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1936:1999
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Natural stone test |
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methods Ð |
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Determination of real |
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density and apparent |
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density, and of total and |
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open porosity |
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The European Standard EN 1936:1999 has the status of a |
British Standard |
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ICS 91.100.15 |
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NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
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BS EN 1936:1999

National foreword
This British Standard is the English language version of EN 1936:1999.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
B/545, Natural stone, which has the responsibility to:

Ð aid enquirers to understand the text;

Ð present to the responsible international/European committee any enquiries
on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the UK interests
informed;
Ð monitor related international and European developments and promulgate
them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to

its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European publications
referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Standards Catalogue under the
section entitled ªInternational Standards Correspondence Indexº, or by using the
ªFindº facility of the BSI Standards Electronic Catalogue.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 5 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed throughout this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

This British Standard, having Amendments issued since publication

been prepared under the
direction of the Sector Amd. No. Date Comments
Committee for Building and Civil
Engineering, was published under
the authority of the Standards
Committee and comes into effect
on 15 September 1999

 BSI 09-1999

ISBN 0 580 32293 9

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1936
NORME EUROPEÂENNE
EUROPAÈISCHE NORM March 1999

ICS 73.020; 91.100.15

English version

Natural stone test methods Ð Determination of real density and

apparent density, and of total and open porosity

MeÂthodes d'essai pour pierres naturelles Ð PruÈfverfahren fuÈr Naturstein Ð Bestimmung der
DeÂtermination des masses volumiques reÂelle et Reindichte, der Rohdichte, der offenen PorositaÈt
apparente et des porositeÂs ouverte et totale und der GesamtporositaÈt

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 13 February 1999.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a
national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical
references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to
the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German).
A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a
CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the
same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comite EuropeÂen de Normalisation
EuropaÈisches Komitee fuÈr Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

 1999 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national
Members.
Ref. No. EN 1936:1999 E
Page 2
EN 1936:1999

Foreword prEN 13373, Natural stone test methods Ð

Determination of geometric characteristics on units.
This European Standard has been prepared by prEN ... (WI 00246032), Natural stone test methods Ð
Technical Committee CEN/TC 246, Natural stones, the Determination of resistance to ageing by salt mist.
Secretariat of which is held by UNI.
prEN ... (WI 00246033), Natural stone test methods Ð
This European Standard shall be given the status of a Determination of resistance to ageing by humidity,
national standard, either by publication of an identical temperature, SO2 action.
text or by endorsement, at the latest by
prEN ... (WI 00246035) Natural stone test methods Ð
September 1999, and conflicting national standards
Determination of dynamic elastic modulus (by
shall be withdrawn at the latest by September 1999.
fundamental resonance frequency).
This European Standard is one of the series of draft
prEN ... (WI 00246036) Natural stone test methods Ð
standards for tests on natural stone. Test methods for
Determination of water absorption at atmospheric
natural stone consist of the following parts:
pressure.
EN 1925, Natural stone test methods Ð Determination
It is intended that other ENs should call up this
of water absorption coefficient by capillarity.
EN 1936 as the basis of evaluation of conformity.
EN 1926, Natural stone test methods Ð Determination (Nevertheless it is not intended that all natural stones
of compressive strength. products should be subjected regularly to all the listed
EN 12370, Natural stone test methods Ð tests. Specifications in other standards should call up
Determination of resistance to salt crystallization. only relevant test methods).
prEN 12371, Natural stone test methods Ð According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations,
Determination of frost resistance. the national standards organizations of the following
EN 12372, Natural stone test methods Ð countries are bound to implement this European
Determination of flexural strength under concentrated Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,
load. Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
prEN 12407, Natural stone test methods Ð Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Petrographic description.
prEN 13161, Natural stone test methods Ð
Determination of flexural strength under constant
moment.
prEN 13364, Natural stone test methods Ð Contents
Determination of the breaking load at a dowel hole.
prEN ... (WI 00246011), Natural stone test methods Ð Page
Determination of thermal dilatation coefficient. Foreword 2
prEN ... (WI 00246012), Natural stone test methods Ð 1 Scope 3
Determination of sound±speed propagation.
2 Normative references 3
prEN ... (WI 00246014), Natural stone test methods Ð
Determination of abrasion resistance. 3 Principle 3
prEN ... (WI 00246015), Natural stone test methods Ð 4 Definitions 3
Determination of Knoop hardness. 5 Symbols 3
prEN ... (WI 00246016), Natural stone test methods Ð 6 Apparatus 3
Determination of thermal shock resistance.
7 Preparation of the specimens 4
prEN ... (WI 00246017), Natural stone test methods Ð
Determination of slip coefficient. 8 Test procedure 4
prEN ... (WI 00246018), Natural stone test methods Ð 9 Expression of results 5
Determination of static elastic modulus. 10 Test report 5
prEN ... (WI 00246019), Natural stone test methods Ð
Determination of rupture energy.
prEN ... (WI 00246030), Natural stone test methods Ð
Determination of surface finishes (rugosity).

