FINAL DRAFT UGANDA 
STANDARD  
  FDUS 970-2 
First Edition  
2012 -mm-dd 
 
 
 Reference number  
FDUS 970-2: 2012 
© UN BS 2012   
  
Agglomerated stone -slabs and cut -to-size product — Part 2 : 
Product requirements  
 FDUS 970-2: 2012  
ii © UNBS 2012  – All rights reserved  
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract . Users are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 20 12  
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and mi crofilm, without prior written 
permission from UNBS.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to  
The Executive Director  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards  
P.O. Box 6329  
Kampala  
Uganda  
Tel: 256 41 4 505 995  
Fax: 256 41 4 286 123  
E-mail: unbs@infocom.co.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  FDUS 970-2:2012  
© UNBS 2012  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  iv 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Product description  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  1 
3 Normative References ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  1 
4 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  2 
5 Requirements for geometric characteristics  ................................ ................................ ......................  3 
5.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  3 
5.2 Thickness  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  3 
5.3 Flatness  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  3 
5.4 Length and width of rough products  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 3 
5.5 Special shapes (only for cut -to-size products)  ................................ ................................ ..................  4 
5.6 Surface finish  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  4 
6 Characteristics of agglomerated stones for vanity and kitchen tops  ................................ ..............  5 
6.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  5 
6.2 Denomination  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  5 
6.3 Visual appearance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 5 
6.4 Reference sample, visual inspection and acceptance criteria  ................................ .........................  5 
6.5 Reaction to fire  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 6 
6.6 Apparent density and water absorption ................................ ................................ ..............................  6 
6.7 Flexural strength  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 6 
6.8 Thermal conductivity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  6 
6.9 Thermal shock resistance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  6 
6.10  Impact resistance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 6 
6.11  Chemical resistance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  6 
6.12  Linear thermal expansion coefficient  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 6 
6.13  Electrical resistivity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  7 
7 Marking, labelling and packaging  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  7 
8 Evaluation of conformity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  7 
8.1 General rules  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  7 
8.2 Initial type testing of the agglomerated stone material properties  ................................ ..................  7 
8.3 Factory production control  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  8 
8.3.1  Sampling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  8 
8.3.2  Manufacturer’s label  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  9 
 
 FDUS 970-2: 2012  
iv © UNBS 2012  – All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
Uganda Nationa l Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and 
Industry established under Cap 327 , of the Laws of Uganda.  UNBS is mandated to co -ordinate the 
elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation fo r Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT/SPS Agreements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out  through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of representatives of 
consumers, traders, academicians, manufacturers, government and other stakeholders.  
Draft Uganda Stan dards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
Committee membership  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee for Building and civil engineering 
standards  (UNBS/TC 3) during the development of this standard:   
 East African Building Solutions  
 Geo Engineeri ng Technologies  
 Institution of Surveyors of Uganda  
 Kyambogo University  
 Makerere University  
 Uganda Association of Consulting Engineers  
 Uganda Manufacturers Association  
 Uganda National Association for Building and Civil Engineering Contractors  
 Uganda Nationa l Bureau of Standards  
 Uganda National Plumbers Association  
 FINAL DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  FDUS 970-2: 2012  
 
