What Is Mortar?
Mortar is a fundamental building material found in most modern and historical buildings. Its significance in construction dates back to ancient times, with evidence of its earliest use traced to around 10,000 years ago in Israel. Much of the ancient mortar still in existence remains durable today - a testament to the long-lasting nature of the material.
In practice, mortar is used to bind stones, bricks, or tiles together. More specifically, a mortar joint can act as a sealant, bearing pad, or the glue that sticks units together yet keeps them apart.
In this sense, mortar performs as a gap-filling adhesive. Screed is a type of mortar that has a finer grain appearance, which is often used to add a protective, smooth finish to concrete floors.
Mortar & Screed Test Services
Today, mortar and screed testing is crucial to determine if the mix is suitable for the construction, replacement, and repair of materials in new and existing infrastructure. At ACS Testing, we carry out a wide range of in situ mortar and screed test services in hospitals, schools, shops, and warehouses. We can also extract fresh samples for laboratory analysis.
A key screed test method we offer is In Situ Crushing Resistance (ISCR) testing, or floor screed testing. This can be completed in situ to determine the resistance of laid screeds to the crushing effect caused by imposed loads and traffic during use. It requires subjecting the screed to repeat impact blows by dropping a weight vertically onto a hardened steel anvil in contact with the screed surface.
We can also conduct hygrometer surveys to determine the humidity of screed mixes before they are used. This screed test is important before floor products are laid and bonded to the screed surface to ensure the materials will perform as expected.
Specifications for Mortar & Screed
To achieve adequate strength and durability, mortar in the UK is produced to specification BS EN 998-2 (Specification for mortar for masonry - Part 2: Masonry mortar). Mortar material testing is covered by BS EN 1015 and BS 4551.
Screed is no longer within the scope of the mortar standards and is now covered by BS EN 13318 (Screed material and floor screeds - Definitions) and BS EN 13813 (Screed material and floor screeds - Screed material - Properties and requirements).
Under BS EN 13318, screed is defined as a layer or layers of screed material laid in situ, directly onto a base, bonded or unbonded, or onto an intermediate layer or insulating layer, to obtain one or more of the following purposes:
- To obtain a defined level
- To carry the final flooring
- To provide a wearing surface
Screed material testing is covered by BS EN 13892.
Our Mortar & Screed Test Types
Our in situ and laboratory mortar and screed test services include floor screed testing, compressive strength of screed testing, and compressive strength of mortar testing, as well as:
|
Test |
Method | What it shows |
| In-Situ Crushing Resistance of Screeds | BS 8204-1 | Resistance to the crushing effect of imposed loads and traffic |
| Hygrometer Survey | BS 5325 | Measurement of relative humidity values above porous surfaces such as screeds and concretes |
| Flexural and Compressive Strength of Screed | BS EN 13892-2 | Determines the flexural and compressive strength of prisms |
| Mix Proportions of Screed | BS 4551 | Determines traditional volume proportions and screed designation |
| Adhesive strength of hardened rendering and plastering mortar | BS EN 1015-12 | Determines the maximum tensile stress applied by a direct load at right angles to the surface of the rendering |
| Flexural and Compressive Strength of Mortar | BS EN 1015-11 | Determines the flexural and compressive strength of prisms |
| Mix Proportions of Mortar | BS 4551 | Determines traditional volume proportions and mortar designation |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mortar and screed?
Screed is a type of mortar, a workable paste that hardens to bind building blocks such as stones, bricks, and concrete masonry units. Screed, however, has a more fine-grained appearance, making it more suitable for internal use.
What is the difference between concrete and mortar?
While concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates, mortar is composed of cement, water, and sand.
What is the compressive strength of screed test?
The flexural and compressive strength of screed test is a type of screed test method that measures the compressive load the material can bear before fracturing. This is done via a compression-testing machine that compresses the sample, in the form of a prism, between two plates.
What is the compressive strength of mortar test?
The flexural and compressive strength of mortar test measures the maximum load the material can bear before failure. This is carried out by subjecting a sample, in the form of a prism, to a gradually increasing load with a compression testing machine.
How do you measure the moisture in screed?
To measure the moisture in screed, a calibrated hygrometer is placed on the laid floor and sealed for a predetermined time. The reading indicates the humidity in the sealed area, which informs the moisture content.
Why is screed moisture testing important?
Screed moisture testing is a type of floor screed testing method that is essential to understanding the moisture content of the material. This determines whether the floor is ready or not to receive floor coverings.
Please see below for a list of the services provided by ACS:
Geo-Environmental Consultancy
The ACS Geo-Environmental Consultancy Department has been operating as part of ACS for over 10 years.
On-Site Testing Services
ACS offers a comprehensive range of professional on-site testing, all carried out by our fully trained site technicians.
Aggregates and Soils Testing
From our main laboratory in Poole, Dorset, ACS provide quality testing and material consultancy for the construction and civil engineering industry.
Bituminous Testing
ACS carries out testing on new bituminous binder material and testing on hardened material for physical and chemical properties. Circa pre 1980’s Tar (Carcinogenic effects) was also used as a binder, ACS staff can sample and test materials to assess if Tar was used.
Concrete Testing
Concrete was the first service to be offered by ACS back in 1987. Since then, we have increased our scope to cover a wide range of UKAS Accredited testing methods on fresh and hardened concrete.
Mortar and Screed Testing
ACS can sample and test new and hardened mortar. Hardened mortar for mix proportions and constituents, new mortar for compressive and flexural strength.
Contamination and WAC Testing
At ACS we offer an efficient and reliable chemical analysis service for waste soils and construction materials using various test solids and leaching procedures specified by the Environment Agency.
Chemical Testing
The ACS chemical laboratory was established in 2007. It complements the physical materials testing service provided by ACS by offering a range of chemical analytical services.
Leachate and Water Analysis
Our purpose-built analytical laboratory enables ACS to provide a comprehensive sampling, monitoring and analysis service on a wide range of leachate and water samples.
Natural Stone Testing
Our newly refurbished stone testing laboratory has given us the opportunity to expand our testing scope. In addition, we have increased production and improved on our turnaround of samples.
Site Laboratory Services
Over the last 35 years, ACS have supplied custom fitted site laboratories with technicians to many construction sites and projects worldwide.
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Our experienced lab technicians can provide detailed and accurate analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in almost any sample matrix in line with the Stockholm Convention.
Energy From Waste
Experts in Energy from Waste residues, ACS offers a full range of services, including gasification, pyrolysis, syngas and tar sampling, and analysis and interpretation of analytical results for IBA and APCr.
RoHS Compliance Testing
At ACS, we undertake rigorous RoHS compliance testing to identify and quantify any contaminants in your shredded waste, ensuring your product meets strict RoHS requirements.
Energy Supply, Generation & Regulation
Our highly skilled team provide industry-leading waste fuel testing services for RDF, SRF, MSW, and Solid Biomass, helping you save costs and meet compliance standards for total peace of mind.
CONTACT ONE OF THE TEAM
If you require a collection that is outside of our usual range, please feel free to call us on 01202 622858.
Or contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.