific chemical products, at
the maximum concentrations and exposure times. That result leads to class 3 (C3) in the
French U.P.E.C. classification [CSTB Cahier 3515 (January 2005)].
In every case, a class 3 stain resistance should also be considered (according to
the EN ISO 10545-14 test) before and after the chemical resistance tests.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
23
High slip resistance
Health and safety are high-priority issues in current building construction,
particularly in relation to the functionality of the habitat, in a context that seeks
sustainability in construction processes.
Floor slip resistance has become a concern shared by all the links in the
marketing and sales chain for modular rigid materials. At one end, there is the economic
component of compensation for slip falls; at the other, the achievement of flooring that
is compatible with locomotive or visual disabilities.
There are few manufacturers that do not refer their floor tiles to some standard
or test method. However, little progress has been made in international consensus on
slip resistance test methods and categories as a function of flooring characteristics and
the ensuing risk.
After the failure of draft standard ISO/DIS 10545-17, which set out the three
consolidated lines in the evaluation of slip resistance: the British approach represented
by the dynamic slider (better known as the Tortus); the American approach that
defended measurement of the static coefficient of friction; and the Central European
approach represented by the ramp test and the first issue of recognised documents for
the assignment of slip resistance levels as a function of risk [the current GUV-I 8527
(August 2004) and BGR 181 (October 2003)], more than 10 years’ uncertainty have
been spent in a context of disagreements between the economic stakeholders.
Disagreement between tile manufacturers, measurement apparatus and equipment
builders, and also between experts interested in holding privileged or excluding
positions as technical experts in legal proceedings.
Only the social pressure and the (yet timid) response of certain national
Administrations have unblocked the situation in at least two geographic areas: the
European Union and Southeast Asia/Far East/Oceania.
The following are internationally recognised in both areas:
►
The wet pendulum test method: ENV 12633 in Europe and AS/NZS 4586
(Appendix A) in Australia/New Zealand/Singapore.
►
The ramp method under different test conditions: European draft standard
prEN 15673-1 (April 2007) and standard AS/NZS 4586 (Appendices C and
D) currently under review (March 2007)
The already mentioned GUV-I 8527 and BGR 181 documents are further
available for the assignment of minimum slip resistances, as well as the Australian
guide HB 197 (1999), at present under review (June 2007), in addition to the
Appendices of standard AS/NZS 4586:
►
►
E: Measurement of the displacement volume (drainage capacity of a profiled
tile)
F: Measurement of tile surface roughness
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
24
►
►
G: Tables for correcting results of the wet pendulum test as a function of
ramp angle of inclination and calculation of the coefficient of friction in
ramps
H: Minimum values of the pendulum and ramp tests as a function of the type
of building area
The foregoing allow an orientation chart with all the variables (results published
in the aforementioned standards and documents) to be established.
The consideration of high slip and/or skid resistance is associated here with:
►
►
►
►
The highest levels [V, W] obtained in the wet pendulum test.
The results of the ramp test [at present, according to DIN 51097 (barefoot)
and DIN 51130 (using industrial footwear).
Profiled tiles.
The classification of building areas with respect to the slip resistance
risk/requirement [BGR 181 and GUV-I 8527].
CLASSIFICATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE TEST
Class
V
W
X
Y
Z
[1]
[2]
[3]
Value of the BPN[1] scale
4S[2] rubber slider
TRL[3] rubber slider
> 54
45–54
35–44
25–34
< 25
> 44
40–44
35–39
20–34
< 20
BPN: British pendulum number
4S (simulated standard shoe sole) rubber, with IRHD hardness 96±2, at present designated
SLIDER 96 (slider of hardness 96)
TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) rubber, with IRHD hardness 55±5, formerly called
TRRL and used on fired clay tiles and concrete. It represents better the non-slip capacity on
surfaces for barefoot use and rough surfaces, because it is less hard than the 4S rubber. At
present it is called SLIDER 55 (slider of hardness 55)
THE CERAMIC TILE
AS COLLECTING CHAMBER
IDENTIFYING CODE
V4
V6
V8
V10
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
MINIMUM VOLUME
(CM3/DM2)
4
6
8
10
25
RAMP TEST ACCORDING TO DIN 51097
Evaluation
group
A
Minimum angle of
inclination
≥ 12º
Areas according to GUV-I 8527
- Walkways for barefoot use (mainly dry)
- Communal and individual changing rooms
- Swimming pool floors in non-swimmer areas, when the water
in the entire area is more than 80 cm deep
- Sauna and rest areas (mainly dry)
-
B
≥ 18º
-
C
≥ 24º
Walkways for barefoot use that do not belong to group A
Shower areas
In the surroundings of disinfecting spray facilities
Swimming pool surrounds
Swimming pool floors in non-swimmer areas, when the water
is less than 80 cm deep in partial areas.
Swimming pool floors in non-swimmer areas in wave pools
Elevating floors
Swimming pools for young children
Ladders leading into water
Stairs leading into water with a maximum width of 1 m and
handrails on both sides
Ladders and stairs outside the swimming pool area
Sauna and rest areas that do not belong to group A
- Ladders leading into water that do not belong to group B
- Walk-through pools
- Inclined swimming pool surrounds
Minimum requirements in floors for barefoot use according to document GUV-I 8527 (former
GUV 26.17) and evaluation groups as a function of the critical angle.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
26
CLASSIFICATION OF SLIP RESISTANCE LEVELS ACCORDING TO DIN
51130
Result of the average values of the
Evaluation group
angle of inclination
R9
From 6º to 10º
R10
More than 10º to 19º
R11
More than 19º to 27º
R12
More than 27º to 5º
R13
More than 35º
Assignment of the average angles of inclination to the slip resistance evaluation
groups
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
27
CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDING AREAS AS A FUNCTION OF THE
SLIP RESISTANCE REQUIREMENT ACCORDING TO BGR 181 (2003)
No.
