KENYA STANDARD  KS 2168 -1:2020  
ICS ##.### 
2nd Edition  
  
 © KEBS  2020   
 Masonry cement - Specification  
 
Part 1:  
 
Composition , specification and conformity 
criteria  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KS 2168 -2:2020    
 
© KEBS  2020 – All rights reserved   
 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
1. Apex Systems Consulting Group Limited  
2. Aurecon Kenya  
3. Bamburi Cement  
4. Blackberry House L td 
5. Drychem Kenya Solutions Ltd.  
6. East African Portland Cement Company Plc  
7. Institution of Engineers of Kenya  
8. Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya  
9. Institution of Engineers Of Kenya  
10. Jiangxi Youse  
11. Kenya Builders & Concrete Co Ltd  
12. Ketraco  
13. KTDA Power Company Limited  
14. Moi University  
15. Mombasa Cement Ltd.  
16. Multimedia University of Kenya  
17. Nairobi Western Bypass Project  
18. Roads Division, State Department of Infrastructure, Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, 
Urban Development and Public Works  
19. Royal Automation  Systems  
20. Technical University of Kenya  
21. Technical University of Mombasa  
22. University of Nairobi  
23. Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed.  Suggestions for 
improvements to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, are 
welcome.  
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2020  
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 130 of 2001 of  the Laws of Kenya, copyright subsists 
in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Section 25 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Sta ndards 
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing from the 
Managing Director.   Masonry cement  
Part 1:  
Composition , specification and conformity 
criteria  
Kenya Bureau of Standards,  Popo Road, Off Mombasa Road,  
P.O. Box 54974 - 00200,  Nairobi, Kenya  
 +254 02 0 6948000, + 254 722202137, + 254 734600471  
 info@kebs.org  
 @KEBS_ke  
 kenya bureau of standards (kebs)  
  
Foreword  
This Kenya Standard was prepared by the Cement and Lime  Technical Committee under the guidance of the 
Standards Projects Committee, and it is in accordance with the procedures of the Kenya Bureau of Standards . 
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition which has been technically revised . 
KS 2168 consists of the following parts, under the general title Introductory eleme nt — Main element:  
 Part 1: Composition, Specifications and conformity criteria  
 Part 2: Test method  
During the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following documents(s):  
EN 413 Masonry cement Part 2: Test method  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 KENYA STANDARD  KS 2168 -2:2020  
 
Masonry cement  
Part 1:  
Composition,  specification and conformity criteria  
1. Scope  
 
This Standard specifies the definition and composition of masonry cements as commonly used in for the 
production of mortar for bricklaying and blocklaying and for rendering and plastering. It includes physical, 
mechanical and chemical requirements and defines strength classes.  
 
This standard also states the conformity criteria and the related rules. Necessary durability requirements are 
also given.  
 
NOTE For normal applications the information given in this standard is generally sufficient. However, in special cases, an ex change of 
additional information between the masonry cement producer and user can be helpful. The details of such an excha nge are not within the 
scope of this standard but should be dealt with in accordance with other regulations or can be agreed between the parties con cerned.  
 
2.  Normative references  
 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application o f this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document 
(including any amendments) applies.  
 
EAS 148 -1, Methods of testing cement — Part 1: Determination of strength  
EAS 148 -2, Methods of testing cement — Part 2: Chemical analysis of cement  
EAS 148 -3, Methods of testing cement — Part 3: Determination of setting time and soundness  
EAS 148 -6, Methods of testing cement — Part 6: Determination of fineness  
EAS 148 -7, Met hods of testing cement — Part 7: Methods of taking and preparing samples of cement  
EAS 18 -1, Cement — Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for common cements  
KS 2168 -2, Masonry cement — Part 2: Test methods  
KS 1780 -1, Building lim e - Part 1: Definitions, specifications and conformity criteria  
EN 12878, Pigments for the colouring of building materials based on cement and/or lime - Specifications and 
methods of test  
  
3.  Terms and definitions  
 
For the purposes of this document, the f ollowing terms and definitions apply.  
 