 BSI 09-1999
 Page 3
EN 1936:1999

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies methods of
determining the real density, the apparent density, and
the open and total porosity of natural stone.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or
undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the
appropriate places in the text and the publications are
listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent
amendments to or revisions of any of these
publications apply to this European Standard only
when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For
undated references, the latest edition of the publication
referred to applies.
prEN 12670, Natural stones Ð Terminology.
ISO/DIS 3507, Laboratory glassware Ð Pyknometers.
prEN 12440, Denomination of natural stone.
3 Principle
After drying to constant mass, the apparent density
and the open porosity are determined by vacuum
assisted water absorption and submerged weighing of
specimens. The real density and the total porosity
require the specimen to be pulverized.
4 Definitions
For the purposes of this standard the following
definitions and the definitions in accordance with
prEN 12670 apply.
4.1
apparent density (rb)
the ratio between the mass of the dry specimen and its
apparent volume
4.2
apparent volume
the volume limited by the external surface of the
specimen, including any voids
4.3
volume of the solid part
the difference between the apparent volume of the
specimen and the volume of the voids (open and
closed pores)
4.4
real density (rr)
the ratio between the mass of the dry specimen and
the volume of its solid part
4.5
open porosity
the ratio (as a percentage) between the volume of the
open pores and the apparent volume of the specimen
4.6
total porosity
the ratio (as a percentage) between the volume of
pores (open and closed) and the apparent volume of
the specimen
5 Symbols
md mass of the dry specimen, in grams;
me mass of the specimen ground and dried
(for the tests using the pycnometer or the
volumenometer), in grams;
mh mass of the specimen immersed in water, in
grams;
ms mass of the saturated specimen, in grams;
m1 mass of the pycnometer filled with water and
the ground specimen, in grams;
m2 mass of the pycnometer filled with water, in
grams;
Vb apparent volume of the specimen, in millilitres;
Vo volume of open pores of the specimen, in
millilitres;
Vs volume of liquid displaced by the mass me
(volumenometer test);
rb apparent density of the specimen, in kilograms
per cubic metre;
rr real density of the specimen, in kilograms per
cubic metre;
rrh density of water, in kilograms per cubic metre;
p total porosity of the specimen, as a
percentage;
po open porosity of the specimen, as a
percentage.
6 Apparatus
6.1 A ventilated oven, which can maintain a
temperature of (70 ± 5) 8C.
6.2 An evacuation vessel, which can maintain a
pressure of (2,0 ± 0,7) kPa = (15 ± 5) mm Hg and allow
gradual immersion of the contained specimens.
6.3 A weighing instrument, which has an accuracy of
at least 0,01 % of the mass to be weighed, also capable
to weigh the specimen in water.
6.4 A linear measuring device, with an accuracy
of 0,1 mm.
6.5 An ISO/DIS 3507 type 3 pycnometer, having a
nominal capacity of 50 ml.
6.6 A Le Chatelier type volumenometer, consisting of
a flat-bottomed flask with a tube graduated from 0 ml
to 24 ml in 0,1 ml graduations.
6.7 A sieve, with a 0,063 mm mesh.
6.8 A desiccator, with desiccant.