0
0.1
0.2
Workrooms, workplaces, and service traffic routes
General workrooms and workplaces*)
Entry areas, interiors**)
Entry areas, exteriors
0.3
0.4
Stairs, interiors***)
Stairs, exteriors
0.5
Sanitary areas (e.g. toilets, changing rooms, and washrooms)
Rest areas (e.g. social meeting rooms, company canteens)
Sanitary building areas
Margarine, edible fat, edible oil processing areas
Fat melting
Edible oil refinery
Margarine processing and packaging
Edible fat processing and packaging, edible oil filling
Processing and transformation of dairy products, cheese
processing
Fresh milk processing, including butter manufacture
Cheese manufacture, storage, and packaging
Ice cream manufacture
Processing of chocolate and candies
Sugar-manufacturing facilities
Cacao processing
Processing of raw masses
Manufacture of chocolate tablets, hollow items, and bonbons
Processing of bakery products (bakeries, pastry shops,
processing of bakery products with a long shelf life)
Processing of food masses or pastes
Building areas where fats or liquid masses are mainly
processed
Washing areas
Slaughter, meat supply, meat processing, and sausage
products
Slaughter houses
Offal processing
Meat quartering
Sausage kitchen
Cooked sausage kitchen
Raw sausage section
Sausage dryer
Offal store
Salty and smoked meat processing areas
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
Slip risk
classification
group
(R Group)
R9
R 11 or
R 10
R9
R 11 or
R 10
R 10
R9
R9
R 13
R 13
R 12
R 12
Displacement
volume with
minimum
volume factor
V4
V4
V6
V4
R 12
R 11
R 12
R 12
R 12
R 11
R 11
R 11
R 12
R 12
V4
R 13
R 13
R 13
R 13
R 13
R 13
R 12
R 12
R 12
V 10
V 10
V8
V8
V8
V6
28
5.10
5.11
5.12
6
6.1
6.2
6.3
7
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
8
8.1
8.2
9
9.1
9.1.1
9.1.2
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
9.8
9.8.1
9.8.2
9.8.3
9.9
10
10.1
10.2
11
11.1
11.1.1
11.1.2
11.2
11.3
11.3.1
11.3.2
Poultry processing area
Cold cuts and packaging section
Artisan activity with sale
Fish processing and transformation, manufacture of
delicatessen
Fish processing and transformation
Processing of delicatessen
Processing of mayonnaise
Vegetable processing and transformation
Processing of sauerkraut
Preparation of tinned vegetables
Sterilisation areas
Areas where vegetables are prepared for processing
Wet areas in food and drink processing (as far as not
specifically indicated)
Storage wine cellars, fermentation cellars
Drinks filling, juice processing
Kitchens, dining rooms
Gastronomic kitchens (catering and hotel kitchens)
up to 100 place settings per day
more than 100 place settings per day
Communal kitchens in homes, schools, kindergartens,
sanatoriums
Communal kitchens in hospitals, clinics
Industrial kitchens for communal kitchens in university
dining rooms, bars, catering services
Food preparation kitchens (fast-food kitchens, establishments
for snacks and similar products)
Kitchens for defrosting and heating food
Kitchens for coffee and tea, kitchens in bed and breakfast
hotels, kitchens at stations
Washing areas
Washing areas for 9.1, 9.4, 9.5
Washing areas for 9.2
Washing areas for 9.3
Dining rooms, rooms for clients, canteens, including serving
corridors
Cooling areas, freezing areas, cooler stores, cold stores
for non-packaged products
for packaged products
Sales outlets, commercial building areas
Meat reception
for non-packaged products
for packaged products
Fish reception
Service corridor for meat, sausages, and sausage products
for non-packaged products
for packaged products
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
R 12
R 12
R 12
V6
V 8****)
R 13
R 13
R 13
V 10
V6
V4
R 13
R 13
R 11
R 12
V6
V6
V4
R 10
R 11
R 11
R 12
R 11
V4
V4
R 12
R 12
V4
R 12
V4
R 10
R 10
R 12
R 11
R 12
R9
V4
R 12
R 11
R 11
R 10
R 11
R 11
R 10
29
11.4
Service corridor for bread, and bakery and pastry products,
non-packaged products
11.5
Service corridor for dairy products and delicatessen, nonpackaged products
11.6
Service corridor for fish
11.6.1 for non-packaged products
11.6.2 for packaged products
11.7
Service corridors, except those envisaged in numbers 11.3 to
11.6
11.8
Meat preparation area
11.8.1 for meat processing, except no. 5
11.8.2 for meat transformation, except no. 5
11.9
Rooms and areas for tying up flowers
11.10 Sales areas with a stationary oven
11.10.1 for processing bakery and pastry products
11.10.2 for baking previously prepared bakery and pastry products
11.11 Sales areas with stationary deep fryers or grills
11.12 Commercial building areas, clients’ rooms
11.13 Food product preparation areas for self-service sales outlets
11.14 Cash register areas, packaging areas
11.15 Open-air sales areas
12
12.1
12.2
12.3
12.4
12.5
12.6
12.7
12.8
12.9
12.10
12.11
12.12
12.13
12.14
13
13.1
13.2
13.3
Health service/social assistance building areas
Disinfection areas (wet)
Pre-purification areas for sterilization
Building areas for faecal materials, areas with sinks and
water-drainage mouths, areas for sanitary activities related to
impurities
Dissection or autopsy rooms
Building areas with medicinal baths, hydrotherapy, mud
preparation
Washing areas for operating theatres, plastering areas
Sanitary building areas, bathrooms for hospital sections
Building areas for medical diagnosis and therapy, massage
rooms
Operating theatres