3.1.  
masonry cement  
factory made finely powdered hydraulic binder which relies essentially upon the presence of Portland cement 
clinker to develop strength. When mixed with sand and water only and without the addition of further materials 
it produces a workable mortar suitabl e for use in rendering, plastering and masonry work  
 
3.2.  
additives  
constituents which are added to improve the manufacture or the properties of the masonry cement, e.g. grinding 
aids, air -entraining agents  
 
3.3.  
autocontrol testing  
continual testing by the manufacturer, of masonry cement spot samples taken at the point(s) of release from 
the factory/depot  
 
3.4.  
control period  
period of production and despatch identified for the evaluation of the autocontrol test results  
  
 
 
3.5.  
character istic value  
value of a required property outside of which lies a specified percentage, the percentile P k, of all the values of 
the population  
 
3.6.  
specified characteristic value  
characteristic value of a mechanical, physical or chemical property which in t he case of an upper limit is not to 
be exceeded or, in the case of a lower limit is, as a minimum, to be reached  
 
3.7.  
single result limit value  
value of a mechanical, physical or chemical property which, for any single test result as in the case of an upper  
limit is not to be exceeded or, in the case of a lower limit is, as a minimum, to be reached  
 
3.8.  
allowable probability of acceptance C R  
for a given sampling plan, the allowed probability of acceptance of masonry cement with a characteristic value 
outside the specified characteristic value  
 
3.9.  
sampling plan  
specific plan which states the (statistical) sample size(s) to be used, the percentile P k and the allowable 
probability of acceptance C R  
 
3.10.   
spot sample  
sample taken at the same time and from one and the same place, relating to the intended tests. It can be 
obtained by combining one or more immediately consecutive increments (see EAS 148 -7)  
 
4. Notation  
 
Masonry cement is designated by the term 'MC'.  
There  are two strength classes of masonry cement 12.5 and 22.5.  
 
The term 'X' designates masonry cements in which an air entraining agent is not incorporated.  
 
5.  Requirements  
 
5.1. General  
The physical, mechanical and chemical properties of masonry cements shall be measured by the test methods 
described in KS 2168 -2 and in the relevant parts of EAS 148. These Standards give alternative test methods 
for some properties but in the event of a d ispute only the reference methods shall be used. Where allowed in 
the relevant part of EAS 148, different methods may be used provided they give correlated and equivalent 
values to those obtained using the reference method.  
 
The Standard sand (see EAS 148 -1) used to make the mortars for the tests required by 5.3.5 and 5.3.6 shall 
have a silica content (as quartz) of not less than 93 %.  
 
All requirements are specified as characteristic values. They serve to define the performance level and 
classification of the masonry cements.  
 
5.2. Constituents and composition  
 
Masonry cement shall comprise Portland cement clinker, inorganic constituents an d where appropriate  
additive(s) as given in Table 1. Calcium sulfate is added in small quantities to the other constituents of masonry 
cement during its manufacture to control setting.  
 
The inorganic constituents of masonry cements conforming to KS 2168 -1 shall be materials selected from:  
 natural mineral materials;  
 mineral materials used for or derived from the clinker production process;  
 hydrated and/or hydraulic building limes conforming to KS 1780 -1;   constituents specified in EAS 18 -1;  
 inorganic p igments (except those containing carbon black) conforming to EN 12878.  
 
NOTE Carbon black has a detrimental effect upon the air entrainment.  
  
Additives shall not promote corrosion of embedded metal such as reinforcement and wall ties or impair the 
proper ties, including behaviour in fire, of the mortar made from the masonry cement. Organic pigments are not 
permitted.  
 
Table 1 — Composition of masonry cements  
Type  Content % by mass  
 
 Portland cement 
clinker  Additives  
 
MC 12.5, MC 12.5 X 
 
MC 22.5, MC 22.5X   
≥ 40 ≤ 1a 
a The quantity of organic additives on a dry basis shall not exceed 0.5 % by mass of the masonry cement.  
 