 BSI 09-1999
Page 4
EN 1936:1999
7 Preparation of the specimens
7.1 Sampling
The sampling is not the responsibility of the test
laboratory except where specially requested. At least
six test specimens, which are considered
representative of the body of stone being tested, shall
be selected.
7.2 Test specimens
The test specimens have the form of a cylinder, cube
or prism and shall be obtained by diamond sawing or
coring. Their apparent volume calculated by
geometrical measurements shall be at least 25 ml.
In addition, the surface area to volume ratio shall be
between 0,1 mm21 and 0,2 mm21.
NOTE The specimens prepared for the determination of
compressive or flexural strength can be used if they satisfy the
surface/volume ratio.
7.3 Drying the specimens
The specimens are to be dried at a temperature of
(70 ± 5) 8C until a constant mass is reached. This is
assumed to have been attained when the difference
between two weighings at an interval of (24 ± 2) h is
not greater than 0,1 % of the mass of the specimen.
The specimens shall be kept in a desiccator until room
temperature is attained.
8 Test procedure
8.1 Open porosity and apparent density
Weigh each specimen (md), then put the specimens
into an evacuation vessel and lower the pressure
gradually to (2,0 ± 0,7) kPa = (15 ± 5) mm Hg.
Maintain this pressure for (24 ± 2) h in order to
eliminate the air contained in the open pores of the
specimens.
Introduce demineralized water at (20 ± 5) 8C slowly
into the vessel (the rate at which the water rises shall
be such that the specimens are completely immersed
in not less than 15 min).
Maintain the pressure of (2,0 ± 0,7) kPa during
introduction of water and for (24 ± 2) h afterwards.
After this time return the vessel to atmospheric
pressure and leave the specimens under water for
another (24 ± 2) h at atmospheric pressure.
Then, for each specimen:
Ð weigh the specimen under water and record the
mass in water: mh;
Ð quickly wipe the specimen with a dampened
cloth and determine the mass ms of the specimen
saturated with water.
In the case of natural stones with visible cavities
(e.g. travertine) the apparent volume is determined by
measuring the dimensions of the specimens to the
nearest millimetre.
8.2 Real density
8.2.1 General
For dense, low porosity stones the differences between
real and apparent density, as well as between open
porosity and total porosity, are very small. For these
stones it is sufficient to determine the apparent density
and the open porosity. In the case of control of
supplies the decision of omitting the determination of
the real density shall be agreed upon between the
parties.
In this standard two methods for the determination of
real density are described: the pycnometer (Method A)
and Le Chatelier volumenometer (Method B).
The first method is more accurate but requires a very
long time. It is suggested to use it as a reference
method in the case of controversy. Le Chatelier
volumenometer method is less accurate but easy and
rapid to perform and can be used for production
control.
8.2.2 Method A (pycnometer)
For each specimen, after having determined the
apparent density and the open porosity, grind each
specimen separately until the particles will pass
through a sieve with 0,063 mm mesh.
Dry the ground specimen to a constant mass and set
apart a mass me of approximately 25 g weighed to an
accuracy of ± 0,01 g.
Introduce deionized water into the pycnometer and fill
it until approximately half full. Then add the weighed
mass me of the ground specimen into the pycnometer
and agitate the liquid to disperse the solid matter.
Expose the pycnometer to a vacuum of (2 ± 0,7) kPa
until no further air bubbles rise, then fill it with
deionized water almost to the top and leave the solid
matter to settle until the water above the residue is
clear.
Next, carefully top up the pycnometer with deionized
water, fit the ground stopper and gently wipe off any
overflow. Finally weigh the pycnometer to an accuracy
of ± 0,01 g (m1).
Empty and wash the pycnometer, fill it with deionized
water only and weigh to an accuracy of ± 0,01 g (m2).
Before each weighing make sure that the ambient air
temperature is (20 ± 5) 8C.
8.2.3 Method B (Le Chatelier volumenometer)
For each specimen, after having determined the
apparent density and the open porosity, grind each
specimen separately until the particles will pass
through a sieve with 0,063 mm mesh.
Dry the ground specimen to a constant mass and set
apart a mass me of approximately 50 g weighed to an
accuracy of ± 0,1 g.
 BSI 09-1999
 Page 5
EN 1936:1999