Hospital sections with patients’ wards and corridors
Doctors’ practices, outpatients’ departments
Pharmacies
Laboratories
Hairdressing salons
Laundries
Building areas with continuous clothes washers (washing
tubes) or with centrifugal clothes washers
Building areas with clothes washers, from which the clothes
are withdrawn dripping wet
Building areas for ironing and calendering
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
R 10
R 10
R 12
R 11
R9
R 12
R 11
R 11
R 11
R 10
R 12
R9
R 10
R9
R 11 or
R 10
V8
V4
V4
R 11
R 10
R 10
R 10
R 11
R 10
R 10
R9
R9
R9
R9
R9
R9
R9
R9
R 11
R9
30
14
14.1
14.2
15
15.1
15.2
15.3
15.4
15.5
16
16.1
17
17.1
17.2
18.6
19
19.1
20
20.1
20.2
20.3
Concentrated fodder processing
Dry fodder processing
Concentrated fodder processing using fat and water
Hide, textile processing
Workplaces with tannery water
Areas with flesh removal machines
Areas where adhesive and hide wastes are generated
Areas with grease for waterproofing processing
Textile dyeing area
Workplaces for lacquering or painting
Areas for wet machining
The ceramic industry
Wet mills (preparation of ceramic raw materials)
Mixers
Handling of materials like tar, bitumen, graphite, synthetic
resins
Presses (forming)
Handling of materials like tar, bitumen, graphite, synthetic
resins
Casting areas
Glazing areas
Glass and stone processing and transformation
Facilities for cutting and dressing stone
Forming of hollow glass, glass containers, glazing for
construction
Machining areas for hollow glass, flat glass
Processing of insulation glass
Handling of drying agents
Packing and dispatch of flat glass
Handling of non-stick agents
Glass engraving and acid polishing facilities
Concrete factories
Concrete washing locations
Storage areas
Oil and grease storage areas
Packaged food storage areas
Open-air storage areas
21
21.1
21.2
21.3
Chemical and thermal treatment of iron and metal
Stripping facilities
Tempering facilities
Laboratories
17.3
17.4
17.5
18
18.1
18.2
18.3
18.4
18.5
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
R 11
R 11
R 13
R 13
R 13
R 12
R 11
V4
V 10
V 10
R 12
V 10
R 11
R 11
V6
R 11
V6
R 12
R 12
R 11
R 11
R 11
R 11
V6
R 11
V6
R 11
R 11
R 12
R 10
R 11 or
R 10
V6
V4
R 12
R 12
R 11
31
22
28.3
Metal processing and transformation, metalworking
locations
Galvanisation areas
Grey cast iron processing
Mechanical processing areas (e.g. lathework, mechanical
machining), stamping, pressing, drawing (tubes, wires) and
areas exposed to larger oil and lubricant pollution
Areas for cleaning items or parts, areas with evaporation and
flue gases
Vehicle maintenance workplaces
Repair and maintenance areas
Work and testing pit
Washing hall, washing places
Airplane maintenance workplaces
Hangars
Shipyard halls
Washing locations
Wastewater treatment facilities
Pump rooms
Areas with facilities for sludge water removal
Computer rooms
Workplace locations, service platforms, maintenance landing
stage
Fire stations
Vehicle parking areas
Hose maintenance areas
Banks and monetary institutions
Teller window areas
Parking areas
Garages, underground car parks or car parks in buildings, not
exposed to climate effects*****)
Garages, underground car parks or car parks in buildings
exposed to climate effects
Open-air parking surfaces
29
29.1
29.2
29.3
29.4
29.5
29.6
29.7
29.8
29.9
Schools and day-care centres
Entry areas, corridors, rest rooms
Classrooms, common building areas
Stairs
Toilets, washrooms
Kitchens for learning in schools (see also number 9)
Kitchens in day-care centres (see also number 9)
Woodwork machine rooms
Special working areas
Playgrounds
22.1
22.2
22.3
22.4
23
23.1
23.2
23.3
24
24.1
24.2
24.3
25
25.1
25.2
25.3
25.4
26
26.1
26.2
27
27.1
28
28.1
28.2
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
R 12
R 11
R 11
V4
V4
R 12
R 11
R 12
R 11
V4
V4
R 11
R 12
R 11
V4
R 12
R 12
R 12
R 12
R 12
R 12
R9
R 10
R 11 or
R 10
R 11 or
R 10
R9
R9
R9
R 10
R 10
R 10
R 10
R 10
R 11 or
R 10
V4
V4
V4
32
30
30.1
Service traffic routes in external areas
Pedestrian routes
30.2
30.2.1
Loading bays or areas
roofed
30.2.2
30.3
30.4.1
30.4.2
non-roofed
Ramps (e.g. for wheelchairs, loading platforms)
Areas for filling up fuel
Roofed areas for filling up fuel
*)
**)
***)
****)
*****)
R 11 or
R 10
V4
R 11 or
R 10
R 12
R 12
R 12
R 11
V4
V4
For floors in wet areas for barefoot use see the information in the GUV ‘Floors in wet areas for barefoot use’ (GUV-I 8527,
former GUV 26.17).
The entry areas in accordance with number 0.1 are the areas that are directly accessible from outdoors and in which moisture
can be brought in from outside (see also the fourth paragraph of section 4, on the arrangement of the elements for collecting
dirt and moisture. For contiguous areas or other building areas with large surfaces, point 3.4 of this BG standard should be
taken into account.
The stairs according to number 0.3 are stairs in which moisture can be carried in from outdoors. These include, for example,
the stairs directly behind entry areas that are accessible from outside. For contiguous areas, point 3.4 of this BG standard
should be taken into account.
When a uniform flooring has been installed, based on a risk analysis (taking into account the cleaning method, unfolding of
the work process, and the generation of substances that encourage slipping on the floor), the displacement volume can be
reduced to V4.
