In the construction industry, various standard codes are used to test materials such as concrete, masonry, steel, aggregates, soil, and other building materials. These codes are specified by different organizations such as ASTM international, Eurocodes, IS Codes, BS Codes, etc. They provide testing procedures and methods for construction materials. The codes and standards are continuously updated to adapt to changing requirements and advancements in technology. To ensure continual improvement, these documents are reviewed periodically. For instance, the ACI Code is revised every three years. This article highlights the most common and widely used codes utilized in testing construction materials.
Various Codes for Construction Material Testing
There are several widely recognized standards and codes that are used globally and serve as references for other codes. Among these, ASTM International, the Canadian Standard Association (CSA), European Standard (EN Eurocodes), British Standards (BS), and Indian Standards (IS) are prominent examples.
ASTM International is a leading international standards organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. Their standards are used by individuals, businesses, and government agencies in various industries worldwide.
The Canadian Standard Association (CSA) is another prominent standards organization that develops and publishes standards for a variety of industries, including construction, energy, and health care. Their standards are widely used in Canada and are also recognized internationally.
The European Standard (EN Eurocodes) is a set of standards developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that provides a common design language for construction and engineering projects throughout Europe. They are recognized as a benchmark for technical specifications in the construction industry.
British Standards (BS) are developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and cover a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and services. They are widely used in the UK and are also recognized globally.
Indian Standards (IS) are developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and cover a wide range of industries, including agriculture, chemicals, and textiles. They are widely used in India and are also recognized internationally.
Overall, these standards and codes play a crucial role in ensuring safety, reliability, and quality in various industries and are recognized globally as references for other codes.
1. ASTM International
ASTM International is a prominent global organization that sets standards for an extensive range of materials, goods, services, and systems. Its wide-ranging catalog of publications encompasses documents relating to the sampling and testing methods for evaluating the health, safety, and performance characteristics of materials, as well as the effects of physical and biological agents and chemicals. Moreover, the organization also provides safety guidelines that are relevant to a variety of industries and applications. With a comprehensive database of standards and testing procedures, ASTM International is the largest repository of such information in the world.
Table 1 ASTM international standards for testing different construction materials
| Construction material | ASTM international standards |
| Soil | ASTM D2216, ASTM D4318, ASTM C136, ASTM D5268, ASTM D6913, ASTM D2974, ASTM D422, ASTM D2434, ASTM D1140, ASTM D7263, ASTM D5918, ASTM D698, ASTM D854, and ASTM D1557 |
| Aggregate and Rock | ASTM C88, ASTM C295, ASTM C127, ASTM D5312, ASTM C128, ASTM D5313, ASTM C29, ASTM D4992, ASTM D5821, ASTM D4791, ASTM D3967, ASTM C131, ASTM D7012, and ASTM C535 |
| Concrete and Masonry | ASTM C617, ASTM C1231, ASTM C39, ASTM C78 |
| Asphalt | ASTM D6926, ASTM D2726, ASTM D6307, ASTM D5444, and ASTM D2041 |
2. Canadian Standard Association (CSA)
The CSA, short for Canadian Standards Association, is a prominent organization in Canada responsible for developing various standards. These standards are available in both printed and electronic forms, and the organization also offers advisory and training services. In Canada, all building and structure construction materials are produced according to the CSA standards.
Table 2 highlights some of the CSA standards that are utilized for testing different types of construction materials.
. Table 2 Selected CSA Standards for testing construction materials
| Construction materials | CSA standards |
| Cement | CSA A3001, CSA A3002, CSA A3003, CSA A3004, and CSA A3005 |
| Concrete | CSA A23.1, CSA A23.2, CSA A23.4, and CSA S806 |
| Masonry | CSA A165.1, CSA A165.2, CSA A165.3, CSA A179, CSA A370, and CSA A371 |
3. European Standard (EN Eurocodes)
The comprehensive system of European standards pertaining to construction includes test standards that are designed to determine the material and product properties needed for designing buildings and other civil engineering structures using the EN Eurocodes. These test standards encompass various types of testing such as materials testing for concrete, masonry, timber, and metallic materials, as well as non-destructive testing methods and fire tests.
In particular, test standards related to the EN Eurocodes are crucial for ensuring that building materials and products meet the required standards for safety and performance. These standards are used in the design of buildings and other structures, and their adherence is essential for ensuring that structures are built to withstand the stresses and strains they will be subjected to in their intended use.
To ensure consistency and accuracy across all of Europe, the official English version of the European standards for construction, including test standards, is known as the BS EN. The use of these standards helps to promote safety and quality across the construction industry and to ensure that buildings and other structures are built to the highest possible standards.
Table 3 European Standards for testing different construction materials
| Construction materials | European Standards (EN) |
| concrete | BS EN 12390-4:2000, BS EN 12390-5:2000, BS EN 12390-6:2000, BS EN 1170-4:1998 |
| masonry | BS EN 1052-1:1999, BS EN 846-5:2000, BS EN 846-6:2000 |
| timber | EN 594, EN 1075, EN 1380 |
| metallic materials | BS EN 10002-1:2001 |
| Plywood | BS EN 1072:1995 |
| Stone | BS EN 12372:1999, BS EN 14617-15:2005, BS EN 14580, BS EN 14617-2:2004, |
| Aggregate | BS 812-2:1995 |
4. British Standards (BS)
The British Standard Institute produces publications known as British Standards, which offer technical guidance on various aspects of building and construction, such as materials, health and safety, regulations, and accessibility. These recommendations are indispensable for professionals in the field, including architects, building owners, developers, site managers, materials specifiers, building contractors, and structural engineers. Specifically, Table 3 presents a curated inventory of British Standards that pertain to the testing of construction materials.
Table 4 Selected British Standards for testing construction materials
| Construction materials | British Standards |
| Concrete | BS 1881-119:1983, BS 1881-121:1983, BS 1881-127:1990 |
| resin and polymer/cement compositions | BS 6319-10:1987, BS 6319-11:1993, BS 6319-2:1983, BS 6319-3:1990, BS 6319-6:1984, BS 6319-7:198, |
| Mortar | BS EN 1015-11:1999, BS EN 1015-12:2000, |
5. Indian Standards (IS)
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published numerous documents known as Indian Standards, which cover a wide range of topics related to civil engineering. These documents aim to ensure the quality standards of various types of construction materials. The guidelines are divided into two main categories: Building Materials, including Paints, and Civil Engineering Design and Construction. These standards provide detailed instructions for testing cement, concrete, concrete admixtures, additives, soil, rock, steel, and aluminum. Table 5 is a list of Indian standards that are commonly used for testing different construction materials.
Table 5 Indian Standards for testing construction materials
| Construction material | Indian standards |
| Cement | IS 650 – 1991, IS 14032 – 1988, |
| Coarse / Fine Aggregate | IS 2386 (Part I To VIII) 1963 |
| Bricks | IS 3495 (Parts I TO iv) 1976 |
| soil | IS: 2720 (Part. XIII) 1986, IS:2720 (Part.30) 1980 |