Introduce deionized water into Le Chatelier 9.5 Total porosity

volumenometer until the level is up to the 0 graduation. The total porosity is expressed by the ratio (as a
Then add the weighed mass me of the ground percentage) of the volume of pores (open and closed)
specimen into the volumenometer in five fractions in and the apparent volume of the specimen, by the
the region of 10 g each, ensuring that all of each equation:
fraction falls into the liquid. After the introduction of 1 1
each fraction, agitate the liquid to disperse the ground 2
rb rr  r 
specimen. Read the graduations to determine the Vs in p= 3 100 = 1 2 b 3 100 (6)
1  rr 
millilitres to the nearest 0,1 ml of liquid displaced by
rb
the mass me of the ground specimen.
Before taking the initial at 0 level and final volume
readings make sure that the ambient air temperature
10 Test report
is (20 ± 5) 8C. The test report shall contain the following information:
a) unique identification number of the report;
b) the number, title and date of issue of this
9 Expression of results European Standard;
9.1 General c) the name and address of the test laboratory and
the address where the test was carried out if
The volume of the open pores (in millilitres) is
different from the test laboratory;
expressed by the equation:
d) the name and address of the client;
m 2 md
Vo = s 3 1 000 (1) e) it is the responsibility of the client to supply the
rrh following information:
The apparent volume (in millilitres) is expressed by the Ð the petrographic name of the stone;
equation: Ð the commercial name of the stone in
m 2 mh accordance with prEN 12440;
Vb = 3 1 000 (2)
rrh Ð the country and region of extraction;
which can alternatively be calculated on the basis of Ð the name of the supplier;
the dimensions of the specimen. Ð the direction of any existing plane of
NOTE The value of the density of water rrh at 20 8C is 998 kg/m3. anisotropy (if relevant to the test) to be clearly
indicated on the sample or on each specimen by
9.2 Apparent density means of two parallel lines;
The apparent density (in kilograms per cubic metre) is Ð the name of the person or organization which
expressed by the ratio of the mass of the dry specimen carried out the sampling;
and its apparent volume, by the equation: Ð the surface finish of the specimens (if relevant
md to the test);
rb = 3 rrh (3) f) the date of delivery of the sample or of the
ms 2 mh
specimens;
9.3 Open porosity g) the date when the specimens were prepared
The open porosity is expressed by the ratio (as a (if relevant) and the date of testing;
percentage) of the volume of open pores and the h) the number of specimens in the sample;
apparent volume of the specimen, by the equation: i) the dimensions of the specimens;
m 2 md j) for each specimen: the real density (if determined)
po = s 3 100 (4) and the apparent density to the nearest 10 kg/m3, the
ms 2 mh
open porosity and the total porosity (if determined)
9.4 Real density to the nearest 0,1 %;
The real density (in kilograms per cubic metre) is k) the arithmetic mean of the individual values for
expressed by the ratio of the mass of the ground dry the real density (if determined) and for the apparent
specimen me to the volume of liquid displaced by the density (to the nearest 10 kg/m3), for the open
mass me, by the equations: porosity and for the total porosity (if determined)
(to the nearest 0,1 %);
Method A (pycnometer)
l) the method used for the determination of the real
me density (when relevant);
rr = 3 rrh (5a)
m2 + me 2 m1 m) all deviations from the standard and their
justification;
Method B (Le Chatelier volumenometer) n) remarks.
m The test report shall contain the signature(s) and
rr = e 3 rrh (5b)
Vs role(s) of the responsible(s) for the testing and the
date of issue of the report. It shall also state that the
report shall not be partially reproduced without the
written consent of the test laboratory.

 BSI 09-1999
BS EN |
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1936:1999 |
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