 
The manufacturing process and its control shall ensure that the composition of masonry cement is kept within 
the limits fixed in KS 2168 -1. Masonry cements consist ultimately of individual small grains of different materials 
and are statistically homogeneo us in composition resulting from quality assured production and material 
handling processes.  
 
A high degree of uniformity in all masonry cement properties shall be obtained through mass production 
processes, in particular, adequate grinding and homogeniza tion. Qualified and skilled personnel and the 
facilities to test, evaluate and adjust product quality are indispensable for producing masonry cement in 
accordance with this Standard.  
 
5.3. Physical and mechanical requirements  
 
5.3.1.  Fineness (sieve residue)  
The residue on a 90 µm sieve shall be not more than 15 % by mass when determined in accordance with EAS 
148-6.  
 
5.3.2.   Initial setting time  
The initial setting time shall be not less than 60 min when determined in accordance with KS 2168 -2.  
 
5.3.3.  Final setting tim e  
 
Where the initial setting time is less than 6 h, there is no requirement for final setting time. Where the initial 
setting time is 6 h or more, the final setting time shall be not more than 15 h when determined in accordance 
with KS 2168 -2. 
  
 
5.3.4.  Soundnes s  
The expansion shall be not more than 10 mm when determined in accordance with EAS 148 -3. 
  
 
5.3.5.   Fresh mortar requirements  
The properties of air content and water retention of fresh mortar shall be measured in accordance with KS 2168 -
2, on a mortar of stan dard consistence that shall have a value of penetration of (35 ± 3) mm using the plunger 
apparatus as the reference method. The flow table test is the alternative method. The test results shall meet the 
requirements given in Table 2.  
 
Table 2 — Fresh mortar requirements given as characteristic values  
Type  Air content  
% by volume  Water retention  
% by mass  
MC 12.5  
MC 22.5  ≤  6 a ≥ 75 
MC 12.5 X  
MC 22.5 X  ≤ 6 a ≥ 75  
a The control of the masonry cement manufacturing process ensures that this upper limit is not exceeded.  
 
 
5.3.6.   Compressive strength  The compressive strength when determined in accordance with EAS 148 -1, at the fixed water/masonry cement 
ratio of 0.50 shall have the values given in Table 3.  
 
 
Table 3 — Compressive strength requirements given as characteristic values  
 
Type  7 day (early) strength MPa  28 day (standard) strength MPa  
 
 minimum  minimum  maximum  
MC 12.5  
MC 12.5 X  7 12.5 32.5 
MC 22.5  
MC 22.5 X  10 22.5 42.5 
 
 
Should it not be possible to remove the prisms from the moulds after 24 h, it is permitted to remove them at 48 
h. Where the prisms are demoulded at 48 h this shall be recorded.  
 
EAS 148 -1 gives repeatability and reproducibility values for 28 day strength . On account of their lower strengths, 
values of 4 % and 8 % respectively are appropriate for masonry cements conforming to this  Standard.  
 
5.4.  Chemical requirements  
The properties of the masonry cement shall conform to the requirements given in Table 4 wh en determined by 
the method indicated in this table.   
 
 
Table 4 — Chemical requirements given as characteristic values  
 
Property  Reference test 
method  Type  Value  
% by mass  
 
Sulfate content (as  
SO 3) KS EAS 148 -2 MC 12.5  
MC 12.5X  
MC 22.5  
MC 22.5X  
  ≤ 3.5  
Chloride content  KS EAS 148 -2 MC 12.5  
MC 12.5 X   
MC 22.5  
MC 22.5X  
  ≤ 0.10  
 
 
5.5. Durability requirements  
To ensure durability, the requirements of 5.2 shall be met.  
  
In many applications, particularly in severe environmental conditions, the choice of masonry cement type from 
this standard has an influence on the durability of mortar. The choice of masonry cement type for different 
applications and exposure classes shal l follow the appropriate standards and/or regulations valid in the place 
of use of the mortar.  
 