Pedestrian areas that are unaffected by the slip risk stemming from atmospheric effects, such as rain or moisture being carried
inside.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
33
MINIMUM SLIP RESISTANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
ACCORDING TO APPENDIX H (TABLE H1) OF AS/NZS 4586 (REVISION MARCH 2007) FOR
NORMAL CONDITIONS OF FLOOR USE OR PERFORMANCE
Type of building area or activity
Entries and access areas including hotels, offices, Wet area[1]
public buildings, shopping centres, shops, schools Transitional area[1]
and kindergartens, common areas of public Dry area[1]
buildings, internal lift lobbies
Dry internal ramps, (slopes greater than 15%)
Facilities in hotels, offices, and shopping centres
Fast food outlets, buffet food servery areas, food court and fast food dining
areas in shopping centres
Undercover concourse areas of sports stadium
Private, publicly inaccessible balconies
Self catering areas or kitchenettes
Shop and supermarket fresh fruit and vegetable areas
Supermarket aisles except fresh fruit areas
Residential garages
Residential kitchens
Residential bathrooms, ensuites, toilets and laundries
Hotels, hospitals and aged care facilities
Wards and corridors
Ensuites
Accessible internal stair (vertical) –
Dry
Handrails present
Wet
External floors in general, with public and communal access.
Vertical access stairs, primary access to premises, private paths
Serving areas behind bars in public hotels and clubs, cold stores, freezers
External ramps, with a slope between 5% and 7.1%
External ramps with a slope steeper than 7.1%
Loading bays
Commercial kitchens
Communal changing rooms
Swimming pool surrounds and communal shower rooms
Swimming pool ramps and stairs leading into water
Class
Class
according according
to the wet
to the
pendulum
ramp
X
R10
Y
R9
Z
R8[2]
X
R10
Z[3]
X
Y
Y
Y
X
X
W
R9
R10
R9
A or R9
R9
A or R10
R10
B or R11
X
R11
V
R12
X
W
V
A
B
C
1. Definition linked to the assurance of a state of cleanliness and dryness. Transitional areas are areas that are intended to be kept
dry such as by the provision of design features (awnings, drains, mats, air locks, etc.) appropriate to the physical location, climate
and general exposure to water, as maintained in a dry and clean condition by the facilities manager.
2. R8 is an artificial classification to indicate products that fail to obtain class R9.
3. Values of less than 12 BPN with 4S rubber would be most inadvisable.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
34
By way of conclusion, based on the foregoing charts, a series of
recommendations may be made regarding special slip resistance.
►
►
►
►
The floors with the greatest risk [exterior ramps with slopes steeper than 7%
or ramps in swimming pools, industrial kitchens (hotel and catering trade,
…), loading bays… ] are assigned a V resistance according to the wet
pendulum test (with BPN>54 and 4S slider), with minimum class R12 being
established according to the ramp test.
In building areas with flooring subject to commercial or industrial activity
with special risk, it is advisable to reference slip resistance on the basis of
document BGR 181, with the double reference to the R9–R13 scale and the
drainage capacity of the profiled tile.
For outdoor flooring that is level or has a slope of less than 7%, and wet
indoor flooring it is recommended to choose ceramic tiles of slip resistance
classes W, X (pendulum), or R11, R10 (ramp).
Dry inner ramps, and accesses from outdoors without assurance of a clean
and dry state should have a minimum slip resistance of class X [class 2 of SU
1 (Spain)], approximately equal to the R10 class with the ramp test.
The following table summarises the foregoing recommendations with reference
to the test method or document/guideline.
SPECIAL SLIP RESISTANCE REQUIREMENTS
Building area/Activity
Industrial
or
commercial
activity with special risk (water +
materials that encourage slipping
+ forced traffic + loading
operations)
Exterior flooring with slope
steeper than 7%, loading bays,
slopes in swimming pools
Flooring
in
water-related
domains as a function of location
and risk, including human
disabilities
Wet inner flooring or with special
risk (stairs, slopes, handling and
serving of food, etc.)
Dry inner flooring accessible from
outdoors
Wet
pendulum
test
Standards
--
--
V
AS/NZS 4586
[ENV 12633]
V-X
AS/NZS 4586
[ENV 12633]
W-X
AS/NZS 4586
[ENV 12633]
X
AS/NZS 4586
[ENV 12633]
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
Ramp
test
Standards
DIN 51130
AS/NZS 4586
R13-R10
Appendices D+E
+
prEN 15673-1
V10-V4
BGR 181
HB 197 [Rev. 2007]
R12
DIN 51130
AS/NZS 4586
Appendix D
prEN 15673-1
C-A
DIN 51097
GUV-I 8527
HB 197 [Rev. 2007]
prEN 15673-1
R11-R10
DIN 51130
AS/NZS 4586
Appendix D
prEN 15673-1
R10
DIN 51130
AS/NZS 4586
Appendix D
prEN 15673-1
35
THE FRENCH UPEC CLASSIFICATION
The present document, devoted to reasoning the ceramic tile selection criteria,
also needed to include an extensive reference to the only official proposal that links
floor service requirements to certain technical characteristics of the flooring materials,
with a view to assuring durability: the U.P.E.C. classification, which has been published
by the CSTB [Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment] since 1959, and is
compulsory in France and its area of influence.
The data provided here correspond to the update of January 2005, Cahier 3515,
which represents the recasting in a single document of Cahier 3243 (July-August 2000)
and its amended version (Cahier 3503, May 2004), which already incorporates
European standard EN 14411. Cahier 3515 is exclusively devoted to ceramic flooring.
References are also taken from Cahier 3509 (November 2004) on the
classification of building areas, which already incorporates the new codes U2S+ and P4+
for textiles and tiles, respectively.
Foundation
The French UPEC classification establishes a connection between the technical
requirements of the materials intended for flooring with the intended service
application. The following technological parameters are used to classify the materials:
U: Measurement of abrasive wear as a result of pedestrian traffic
P: Measurement of resistance to pitting, penetration, or perforation
(inappropriately translated into Spanish as punzamiento (piercing) or
punzonamiento (punching), associated with the action of dead and live loads
on the flooring
E: Measurement of performance in relation to water and moisture of the
flooring materials, if they undergo alterations for this reason
C: Measurement of resistance to chemical attack and cleanability of stains, in
relation to the degree of exposure that a floor may have
Each of these parameters is associated with one or more test methods, both those
of the UPEC system (light and heavy impact, rolling action, and chemical resistance to
specific products) and those envisaged by ISO 10545.