© UNBS  2012– All rights reserve d 1 
 Agglomerated stone -slabs and cut -to-size product — Part 2:  
Product requirements  
1 Scope  
This Final Draft Uganda Standard  specifies requirement s for slabs and cut -to-size product of agglomerated 
stone which are made for use as vanity, kitchen top s and  other similar use s in furnishing and modular tiles of 
agglomerated stone which are made for use as flooring and stairs for internal and external uses, fixed by 
mortar or adhesives.  
2 Product  descripti on 
The slabs are high -density compound stone slabs, which are manufactured by mixing crushed, and sized 
quartz granules with binding paste of structural filler and unsaturated polyester resins of vibro -compression 
under the vacuum.  
Slabs have finished variable dimensions according to the capacity of manufacturing in line, honed and 
polished at the demand of customers . 
Agglomerated stone products consist of natural stone elements (which will be termed aggregates) bound via 
resin  and filler .  
The manufacturin g process is irreversible  and the stone elements can be of various size and nature, 
sometime mixed with other compatible materials.  
The agglomerated stone products are classified according to the manufacturing technology, the type of the 
binder  and the nat ure of the stone elements.  
NOTE  If the volume of the binding material is greater than the volume of the stone elements, the resulting material 
cannot be classified as agglomerated stone.  
3 Normative References   
The following referenced documents are indisp ensable for the application of this document. For dated  
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced  
document (including any amendments) applies.  
EN 12524, Building materials and products — Hygrot hermal properties — Tabulated design values  
EN 13501 -1, Fire classification of construction products and building elements — Part 1: Classification using 
data from reaction to fire tests  
EN 14617 -1, Agglomerated stone — Test methods — Part 1: Determination  of apparent density and water 
absorption  
EN 14617 -2, Agglomerated stone — Test methods — Part 2: Determination of flexural strength (bending)  
EN 14617 -6, Agglomerated stone — Test methods — Part 6: Determination of thermal shock resistance  FDUS 970-2: 2012  
2 © UNBS 2012– All rights reserved  
 EN 14617 -9, Agglomerated stone — Test methods — Part 9: Determination of impact resistance  
EN 14617 -10, Agglomerated stone — Test methods — Part 10: Determination of chemical resistance  
EN 14617 -11, Agglomerated stone — Test methods — Part 11: Determination of linear the rmal expansion 
coefficient  
EN 14617 -13, Agglomerated stone — Test methods — Part 13: Determination of electrical resistivity  
EN 14617 -16, Agglomerated stone — Test methods — Part 16: Determination of dimensions, geometric 
characteristics and surface qualit y of modular tiles  
EN 14618, Agglomerated stone — Terminology and classification  
EN 15286, Agglomerated stones -slabs and tiles for wall finishes (Internal and external)  
EN ISO 13787, Thermal insulation products for building equipment and industrial install ations — 
Determination of declared thermal conductivity   
NOTE  In addition to the European Standards for test methods mentioned above , there exist further test method  
standards which can be used for scientific examinations, but which are not relevant for th e application in practice  
according to this standard.  
4 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this standard , the terms and definitions given in EN 14618 and the following apply.  
4.1 
slab for vanity and kitchen tops  
flat slab which can be obtained from the sawing of a block, directly from molding or cut -to-size which form a  
covering for use in furnishing, fixed to a structure either mechanically or by means of specific adhesives  
NOTE  Rough products are obtained from the sawing of a block, directly from m oulding, refining the edges and  
finishing the surface.  The products cut -to-size can be subsequently used to manufacture composites whose tolerances 
and performances do  not fall under the responsibility of the producer of the agglomerated stone slab . 
4.2 
slab and tiles for wall finishes ( internal and external ) 
modular tiles of agglomerated stone which are made for use as flooring and stairs for internal and external 
uses, fixed by mortar or adhesives  
4.3 
dimensions of slab for vanity and kitchen tops  
length L, width b and thickness d of a slab for use in furnishing. The dimensions are given in the stated  
sequence in millimeters (see Figure 1)  FDUS 970-2: 2012  
© UNBS 2012  – All rights reserved  3 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 1 — Dimensions of the slab  
5 Requirements for geometric characteristics  
5.1 Genera l 
All measured values of individual units shall fall within the required tolerances. The measurement shall be  
performed by a Venier calliper or other suitable apparatus for linear measurements to the nearest 0 .1 mm.  
5.2 Thickness  
The thickness shall not de viate from the nominal thickness by more than ± 1 .2 mm.  
The thickness shall result from an analysis which takes into account the whole size of the slab. The nominal  
thickness shall be the result of three  measurements for each meter of the slab length.  
Stricter tolerances may be declared by the manufacturer. This is particularly important when the edges of the  
slabs will be visible.  
5.3 Flatness  
The deviation from flatness of the surface shall not exceed 4 mm over the slab length and shall not exceed 2  
mm ov er the slab width.  Flatness shall be measured in the middle of the slab using the full length and width 
(not the diagonals) when  the slab is horizontal.  
5.4 Length and width of rough products  
The length and width shall not deviate from the nominal size by more than given in Table 1.  Stricter tolerances 
may be declared by the manufacturer.  b 
d 
L FDUS 970-2: 2012  
4 © UNBS 2012– All rights reserved  
 Table 1 — Tolerances for length and width  
Nominal length/width in mm  Tolerances  
3060 (Nominal length)  -20 mm / +10  
1850 (Nominal width  -20 mm / +10  
1400 (Nominal width ) -15 mm / +10  
1340 (Nominal width)  -15 mm / +10  
-1250 (Nominal width)  -15 mm / + 10  
NOTE  For other nominal lengths and widths tolerances shall be calculated 
proportionally.  
 