5.6 Packaging requirements  
This cement shall be packaged by weight of 25 kg.  
 
6. Standard designation  
Masonry cement conforming to this Standard shall be identified using the notation in Clause 4, i.e. the symbol 
'MC', followed by the strength class and when relevant, by the letter 'X'.  
 
EXAMPLE Masonry cement KS 2168 -1 MC 12.5 X.  
 
7.  Marking  
 The bag cont aining the masonry cement, or its accompanying delivery note, shall be identified with the 
following  
 
a)  The name, trade mark or other means of identification of the manufacturer to facilitate traceability to the 
works in which the masonry cement was man ufactured;  
 
b)  the name, and strength class of the cement; e.g. masonry cement, type MC 12.5 X;  
 
c) the number and date of this Kenya Standard, i.e. KS 2168 -1; 
d) the weight of the masonry cement 25  Kg; 
e) A warning written in front of the bag. It shall be at 200 mm from the top of the bag. It shall be 
in red colour, at least 11 mm font size and bold text stating  
 
“For laying masonry, mortar for rendering and plastering only.” Figure 1 gives the right positioning.  
 
Figure 1 - Positioning of “For laying masonry, mortar for rendering and plastering only” statement on the 
cement bags or packages for masonry cement.  
 
8.  Test report  
 
If a test report is requested from the manufacturer, it should include results of the following tests on samples 
of masonry cement relatin g to the material delivered:  
 
a) compressive strength at 7 days, if appropriate, and also at 28 days (see 5.3.6 ); 
 
b) initial setting time (see 5.3.2 ); 
 
c) soundness (see 5.3.4 ); 
 
d) sulfate content (see 5.4); 
 
e) chloride content (see 5.4); 
 
f) air content (see 5.3.5 ); 
 
g) water retention (see 5.3.5 ). 
 
h) final setting time (see 5.3.3)  
 
 
9. Conformity criteria  
 
9.1. General requirements  
Conformity of masonry cement to this Standard shall be continuously evaluated on the basis of testing spot 
samples. The properties, test methods and the minimum testing frequencies for the autocontrol testing by the 
manufacturer are specified in Table 5. C oncerning testing frequencies for masonry cement not being 
despatched continuously and other details, see EAS 18 -2.  
 
For certification of conformity by an approved certification body, conformity of masonry cement to this Kenya 
Standard shall be evaluated in accordance with KS EAS 18 -2. 
 
NOTE This Standard does not deal with acceptance inspection at delivery.  
 
 
9.2.  Conformity criteria for physical, mechanical and chemical properties and evaluation 
procedure  
 
9.2.1.   General  
 
Conformity of masonry cement with physical, mechanical and chemical requirements in KS 2168 -1 is assumed 
if the conformity criteria specified in 9.2.2 and 9.2.3 are met.  
 
Conformity shall be evaluated on the basis of continual sampling using spot samples taken at the point of release 
and on the basis of the test results obtained on all autocontrol samples taken during the control period.  
 
9.2.2.   Statistical conformity criteria  
 
9.2.2.1.  General  
 
Conformity shall be formulated in terms of a statistical criterion based on:  
— the required characteristic values for physical, mechanical and chemical properties as specified in 5.3 
and 5.4;  
— the percentile P k on which the specified characteristic value is  based, as specified in Table 6;  
— the allowable probability of acceptance CR as specified in Table 6.  
 