Mechanical wear by pedestrian traffic (U)
The evaluation of the resistance of a ceramic tile to the impairment of
appearance caused by pedestrian traffic is made on the basis of the test methods in EN
ISO 10545-7 (measurement of the resistance to surface abrasion by the PEI method) for
glazed tiles (GL), and in EN ISO 10545-6 (measurement of deep abrasion, in France
called ‘CAPON’) for unglazed tiles (UGL).
The following tables set out the U parameter codes.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
36
CLASSIFICATION OF THE U PARAMETER IN GLAZED TILES (GL)
Code
Visible effect at the number of revolutions indicated
Method EN ISO 10545-7 (PEI)
(*)
n ≤ 150
U2
150 < n ≤ 600
U2s
600 < n ≤ 1500
U3
1500 < n ≤ 12,000
U3s
n > 12,000 and stains removed after abrasion (equivalent to PEI V)
(*) Cannot be used in flooring
CLASSIFICATION OF THE U PARAMETER IN UNGLAZED TILES (UGL)
Code
Length of the groove l (in mm) and removed volume V (in mm3)
Method EN ISO 10545-6 (CAPON)
U2
50 < l ≤ 65 [1062< V ≤ 2365]
U2s
40 < l ≤ 50 [540 < V ≤ 1062]
U3
32 < l ≤ 40 [275 < V ≤ 540]
and tiles less than 12 mm thick
U3s
32 < l ≤ 40 [275 < V ≤ 540]
and tiles of 12 mm thickness or thicker
U4
l ≤ 32 [V ≤ 275]
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
37
The consideration of non-homogeneous unglazed tiles disappears, leaving the
assignment of ‘glazed’ (with the letter E in French) and ‘unglazed’ (NE in French) in
the hands of the manufacturer. However, it introduces the concept of decorated tiles (on
stoneware biscuit), for which it requires that in order to reach class U4, after a deep
abrasion test with 25 revolutions on the surface of the tile:
►
►
The decoration is conserved
No sub-base (background) appears with a different colour.
Resistance to pitting, penetration, or perforation (P)
This parameter takes into account the presence of furniture on the floor, and
manual displacement (with the aid of trolleys and other moving devices) of loads of
varying weight. It also takes into consideration the objects that fall as a result of
handling.
It is necessary, therefore, to consider the mechanical strength of the ceramic tile
itself, measured by bending strength according to the test method in EN ISO 10545-4,
impact resistance for GL and UGL tiles, and resistance to rolling action. Thus, for the
quantification of the P parameter, the following are taken into account:
►
The physical mechanical strength characteristics of ceramic tile; i.e. nominal
surface area (cm2), nominal thickness (mm), and bending strength based on
breaking load (F) and modulus of rupture (R). These two last magnitudes
are measured according to the test method in EN ISO 10545-4.
►
Light impact resistance for glazed tiles (GL), measured according to the test
method in Annex 7 of Cahier 3515 (January 2005) of the CSTB, as described
according to the charts below.
►
Heavy impact resistance for unglazed tiles (UGL), measured according to
the test method in Annex 6 of Cahier 3515 (January 2005) of the CSTB, as
described according to the charts below.
►
Resistance to heavy rolling action for unglazed tiles (UGL), measured
according to the test method in Annex 5 of Cahier 3515 (January 2005) of the
CSTB, as described according to the charts below.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
38
MEASUREMENT OF LIGHT IMPACT ON GLAZED TILES (GL)
A steel ball of 50 g is dropped from a height of 1 m on to a scale model, comprising a concrete slab of
40x40 cm on which three test pieces of 75x75 mm, cut from three different tiles, have been adhered,
fixed with open joints. The results obtained are classified according to the following levels:
Level
Note:
Description of the damage
0
No noticeable damage visible on the tile surface
1
Line or circular traces around the impact
No radial cracks or detachment of material (shivering)
2
Radial cracks of length l ≤ 5 mm
No material detachment
3
Radial cracks of length 5 < l ≤ 10 mm
No material detachment
4
Radial cracks of length l > 10 mm
No material detachment
5
Detachment of material in the form of flakes
In order to classify the level, at least two test pieces shall display the maximum observed
damage
MEASUREMENT OF HEAVY IMPACT ON UNGLAZED TILES (UGL)
A steel ball of 510 g is dropped from a height of 80 cm on to a concrete scale model of 40x40 cm and 4
cm thickness, set on a bed of sand. Three whole tiles are fixed on this slab by the thin-bed fixing
method, buttering and floating, and use of a two-component cementitious adhesive. Tile installation with
open joints (3 mm for pressed tiles, and 6 mm for extruded tiles).
The classification of the results is identical to that described for light impact (foregoing chart]).
MEASUREMENT OF HEAVY ROLLING ACTION ON UNGLAZED TILES (UGL)
The rolling action test has the following characteristics:
►
►
►
►
A motorised device makes a cast iron wheel rotate on a scale model in which 4 tiles measuring
195x195 mm (or cut test pieces of those dimensions, with the cut edges located at the perimeter)
have been adhered, with open joints (3 mm for B tiles, and 6 mm for A tiles).
In addition, two wedges of 100x20x3 mm are located on the tiles, so that the wheel hits the centre
of a tile and joint between two tiles, with a drop of 3 mm.
The cast iron wheel (Ø 50 mm and 20 mm rolling action surface) rotates 22,320 times on the scale
model (equivalent to a travel of 14,000 m), exerting a constant force of 295 ± 2 N.
After the test, the surface of the scale model is visually examined, and the damage undergone by the
tiles and the tile-to-tile joints are noted down. Where appropriate, the damage undergone by the scale
model as a whole (at concrete slab or bonding material level) is noted down.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
39
Quantification of the physical characteristics of the tested ceramic tiles
according to the described methods yields the following codes for parameter P:
►
Level P2:
• In glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles that meet the requirements demanded
of their product group (in regard to breaking load and bending strength, or
modulus of rupture).
• GL tiles are required, in addition, to pass the light impact test method at
level 4: namely, that at least two of the three test tiles display no material
detachment.