5.5 Special shapes (only for cut -to-size products)  
Pieces of special or irreg ular shapes shall be checked for compliance with the required shape. The  
permissible tolerance at any point shall be ± 1 .2 mm, which may be measured by using a suitable template.  
Stricter tolerances may be declared by the manufacturer.  
5.6 Surface finish  
5.6.1 General  
Surface finishes shall extend uniformly to the edges of the slab. The uniformity shall be guaranteed on at least  
90 % of the total surface of the element . 
Stricter values may be declared by the manufacturer.  
5.6.2 Requirements for surfaces aft er surface finishing  
Surfaces shall have a regular appearance as a function of the finishing process and shall be worked to meet  
the finish declared ( for example,  by submission of samples beforehand between the purchaser and supplier).  
The surface roughnes s of the visible face can be directly obtained by moulding  and to present an aspect 
structured with relief.  
Example of the surface finishes are:  
 sandblasted surfaces (obtained for example by means of a sandblasting action),  
 fine ground surfaces (obtained f or example by means of a grinding disk of grain size F 200),  
 honed finished surfaces (obtained for example by means of a polishing disk with grain size F 400),  
 highly polished surfaces (obtained for example by means of a polishing disk or felt),  and 
 structured aspect (obtained by catch of print or artistic creation).  
If other types of surface finishes are used, these shall be declared by the manufacturer.  For finely ground 
surfaces, honed surfaces and highly polished surfaces, it falls under the responsibil ity of the  manufacturer to 
declare, according to the colo ur of the product, the minimum degree of gloss to be expected.  FDUS 970-2: 2012  
© UNBS 2012  – All rights reserved  5 
 5.6.3 Unexposed surface  
The unexposed surface shall have a regular appearance. Small cracks or cuts are permitted within 10 0 mm 
from the  sides of the slabs.  
When the finishing process for the unexposed surface foresees a calibrated surface, the maximum surface  
roughness shall not exceed 0 .5 mm.  
6 Characteristics of agglomerated stones for vanity and kitchen tops  
6.1 General  
The characteris tics in 6.2 – 6.13 shall be declared when subject to regulatory requirements and may be  
declared otherwise with reference to the conditions of the end usage.  
Contractual specifications may be used to establish reference values for example,  stated in design  or supplier  
data sheet, due account taken of any regulatory requirements applicable.  
6.2 Denomination  
The denomination shall always be declared. The  denomination is the indication of the commercial family of the 
product, commercial type, binders and type  of aggregate (see EN 14618 ). 
6.3 Visual appearance  
This characteristic shall always be declared.  The colour, surface finish, texture  of the agglomerated stone 
shall be identified visually for example,  by a range of  samples selected in agreement by supplier  and 
purchaser.  
Any aesthetic visual variation is permissible provided that it is a declared aspect of the relevant type of  
agglomerated stone and provided that it does not adversely affect the performance of the slabs.  
6.4 Reference sample, visual inspect ion and acceptance criteria  
A reference sample shall be an adequate number of pieces of agglomerated stone of sufficient size to indicate  
the general appearance of the finished work. The dimensions of individual pieces shall be at least 0 .01 m2 
(typical va lues are between 0 .01 m2 and 0 .25 m2 in face area but may be more) and shall indicate the range of  
general appearance regarding the colouring, the physical structure and the surface finish.  
The reference sample does not imply strict uniformity between the sample itself and the actual supply ( for 
example,  variations in tonality may always occur due to natural raw materials). All the differences in 
aesthetical pattern  between the slabs and the reference sample shall be considered typical of the 
agglomerated s tone and not as  flaws. Therefore they shall not become a reason for rejection, unless their 
presence exceeds 15 % of the  surface and the typical pattern of the agglomerated stone is lost.  
Any comparison between production slab and reference sample shall be  carried out by placing the reference  
sample in a vertical position against the production slab and viewing them at a distance of about two met ers 
under normal daylight conditions and recording any visible differences in the characteristics of the  
agglomer ated stone.  
NOTE  The pieces should be analyzed under similar conditions: for example, wet/dry, light, etc.  
According to this method, the difference in tonality and the gloss value (in the case of finely ground, honed or  
highly polished surfaces) measured a t six different points of the slab shall be evaluated.  FDUS 970-2: 2012  
6 © UNBS 2012– All rights reserved  
 6.5 Reaction to fire  
This characteristic shall always be declared when the slabs are used in areas subjected to reaction to fire  
regulation and may be declared otherwise.  Agglomerated stones (except th ose containing more than 1 % by 
mass or volume, whichever is the most  onerous, of homogeneously distributed organic materials) are 
