oSIST prEN 196-16:2026
(Main)Methods of testing cement - Part 16 - Sulfate resistance - Square prism method
General Information
- Abstract
This document describes a test method applicable to cast test specimens for evaluating the Sulfate
Resistance (SR characteristic) of cements. Sulfate resistance means that these binders can be used in
concrete bodies submitted to sulfate attacks. In these methods, the test is carried out under controlled
exposure conditions using a defined concentration of sulfate solution. The chosen test conditions are
intended to accelerate external sulfate attack.
This test method is appropriate in particular for CEM III/A cements and other various binders, in
particular those with pozzolanic main constituents. It is adapted from the CUR - NL - Civieltechnisch
Centrum Uitvoering Research en Regelgeving (Centre for Civil Engineering Research and Codes) -
Recommendation 48 - Suitability test for new cements for application in concrete.
This test method is listed in European Assessment Document - EAD 150004-00-0301, Annex B.
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 22-Oct-2026
- Technical Committee
- CAA - Mineral binders and masonry
- Current Stage
- 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 06-Aug-2026
- Due Date
- 24-Dec-2026
Overview
oSIST prEN 196-16:2026: Methods of testing cement – Part 16: Sulfate resistance – Square prism method is a draft European standard developed by CEN Technical Committee CEN/TC 51. This document defines a laboratory method for testing the sulfate resistance (SR characteristic) of different cements by exposing cast mortar specimens to sulfate-rich conditions and evaluating their performance. The methodology is particularly applicable to CEM III/A cements and binders with pozzolanic components, ensuring their suitability for use where sulfate attack may occur, such as in concrete structures exposed to aggressive environments.
Key Topics
- Sulfate resistance testing: Evaluation of how well cement resists deterioration when subjected to sulfate attacks.
- Square prism method: Utilizes mortar prisms of defined dimensions, offering a standardized approach for consistent and comparable results.
- Accelerated exposure: Tests are performed in controlled conditions using a sodium sulfate solution to speed up the assessment of external sulfate attack.
- Specimen preparation: Mortar prisms are prepared following EN 196-1 guidelines, ensuring repeatability and reliability.
- Physical measurements: Regular length and weight measurements track specimen expansion and degradation over time.
- Test analysis and reporting: Results are expressed as the percentage change in length (ΔL %) and detailed in standardized test reports with both numerical data and photographic evidence.
Applications
This sulfate resistance testing standard is essential for:
- Quality control of cement: Manufacturers can verify that their products meet sulfate resistance requirements, contributing to long-lasting concrete structures.
- Product development and assessment: Critical for introducing innovative cement binders (including those containing slag or pozzolans) to the European market.
- Conformity to European regulations: The method is referenced by the European Assessment Document EAD 150004-00-0301, aiding in cement certification for use in civil engineering and construction.
- Performance benchmarking: Enables comparative studies among different cement types and formulations when exposed to aggressive sulfate conditions.
- Construction in sulfate-rich environments: Particularly relevant for infrastructure such as sewage systems, foundations, coastal works, and any concrete exposed to sulfate-laden soils or water.
Related Standards
- EN 196-1: Methods of testing cement – Part 1: Determination of strength
- Establishes standard procedures for preparing mortar and determining compressive strength, fundamental to several cement tests including this sulfate resistance method.
- EN 197-1: Cement – Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for common cements
- Provides the overarching requirements for the composition and performance of cements in Europe.
- European Assessment Document – EAD 150004-00-0301, Annex B
- Lists the square prism method as an approved test for assessing new cement types.
Practical Value
Implementing the oSIST prEN 196-16:2026 square prism method offers clear benefits for stakeholders throughout the construction sector:
- Ensures durability in aggressive environments by accurately characterizing cement resistance to sulfate attack.
- Facilitates sustainable choices: By enabling the use of binders with supplementary cementitious materials, which can offer improved sulfate resistance and lower environmental impact.
- Reduces risk of structural failure in concrete works where sulfate exposure is a known hazard.
- Supports compliance with European standards, helping manufacturers, specifiers, and laboratories demonstrate the suitability of their products in demanding conditions.