• The tile length (L) to width (l) ratio is 2 or smaller [L/l ≤ 2].
►
Level P3:
These need to conform to the same requirements as P2, and in addition:
• Have a controlled nominal thickness according to EN ISO 10545-2 of 4
mm or larger (e ≥ 4 mm).
• Have a breaking load of F ≥ 600 N. If the test cannot be performed because
the tiles are small, those that have been classified as U4 will be classified
as P3.
• The ratio of the nominal dimensions of the tile shall be 2 or smaller [L/l ≤
2].
►
Level P4:
This level can only be attained by unglazed tiles (UGL), since a U4
classification is demanded for impairment of appearance.
In addition, the characteristics shown in the following chart, as a function of
the nominal surface S of the ceramic tile, are required.
Requirement
Test
Nominal thickness
(mm)
EN ISO
10545-2
Breaking strength (N)
► Square tiles
► Rectangular tiles
EN ISO
10545-4
Ratio of nominal length (L) /
nominal width (l)
Bending strength
(MPa)
► Pressed tiles
► Extruded tiles
Resistance to rolling
action
EN ISO
10545-4
NOMINAL SURFACE S (cm2)
400<S≤500 500<S≤1100 (*)
100<S≤200
200<S≤400
1100<S≤2200
≥7
≥7
≥7
≥7
≥ 11
≥ 1500
≥ 1000
≥ 1500
≥ 1200
≥ 1500
≥ 1200
≥ 1500
≥ 1200
≥ 1500
≥ 1200
L/l ≤ 2
L/l ≤ 2
L/l ≤ 2
L/l ≤ 2
L/l ≤ 2
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
Annex 5 The tested tiles display no alterations at the surface or edges after 22,320
Cahier rotations
3515
(*) Tiles of nominal size 33.3x33.3 cm are included here.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
40
►
Level P4+
Solely unglazed tiles (UGL) can attain this level, since level U4 is also
required, only minimum thickness and breaking strength being changed with
respect to P4, as shown in the following chart.
Requirement
NOMINAL SURFACE S (cm2)
Test
Nominal thickness
(mm)
EN ISO
10545-2
Breaking strength (N)
► Square tiles
► Rectangular tiles
EN ISO
10545-4
200<S≤400
≥8
≥8
≥8
≥ 10
≥ 11
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
L/l ≤ 2
L/l ≤ 2
L/l ≤ 2
L/l ≤ 2
L/l ≤ 2
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
Ratio of nominal length (L) /
nominal width (l)
Bending strength
(MPa)
► Pressed tiles
► Extruded tiles
Resistance to rolling
action
400<S≤500 500<S≤1100(*) 1100<S≤2200
100<S≤200
EN ISO
10545-4
Annex 5
Cahier
3515
The tested tiles display no alterations at the surface or edges.
(*) Tiles of nominal size 33.3x33.3 cm are included here.
►
Level P4S
The maximum level is also reached with UGL tiles that yield class U4, size
(up to 1100 cm2), required minimum thickness of 11 mm up to 20x20 cm
and 13 mm between 20x20 cm and 33.3x33.3 cm, and level 3 maximum
damage after the resistance to heavy impact test (Annex 6 of Cahier 3515).
This is all set out in the following chart.
Requirement
Test
Nominal thickness (mm)
EN ISO 10545-2
Breaking strength (N)
► Square tiles
► Rectangular tiles
EN ISO 10545-4
Ratio of nominal length (L) / nominal width
(l)
Nominal length (L) (mm)
Bending strength
(MPa)
► Pressed tiles
► Extruded tiles
► Resistance to rolling
action
► Resistance to heavy
impact
(*)
(**)
NOMINAL SURFACE S (cm2)
100<S≤200
200<S≤400
400<S≤500
500<S≤1100(*)
≥ 11
≥ 11
≥ 13
≥ 13
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
≥ 2000
L/l ≤ 2
L ≤ 250
L/l ≤ 2
L ≤ 250
L/l ≤ 2
-
L/l ≤ 2
-
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
≥ 27
≥ 23
EN ISO 10545-4
Annex 5
Cahier 3515
The tested tiles display no alterations at the surface or edges.
Annex 6
Cahier 3515
After the test, the tiles will display damage level ≤ 3: i.e., without
spalling, or cracks larger than 10 mm.(**)
Tiles of nominal size 33.3x33.3 cm are included here.
In the case of ceramic tiles with a non-slip profile, the heavy impact test (dropping a ball of 510 g from a height of 80 cm) is
performed with tiles of the same characteristics but with a smooth fair face.
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
41
Performance on exposure to water and moisture (E)
The NF-UPEC classification foresees the performance of flooring materials in
relation to water (more or less continuous presence of water on the material surface and
even the possibility of long flooding of the floor) or moisture (coming from the ambient
or underlying layers). Based on their performance, the materials are classified according
to levels E0, E1, E2, and E3. UPEC recommends a certain level as a function of the
degree of exposure.
All ceramic tiles are automatically classified (without any need to conduct tests)
at level E3, since they undergo no damage, without any exposure time limit. This
classification does not assure watertightness of the flooring, which shall be assured by
the installation of waterproofing below the flooring.
Resistance to chemical attack and stains (C)
Levels C0, C1, C2, and C3 are set for this parameter, as a function of greater or
lesser cleanability, and chemical resistance. A level is assigned to each building area
according to cleaning frequency (in turn, based on level of traffic) and potential
exposure of the flooring to chemical products.
Cahier 3515 provides Annex 8 in order to establish the parameter C categories
or levels. Stain resistance is tested according to EN ISO 10545-14, supplemented with a
stain test using methylene blue (10 g/l concentration) for glazed tiles. The same
minimum level of stain resistance is understood to be required as in standard EN 1441:
that is, class 3 (stain removed with strong detergent and mechanical cleaning with
rotating disc and hard sponge).
Chemical resistance is envisaged independently of standard EN ISO 10545-13
with tests using:
►
►
Acids (aqueous citric acid solution, at 100 g/l, and solution at 10%
hydrochloric acid by volume).