considered reaction to fire Class A1 following  the Decision 96/603/EEC, as amended.  
For agglomerated stones containing more t han 1 % by mass or volume, whichever is the most onerous, of  
homogeneously distributed organic materials, and having an end use subject to fire regulation, reaction to fire  
shall be tested and classified in accordance with US 866 
6.6 Apparent density and w ater absorption  
These characteristics shall always be declared  and determined according to EN 14617 -1 and the results  
expressed accordingly.  
6.7 Flexural strength  
This characteristic shall always be declared  and determined using the test method in EN 14617 -2 and the 
results expressed  accordingly.  
6.8 Thermal conductivity  
Where the manufacturer so wishes ( for example,  where subject to regulatory requirements), this characteristic 
shall be  declared  either by declaring the density of the material or by declari ng the  thermal conductivity.  
The density shall be determined using test methods indicated in 6.6 and the thermal conductivity shall be  
taken from EN 12524 or tested in accordance with EN ISO 13787 and the results expressed accordingly.  
6.9 Thermal shock re sistance  
Where subject to regulatory requirements or where the product is expected to be subject to critical thermal  
cycles, this characteristic shall be declared.  
The resistance to thermal cycles shall be determined using the test method in EN 14617 -6 and  the results  
expressed accordingly.  
6.10 Impact resistance  
This characteristic shall always be declared  and determined using the test method in EN 14617 -9 and the 
results expressed  accordingly.  
6.11 Chemical resistance  
This characteristic shall always be d eclared  and the resistance to chemical attack (or the stain resistance) 
shall be determined using the test method in  EN 14617 -10, and the results expressed accordingly.  
6.12 Linear thermal expansion coefficient  
Where subject to contractual request or where  the product is expected to be subject to relevant dimensional  
variations due to thermal actions, this characteristic shall be declared , and determined using the test method 
in EN 14617 -11 and the  results expressed accordingly.  FDUS 970-2: 2012  
© UNBS 2012  – All rights reserved  7 
 6.13 Electrical resistivity  
This characteristic shall always be declared  and determined using the test method in EN 14617 -13 and the 
results expressed  accordingly.  
7 Marking, labelling and packaging  
As a minimum of identification, each consignment shall specify on a label and/or pack aging and/or  
accompanying documents the denomination of the agglomerated stone (see EN 14618).  
The slabs shall be clean before packaging and transporting.  
Packing and tapes which are likely to stain shall not be used.  Sensitive polished surfaces shall be p rotected 
by appropriate means; slabs which are susceptible to stains  shall get special attention.  
The manufacturer shall provide information concerning packaging.  
8 Evaluation of conformity  
8.1 General rules  
Compliance with the requirements of this standar d and with the stated values shall be demonstrated by  initial 
type testing and additionally the manufacturer shall exercise a permanent factory production control and  
register the results.  
For particular products or upon request, an approved body may be in volved in assessment and surveillance of  
the production control or of the product itself.  
8.2 Initial type testing of the agglomerated stone material properties  
Initial type testing of an agglomerated stone product shall be carried out (see Table 2):  
 to demonstrate compliance to this standard test method or at the beginning of production of a  new 
agglomerated stone product,  and 
 when significant variations occur in the production process, determined visually or by significant  
changes in FPC results.  
Tests pr eviously performed in accordance with the provisions of this standard (same material/product, same  
characteristic measured with same test method, same sampling procedure) may be taken into account. The  
evaluation of the values may be supported by a "test r eport" supplied with the slabs, provided that the tests 
have  been performed according to the requirements and test methods of this standard.  
The results of the selected tests shall be expressed as referred to in Clause 4 and Clause  5. FDUS 970-2: 2012  
8 © UNBS 2012– All rights reserved  
 Table 2 — List of pr operties for initial type testing  
Reference sub -clause  for 
applicability  Characteristics  Test method  
5 Geometric characteristics  EN 14617 -16 
6.2 Denomination  EN 1461 8 
6.3 Visual appearance  Visual  
6.5 Reaction to fire (only for agglomerated stone  contai ning 
more than 1  % by mass or volume,  whichever is the most 
onerous, of homogenously  distributed organic material  EN 1 3501 -1 
6.6 Apparent density and water absorption  EN 14617 -1 
6.7 Flexural strength  EN 14617 -2 
6.8 Thermal conductivity  EN 12524, EN 1461 7-1 
or EN ISO 13787  
6.9 Thermal shock resistance  EN 14617 -6 
6.10 Impact resistance  EN 14617 -9 
6.11 Chemical resistance  EN 14617 -10 
6.12 Linear thermal expansion coefficient  EN 14617 -11 
6.13 Electrical resistivity  EN 14617 -13 
NOTE  Reference shall be m ade to Clause 6 in order to decide which characteristics need to be declared.  
 