Table 5 — Properties, test methods and minimum testing frequencies for the autocontrol 
testing by the manufacturer, and the statistical assessment procedure  
 
Property  Masonry  
cements to  
be tested  
 Test  
method a, b 
 Autocontrol testing  
Minimum testing frequency  Statistical assessment  
procedure  
Routine  
situation  
 Initial 
period  
for a new  
type of  
masonry  
cement  
 Inspection by  
 
Variables d Attributes f 
 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
Strength  
- 7 days  
- 28 days   
all KS EAS 148 -1 
e 1 each 2 weeks  2/week   X 
Initial setting 
time all KS 2168 -2 1 each 2 weeks  2/week   X 
Final setting 
time as appropriate  KS 2168 -2    X 
Soundness  
(expansion)  all KS EAS 148 -1  1/month  1/week   X 
Sieve residue  all KS EAS 148 -1  1/month  1/week   X 
Water retention  all KS 2168 -2 1/month  1/week   X 
Sulfate content  all KS EAS 148 -2 1 each 2 weeks  2/week   X Chloride content  all  KS EAS 148 -2 1/month  1/week   X 
Composition  all -c 1/month  1/week   X 
a Where allowed, other methods than those indicated may be used provided they give results correlated and equivalent to those o btained 
with the reference method (except initial type testing). 
b The methods used to take and prepare samples shall be in accordance with the requirements of KS EAS 148 -1. 
c Appropriate method chosen by the manufacturer and for which a correlation with the method(s) used for initial type testing ca n be 
established.  
d If the data is not normally distributed, then the method of assessment may be decided on a case by case basis.  
e See 5.3.6.  
f  If the number of samples is at least 1 each week during the control period, the assessment may be made by variables.  
 
 
Table 6 — Required values of Pk and CR  
 
 Air content (upper limit) 28 day 
strength (lower limit)  All other requirements  
 
The percentile P K on which the 
characteristic value is based  5 % 10 %  
 
Allowable probability of 
acceptance CR  5 % 
 
NOTE   Conformity evaluation by a procedure based on a finite number of test results can only produce an approximate value for the 
proportion of results outside the specified characteristic value in a population. The larger the sample size (number of test result s), the better 
the approximation. The selected probability of acceptance CR controls the degree of approximation by the sampling plan.  
 
 
 
 
Conformity with the requirements of this  Standard shall be verified either by variables or by attributes, as 
describ ed in 9.2.2.2 and 9.2.2.3 as specified in Table 5.  
 
The control period shall be 24 months.  
 
9.2.2.2.  Inspection by variables  
 
For this inspection, the test results are assumed to be normally distributed.  
Conformity is verified when Equations (1) and (2), as relevant, are satisfied.  
 
 
For this inspection, the test results are assumed to be normally distributed.  
 
Conformity is verified when equations (1) and (2), as relevant, are satisfied.  
 
LskxA
 (1) 
And 
UskxA
 (2) 
 
Where  
 

x  is the arithmetic mean of the totality of the autocontrol test results in the control period;  
 
s  is the standard deviation of the totality of the autocontrol test results in the control period;  
 
kA  is the acceptability constant;  
 
L  is the specified lower limit given in Tables 2 and 3;  
 
U is the specified upper limit given in Tables 2, 3 and 4   
The acceptability constant kA depends on the percentile PK on which the characteristic value is based, on the 
allowable probability of accepta nce CR and on the number n of the test results. Values of kA are listed in Table 
7. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 7 — Acceptability constant  
 
Number of test  
results n  KA a 
For P k = 5% b Pk = 10 % c 
20 to 21  2.40  1.93 
22 to 23  2.35  1.89 
24 to 25  2.31  1.85 
26 to 27 2.27  1.82 
28 to 29  2.24  1.80 
30 to 34  2.22  1.78 
35 to 39  2.17  1.73 
40 to 44  2.13  1.70 
45 to 49  2.09  1.67 
50 to 59  2.07  1.65 
60 to 69  2.02  1.61 
70 to 79  1.99  1.58 
80 to 89  1.97  1.56 
90 to 99  1.94  1.54 
100 to 149  1.93  1.53 
150 to 199 1.87  1.48 
200 to 299  1.84  1.45 
300 to 399  1.80  1.42 
>400  1.78  1.40 
NOTE Values given in this table are valid for CR = 5 %.  
a The value of kA valid for each intermediate value on n may be used instead.  
 
b For air content (upper limit) and 28 days strength (lower limit).  
 
c For all other strength, physical and chemical requirements.  
 
