The testing of construction materials is subject to various standard codes prescribed by organizations such as ASTM International, Eurocodes, IS Codes, and BS Codes. These codes outline the appropriate testing procedures and methods for materials including concrete, masonry, aggregates, steel, soil, and others. These codes are dynamic documents that are regularly reviewed and updated to accommodate changing requirements and evolving technologies. As a part of the process of continuous improvement, they are typically reviewed at specified intervals. For instance, the ACI Code is reviewed every three years. This article aims to provide an overview of the most commonly used codes for testing construction materials.
Various Codes for Construction Material Testing
Standards and Codes which are widely used in the world or are references for other codes include:
- ASTM International
- Canadian Standard Association (CSA)
- European Standard (EN Eurocodes)
- British Standards (BS)
- Indian Standards (IS)
1. ASTM International
ASTM International is the leading global organization responsible for establishing standards related to a wide range of materials, goods, services, and systems. Their standards cover various aspects, including sampling and testing methods for assessing the health, safety, and performance of materials. Additionally, they provide guidelines for evaluating the impact of physical and biological agents and chemicals, as well as safety guidelines.
In the construction industry, ASTM International plays a significant role by publishing standards for testing various materials used in construction projects. These standards ensure that construction materials are tested according to a specific set of criteria and guidelines, which helps to ensure the safety, durability, and quality of buildings and infrastructure.
Table 1 provides a comprehensive list of the standards developed by ASTM International for testing various construction materials. These standards cover a wide range of materials, including concrete, masonry, wood, plastics, metals, and composites. By following these standards, construction professionals can ensure that their materials are tested in a consistent and reliable manner, which helps to maintain high standards of safety and quality in the construction industry.
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 is a prominent organization in Canada responsible for the development of various standards. These standards are made available in both print and electronic formats, and the CSA also offers training and advisory services. The construction industry in Canada relies heavily on the CSA standards as all materials used in building and other structures must meet their requirements. Table 2 lists some of the essential standards 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 European construction industry has a comprehensive system of standards, including test standards that play a crucial role in determining the properties of materials and products used in buildings and civil engineering structures. These test standards are specifically designed to support the application of the EN Eurocodes, which are used for the design of such structures. Test standards cover a range of materials, including concrete, masonry, timber, and metallic materials, and also include non-destructive test methods and fire tests.
Test standards are a critical component of the European construction industry’s efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of buildings and civil engineering structures. They are used to assess the properties of materials and products and to provide essential data required for the design of structures that meet the EN Eurocodes. These standards cover a broad range of materials, including concrete, masonry, timber, and metallic materials, and also include non-destructive test methods and fire tests.
The official English version of these European standards is abbreviated as BS EN. These standards are an essential tool for the construction industry, providing a standardized framework for testing materials and products to ensure their suitability for use in buildings and civil engineering structures. They are widely recognized as an important part of the European construction industry’s efforts to improve safety, reliability, and quality standards across the sector.
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 technical specifications known as British Standard publications. These publications cover various building and construction matters, including recommendations for materials, testing, health and safety, access and regulations, and more. They are considered to be essential references for professionals such as architects, developers, building owners, site managers, building contractors, structural engineers, and materials specifiers.
One of the main areas that British Standards cover is testing construction materials. Table 3 provides a selected list of these standards, which are used to ensure that materials used in construction projects meet certain criteria and are safe for use in buildings. These standards play an important role in ensuring the quality and safety of construction materials, and are widely referenced by industry professionals.
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 Standard (BIS) has published a wide range of documents known as Indian Standards, covering almost all aspects of civil engineering. These documents serve as guidelines to ensure quality standards for different types of construction materials. The standards are classified into two broad categories: Building Materials including Paints, and Civil Engineering Design and Construction. They contain guidelines for testing various materials such as cement, concrete, concrete admixtures, additives, soil, rock, steel, and aluminum. Table 5 provides a comprehensive list of the Indian standards that are used for testing these 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 |