8.3 Factory production control  
8.3.1  Sampling  
Sampling for F actory Production Control (FPC)  shall be carried out using  a proper and careful procedure  by 
the manufacturer . An a dequate number of  samples has to be taken to obtain a good estimation of the batch. A 
representative sample of adequate size  and characteristic of the agglomerated stone slabs shall be taken 
from the batch to be tested, taking into  account the intended use  of the product.  
The tests to be carried out by the manufacturer are part of the factory production control. The  manufacturer 
shall exercise a permanent internal production control. Control frequencies shall be in  accordance with Table 
3.The results of the  tests carried out during FPC shall demonstrate the conformity to the requirements 
declared  in accordance with clauses 5 and 6 . FDUS 970-2: 2012  
© UNBS 2012  – All rights reserved  9 
 Table 3 — Control frequencies for factory production control  
Reference sub -clause  for 
applicability  Characteristics  Control fre quency  Test method  
5.3 
5.6.2 
6.2 
6.3 Dimensions, flatness  
Surface finish  
Denomination  
Visual appearances   
 
Every production lot*) EN 14617 -16 
Visual  
Description  
Visual  
6.6 
6.7 Water absorption  
Flexural strength  At least every year  EN-14617 -1 
EN-14617 -2 
 Other characteristics  All other characteristics are controlled by FPC  checks on 
raw materials and the production  process, at a frequency 
sufficient to ensure that all  slabs and tiles remain the same 
as those submitted  for initial type testing. This freque ncy of 
such  checks shall be recorded in the manufacturer's  FPC 
manual . 
*) The dimension or amount of production lot shall be determined by the manufacturer having as reference a daily  production quantity, the 
number of deliveries and the final destination  of the considered quantity of slabs.  
 
8.3.2  Manufacturer’s label 
Manufacturers' records / labels  shall include at least the following:  
a) identification of the product tested,  
b) information on sampling:  
 place of sampling,  
 identification of the production lot s ampled,  
 frequencies of sampling,  
 size and number of samples,  
c) test methods applied,  
d) results of the test carried out,  
e) calibration records of apparatus  
 
 FDUS 970-2: 2012  
© UNBS  2012– All rights reserve d 11 
 Certification marking  
Products that conform to Uganda standards may be marked with Uganda National Burea u of Standards 
(UNBS) Certification Mark shown in the figure below.  
The use of the UNBS Certification Mark is governed by the Standards Act, and the Regulations made 
thereunder. This mark can be used only by those licensed under the certification mark sch eme operated by 
the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and in conjunction with the relevant Uganda Standard. The 
presence of this mark on a product or in relation to a product is an assurance that the goods comply with the 
requirements of that standard un der a system of supervision, control and testing in accordance with the 
certification mark scheme of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. UNBS marked products are 
continually checked by UNBS for conformity to that standard.  
Further particulars of the terms and conditions of licensing may be obtained from the Director, Uganda 
National Bureau of Standards.  
 
 FDUS 970-2:2012  
   
 
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© UNBS 2012 – All rights reserved