 
 
9.2.2.3   Inspection by attributes  
 
The number c D of test results outside the characteristic value shall be counted and compared with an acceptable 
number c A calculated from the number n of autocontrol test results and the percentile P k 
as specified in Table 8.  
 
Conformity is verified when the following equation (3) is satisfied:  
 
cD ≤ cA (3) 
 
The value of c A depends on the percentile P k on which the characteristic value is based, on the allowable 
probability of acceptance CR and on a number n of the test results. Values of c A are listed in Table 8.  
 
Table 8 — Values of cA  
 
Number of test  
results n a 
Pk = 10 %  CA Number of test  
results n a  
Pk = 5 %  
20 to 39  0 20 to 79  
40 to 54  1 80 to 109  55 to 69  2 110 to 139  
70 to 84  3 140 to 169  
85 to 99  4 170 to 199  
100 to 109  5 200 to 219  
110 to 123  6 220 to 247 
124 to 136  7 248 to 273  
NOTE Values given in this table are valid for CR = 5 %.  
a If the number of test results is n < 20 a statistically based conformity criterion is not possible. 
Despite this, a criterion of c A = 0 shall be used in case where n < 20.  
 
 
 
9.2.3.  Single result conformity criteria  
  
In addition to the statistical conformity criteria, conformity of test results with the requirements of this Standard 
requires that it shall be verified that each test result remains within the single result limit values specified in 
Table 9.  
 
 
Table 9 — Limit values for single results  
Property  Limit values for single results  
 MC 12 .5  MC 22 .5  MC 12.5 X  MC 22.5 X  
Strength (MPa)  
lower limit value  
 
7 day  
28 day  6  
10.5 9  
20.5 6  
10.5 9  
20.5 
Strength (MPa)  
upper limit value  
 
28 day  37.5 47.5 37.5 47.5 
Initial setting time (min) lower limit value  45 
Final setting time (11) upper limit value  17a 
Soundness (expansion in mm)  upper  limit 10 
Sulfate content (as % SO a) 
upper limit value  4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 
Chloride content (%) upper limit value  0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 
Water retention (%) lower limit value  70 
Air content (%)  
 
lower limit value  
 upper limit value  6 
25  
 
6 
25   
 
- 
-  
 
- 
- 
 a where appropriate (see 5.3.3)  
 
 
 
 
 
 9.3. Conformity criteria for masonry cement composition  
 
At least once per month the composition of the masonry cement shall be checked by the manufacturer, using 
as a rule a spot sample taken at a point of release. The masonry cement composition shall meet the 
requirements specified in 5.2. The limiting quantities of the Portland cement clinker specified in Table 1 are 
reference values to be met by the average composition calculated from the spot samples taken in the control 
period. For single results, maxim um deviations of -2 from the reference value are allowed. Suitable procedures 
during production and appropriate verification methods to ensure conformity to this requirement shall be applied 
and documented.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annex A  
(informative)  
 
Guidance on use of the product  
 
A 1 Safety  
 
A 1.1  Manual handling of bags  
 
The use of 25 kg bags of cement  reduce s the risk of injury.  
 
A.1.2  Safety in use  
 
A.1.2.1 Regulations  
 
In the manufacture, supply and use of the cement, it is recommended that:  
 
a) the health risks of the cement in use be assessed and then prevented or controlled;  
 
b) product health and safety information sheets be made available from the manufacturer/supplier;  
 
c) bags containing masonry cement be labelled with a health and safety warning indi cating that the cement is 
an irritant;  
 
A.1.2.2 Hazards  
 
When masonry cement becomes damp or is mixed with water, to make mortar, a concentrated alkaline solution 
is produced. Where this comes into contact with the eyes or skin, it may cause serious burns and ulceration. 
The eyes are particularly vulnerable and injury will increase with contact time.  
 