Bases (solution at 10% by weight of potassium hydroxide)
Citric acid is applied to glazed tiles for 15 minutes and hydrochloric acid is
applied to unglazed tiles for 120 minutes. Potassium hydroxide is applied to both
glazed and unglazed tiles for 120 minutes.
Annex 8 of Cahier 3515 classifies the results of chemical attack by visual
analysis, according to the old European standard [EN 67-112-85]. The process
illustrated in the attached scheme is followed for glazed tiles.
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42
No
visible
effect
→
HB pencil
test
Visual
examination
With
visible
effect
Line removed
Wiping
→ with dry Line not
cloth
removed
HB pencil
→
test
Clear reflection
→
Light
reflection
test
Blurred
reflection
Class AA
Wiping with
wet cloth
Line
removed
Class A
Line not
removed
Class B
Partial loss of the image
Class C
Complete loss of the image
Class D
For unglazed tiles, the appearance of the pieces after chemical attack is analysed,
without changes in colour or loss of colour being taking into account. The following
classes are identified: 3 (some alteration), 2 (slight attack), and 1 (severe attack). These
categories, resulting from the chemical resistance test, CSTB Cahier 3515 (January
2005), allow the chemical resistance classes detailed in the following chart to be
established.
CODE
C0
C1
C2
C3
RESISTANCE TO ACIDS AND ALKALIS [AB]
ACCORDING TO ANNEX 8
Glazed tiles
Unglazed tiles
ACIDS ALKALIS
ACIDS
ALKALIS
D
B
C
B
1
2
1
2
Inalterability to specific products
STAIN RESISTANCE [T]
ACCORDING TO ANNEX 8
Every type of tile
Class 1
Class 2-5
Insensitive to specific
staining products
Unglazed tiles with a smooth fair face, subjected to a mechanical polishing
process, are given the unique code U3P3E3, with the relevant chemical resistance code
(C) according to the results of the test in Annex 8.
On the other hand, Cahier 3509 (November 2004), in addition to offering an
exhaustive list of building areas with the required U.P.E.C. codes, includes a clarifying
introduction on the assignment criteria for the levels or categories, which match the
criteria set out for ceramic tile selection.
Since it is an official document, it deserves to be provided here for its reference
value:
►
The U levels (from U2 to U4) are linked to mechanical scratching and
abrasion actions.
►
Code P is associated with dead and live loads, with their typical aggressions:
rolling actions and impacts.
Categories P2 and P3 are associated with building areas subject to
exclusively pedestrian traffic with limited dead loads, in accordance with the
following chart.
►
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43
►
Categories P2 and P3 are associated with building areas subject to
exclusively pedestrian traffic with limited dead loads, in accordance with the
following chart.
Concentrated maximum load per support (in kgf)
Maximum pressure induced on the floor (in kgf/cm2)
P2
100
20
P3
200
30
P4
500
40
P4S
1000
50
Thus, slight rolling actions are hardly envisaged for P2, while P3 is
compatible with slight rolling actions, such as office chairs on wheels,
stretchers in hospitals.
►
Categories P4 and P4S are reserved for floorings with non-exclusively
pedestrian traffic, where more or less heavy rolling actions are present in all
cases. Class P4S also envisages resistance to heavy impact. The following
chart provides data for the characterisation of these levels.
CLASSIFICATION
Type of traffic
P4
Frequency
Nature of the
wheels
Characteristics
of the vehicles
Total load per
wheel[1]
Contact pressure
Gross loaded
weight
Speed
Service
[2]
Examples of
Equipment
Maintenance
[1]
[2]
[3]
P4S
Typical of hypermarkets and
Normal, typical of commerce
large commercial surfaces:
and maintenance
provision and maintenance.
Polyutherane or
Polyutherane or
other material Solid rubber or other material Solid rubber or
rubber tyres
rubber tyres
of equivalent
of equivalent
hardness
hardness
≤ 600 kg
≤ 1000 kg
≤ 1000 kg
≤ 2000 kg
≤ 40 kg/ cm2
-
≤ 60 kg/ cm2
-
≤ 1800 kg
≤ 3000 kg
≤ 3000 kg
≤ 6000 Kg
≤ 5 km/h[2]
Hand trolley
Hand pallet
truck.
Electric pallet
truck guided
from the floor,
with a nominal
capacity of
1300 kg.
≤ 10 km/h[2]
Self-propelled
pallet truck[3]
Washing
facilities
guided from
the floor
≤ 10 km/h[2]
Forklift truck
with nominal
capacity of
1600 kg
Forklift truck
with nominal
capacity of
2000 kg
Self-propelled
washing
facilities.
Self-propelled
lifters
Metal wheels are excluded. Twin wheels are considered a single wheel if the inter-axle distance is less than 20 cm.
The antiskid braking system in self-propelled facilities needs to be taken into account.
The case of loading vehicles at train stations or luggage transporters at airports.
►
The letter E is associated with the presence of water or moisture related not
only to floor cleaning operations and maintenance, but also to the use of the
building area. The material E1 level requirement is always associated with
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44
dry building areas that only become wet when they are cleaned with a mop.
Category E2 is associated with the presence of water in washing operations
occurring with intermediate frequency. Category E3 is required for materials
that are going to be wet for a long time, also related to floors with slip
resistance requirements and floors containing slopes and/or drains.
►
The letter C for chemical resistance is associated with the potential
aggression to flooring caused by liquids, chemical substances, and foods that
can not only give rise to irreversible damage by chemical attack, but also to
stains that are difficult to remove. Category C1 is associated with low-risk
building areas and C2 to building areas with risk in the private field (e.g.
kitchens, laundries). C3 is required for materials intended for communal
building areas with potential attack by specific products.
The tables of building areas with their associated codes are broken down as
follows:
■ Apartment buildings
■ Civil and/or administrative, public or private buildings
■ Stations and airports
■ Commercial establishments
■ Buildings of services (hotels, theatres, summer residences, etc.)