By adopting the procedures outlined in oSIST prEN 196-16:2026, laboratories and manufacturers can reliably assess the sulfate resistance of cement products, supporting innovation and durability in modern construction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
oSIST prEN 196-16:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Methods of testing cement - Part 16 - Sulfate resistance - Square prism method". This standard covers: This document describes a test method applicable to cast test specimens for evaluating the Sulfate Resistance (SR characteristic) of cements. Sulfate resistance means that these binders can be used in concrete bodies submitted to sulfate attacks. In these methods, the test is carried out under controlled exposure conditions using a defined concentration of sulfate solution. The chosen test conditions are intended to accelerate external sulfate attack. This test method is appropriate in particular for CEM III/A cements and other various binders, in particular those with pozzolanic main constituents. It is adapted from the CUR - NL - Civieltechnisch Centrum Uitvoering Research en Regelgeving (Centre for Civil Engineering Research and Codes) - Recommendation 48 - Suitability test for new cements for application in concrete. This test method is listed in European Assessment Document - EAD 150004-00-0301, Annex B.
This document describes a test method applicable to cast test specimens for evaluating the Sulfate Resistance (SR characteristic) of cements. Sulfate resistance means that these binders can be used in concrete bodies submitted to sulfate attacks. In these methods, the test is carried out under controlled exposure conditions using a defined concentration of sulfate solution. The chosen test conditions are intended to accelerate external sulfate attack. This test method is appropriate in particular for CEM III/A cements and other various binders, in particular those with pozzolanic main constituents. It is adapted from the CUR - NL - Civieltechnisch Centrum Uitvoering Research en Regelgeving (Centre for Civil Engineering Research and Codes) - Recommendation 48 - Suitability test for new cements for application in concrete. This test method is listed in European Assessment Document - EAD 150004-00-0301, Annex B.
oSIST prEN 196-16:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
oSIST prEN 196-16:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2026
Metode preskušanja cementa - 16. del - Odpornost proti sulfatom - Metoda
kvadratne prizme
Methods of testing cement - Part 16 - Sulfate resistance - Square prism method
Prüfverfahren für Zement - Teil 16: Sulfatbeständigkeit - Quadratische Prismenmethode
Méthodes d'essais des ciments - Partie 16 : Résistance aux sulfates - Méthode du
prisme carré
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 196-16
ICS:
91.100.10 Cement. Mavec. Apno. Malta Cement. Gypsum. Lime.
Mortar
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
August 2026
ICS 91.100.10
English Version
Methods of testing cement - Part 16 - Sulfate resistance -
Square prism method
Méthodes d'essais des ciments - Partie 16 : Résistance Prüfverfahren für Zement - Teil 16: Sulfatbeständigkeit
aux sulfates - Méthode du prisme carré - Quadratische Prismenmethode
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 51.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, 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.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN 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 CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 196-16:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General description of the (reference and alternative) test methods . 5
5 Apparatus and solution . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Containers . 5
5.3 Sulfate solution . 6
6 Cements . 6
7 Preparation of test specimens . 6
8 Conditioning . 6
9 Testing procedure . 6
10 Measurements . 6
11 Analysis . 6
12 Test report . 7
Bibliography . 8
European foreword
This document (prEN 196-16: 2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 51 “Cement
and building limes”, the secretariat of which is held by NBN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
Introduction
This document describes a test method applicable to cast test specimens for evaluating the sulfate
resistance (SR characteristic) of cements. Sulfate resistance means that these binders can be used in
concrete bodies submitted to sulfate attack.
They are established within the framework of EN 197-1.
Precision data, coming from broad round robin tests and valid for a European standard, are not yet
available.
1 Scope
This document describes a test method applicable to cast test specimens for evaluating the Sulfate
Resistance (SR characteristic) of cements. Sulfate resistance means that these binders can be used in
concrete bodies submitted to sulfate attacks. In these methods, the test is carried out under controlled
exposure conditions using a defined concentration of sulfate solution. The chosen test conditions are
intended to accelerate external sulfate attack.
This test method is appropriate in particular for CEM III/A cements and other various binders, in
particular those with pozzolanic main constituents. It is adapted from the CUR – NL – Civieltechnisch
Centrum Uitvoering Research en Regelgeving (Centre for Civil Engineering Research a
...