■ Teaching centres
■ Health centres and hospital facilities
■ Homes for the elderly
To request the original documents or updated versions of Cahiers 3515 and
3509, one can contact:
CSTB - Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment
84, avenue Jean Jaurès
Champs sur Marne
77447 Marne la Vallée cedex 2
France
www.cstb.fr
AFNOR - Association Française de Normalisation
11, rue Francis de Pressensé
93571 La Plaine Saint-Denis Cedex
France
www.afnor.org
Selection Criteria
From intuitive parameters to the requirements that assure durability
45
PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS
The following lists certain tile requirements in tilings with particular properties.
Some are described in the section on physico-chemical characteristics; others are dealt
with in the literature or in particular standards.
►
Whiteness index, in plain white glazed tiles, obtained according to the
American standard ASTM E-313, as WI E313; or according to the
Commission Internationale d’Eclairage (CIE), as index WI CIE. There are
also other whiteness indices (Hunter, Stensby, Stephansen).
►
Gloss, as a magnitude comparable to the reflection coefficient (ratio of the
quantity of reflected light to incident light), this being proportional to the
refractive index of the medium. It can be measured with the ASTM C584/81 test (reviewed in 1988): measurement of mirror gloss in relation to a
black polished glass to which a value of 94 is assigned, for a reflected light
angle of 60º. Also with a standard reflectometer according to standard ISO
2813.
►
Colour consistency: in plain glazed tiles according to what has already been
described for test EN ISO 10545-16 (measurement of small colour
differences), the CMC colour difference is calculated based on the
establishment of a commercial tolerance c.f.
►
Verification of colour fastness on exposure to sunlight, as a function of the
results of the test according to DIN 51094 (1996) (28 days exposure to UV
radiation from a radiant body at 50 cm with a 300–400W mercury lamp).
►
Measurement of ceramic tile thermal conductivity, with a view to
calculating the thermal load of a building or the thermo-insulating capacity
of a ceramic tiling with intermediate layers. Standard C 408-88 can be
applied, the result being expressed in g·cal/s·cm2·ºC.
►
Measurement of the electric conductivity in ceramic tiles intended for
conductive flooring capable of evacuating electrostatic charge. In a floor, the
electric conduction is mainly achieved by the installation of a copper
network between the tile and the fixing surface, in addition to conductive
bonding materials and grouting.
Standard ASTM C-483/66 (reviewed in 1990) sets out a test for the
measurement of electric resistance. A floor is stated to be conductive, as a
whole, when its electric resistance does not exceed 104–106 Ohms (Ω).
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46
►
No emission of lead (Pb) or cadmium (Cd) in glazed tiles that are to be in
contact with food: the results of attack with acetic acid at 4% by volume
according to the test in EN ISO 10545-15 are measured, the results being
expressed in mg/dm2.
►
Resistance to abrupt changes in temperature or thermal shock: it is
verified that the ceramic tiles display no damage after the test according to
EN ISO 10545-9.
►
Compression strength: this is only envisaged in the Belgian standards,
according to the test in NBN B-27-002, applied on cylindrical test pieces of
equivalent diameter to the tile thickness. Porcelain tiles provide compression
strength above 300 N/mm2, a value higher than the 100 N/mm2 required for
the best class (class 5) of product standard B-27-011.
In ceramic tiles intended for outdoor tiling, other particular properties are
considered:
►
►
►
Mass/surface ratio (in g/cm2). For example, 1.85 g/cm2 for porcelain tile, as
opposed to 5.43 g/cm2 for granite or 0.54 g/cm2 for aluminium.
Permeability to rain (in g/cm2), measured according to the test in BS 4131,
Appendix A. For example, less than 0.001 g/cm2 in porcelain tile, as
opposed to 0.013 g/cm2 for granite or 7.4 g/cm2 for concrete.
Corrosion resistance in neutral salt spray, expressed as loss of specular
gloss (measured with a standard reflectometer, according to ISO 2813) and
change in colour, based on the test in ISO 9227. For example, a loss of 6.9
points in polished porcelain tile, as opposed to 61.5 points in limestone or 61
points in marble.
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47
►
Performance in SO2 atmosphere, also expressed as loss of specular gloss
in absolute value and change in colour, after testing in a Kesternich chamber
according to standard EN ISO 6988, with similar results to those in the
foregoing property.
►
Resistance to solar radiation, also measured as gloss loss and change in
colour, according to the test in EN ISO 11341, Method 2 cycle A. For
example, 10.2 and 0.41, respectively, in the polished porcelain tile; 7.7 and
1.88 in granite; and 68.1 and 2.68 in limestone.
►
Stain retention capacity or durability against external agents, mainly on
exposure to staining by impregnation (e.g. rhodamine solution at 0.1 g/l,
with an intense red colour) or by a film-forming action (e.g. indelible black
marker).
►
Mechanical strength at the fasteners, in the case of ceramic tiles installed
with mechanical fastening, measured as the breaking load of the fastener
according to the test in EN 13364.
In examinable raised floorings, the resistance to the concentrated vertical load
can also be required, as a maximum load that can be applied at three points on a floor
consisting of four tiles and the substrate on which they have been installed, to produce a
deflection of 1/300 at the longer tile side (for example, 2 mm in a 300x600 mm tile), the
maximum residual deflection (10% of the foregoing deflection) and a displacement of
less than 1% in the practicable floor height.
In inner ceramic tilings, it may also be necessary to consider thermal
conductivity, a parameter needed to calculate the thermal load of a building and, more
concretely, the thermo-insulating performance of the construction element on which the
ceramic tiles are installed. This characteristic is referenced in most modular rigid
materials, and is fundamental (CЄ marking) in some of these. It is measured by the test
described in standard EN 13369 (concrete tiles), EN 1745 (ceramic pavers), EN 146171, EN 12524 or EN ISO 13787 (all for natural stone tiles, taking the reference values in
standard EN 14617-1 if standard EN 12525 is selected). Thermal conductivity is usually
expressed in watt per metre kelvin (W/m·K).
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48