Concentrated alkaline solutions, in contact with skin, tend to damage the nerve endings first before damaging 
the skin, therefore chemical burns can develop w ithout pain being felt at the time.  
 
In addition, cement mortar can, until it has set, cause both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis:  
 
a) irritant contact dermatitis results from a combination of the moisture content, alkalinity and abrasiveness of 
cement mortar;  
 
b) allergic contact dermatitis is mainly a consequence of the sensitivity of an individual's skin to water -soluble 
hexavalent chromium, in solution.  
 
Attention is drawn to the fact that high repeated exposures, to airborne cement, in excess of certain limits have 
been linked with rhinitis and coughing.  
 
A.1.2.3 First aid measures  
 
a)  In the event that eyes come into contact with masonry cement, wash eyes immediately with copious 
amounts of clean water for a period of at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice without delay.   
b)  In the event that skin comes into contact with masonry cement, wash the affected area thoroughly with 
soap and water before continuing the activity. If irritation, pain or skin trouble occurs, seek medical advice.  
 
Clothing or footwear contaminated by wet cement, or cement -mortar should be removed and washed 
immediately and thoroughly before being reused.  
 A.1.2.4 Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)  
 
1)  Where the risk of cement becoming airborne can be neithe r prevented nor completely controlled, the use 
of appropriate respiratory protective equipment is recommended. In addition, dustproof goggles should be worn 
in order to protect the eyes.  
 
2)  Where the risks from contact with wet cement or wet mortar can b e neither prevented nor completely 
controlled, appropriate protective equipment should be worn as follows.  
 
a)  Waterproof protective clothing should be worn in order that cement, or any cement and water mixture, e.g. 
mortar, does not come into contact wit h the skin. Should wet mortar enter waterproof footwear, waterproof 
gloves or other waterproof protective clothing, then the item(s) of clothing should be removed immediately and 
the skin thoroughly washed with soap and water. Items of waterproof protectiv e clothing that have been worn 
should be washed before reuse.  
 
b)  Where this appropriate protective equipment takes the form of eye protection , wherever there is a risk of 
cement, or any wet cement mixture, entering the eye, dustproof goggles should be wo rn. 
 
 
A.2 Storage  
 
To protect masonry cement from premature deterioration after delivery, bulk silos should be waterproof, clean 
and dry (internal condensation minimized).  
 
Bags should be stored unopened, clear of the ground and in cool, dry conditions pro tected from excessive 
draught. Stacks of bags should be no more than eight -high and should be protected by a waterproof structure. 
Significant deterioration can begin after four to six weeks of storage in bags in normal conditions, and 
considerably sooner under adverse weather conditions or high humidity.  
 
A.3 Test temperature  
 
Test methods for testing masonry mortar require that standardized properties are tested at specified target 
temperatures, subject to specified tolerances. If cement is tested under different temperature conditions, the 
results are likely to be affected. Appropriate advice on how different temperature conditions can affect results 
should be available from the manufacturer.  
 
A.4 Rendering and plastering  
 
Where masonry cement is to be u sed in renders or plasters that are pumped through small apertures, such as 
spray nozzles, it is recommended that the user passes the cement or suspension through a screen of suitable 
mesh aperture to retain any occasional coarse particles.  
 
A.5 Use of mas onry cement in mortar  
 
The mix proportions (by volume) required to produce any given type of prescribed mortar will vary depending 
on the composition and bulk density of the masonry cement. Manufacturers' advice should be followed to 
achieve the required t ype. 
 
Annex B  
(informative)  
Sampling and testing for acceptance inspection at delivery  
 
B.1 For acceptance at delivery, when requested, a spot sample of the masonry cement should be taken in 
accordance with the relevant clauses of EAS 148 -7 either before, or at the time of delivery. A laboratory sample 
should be prepared from the spot sample and  packed in accordance with EAS 148 -7. A sampling report should 
be completed at the time of sampling and should be attached to the laboratory sample in accordance with EAS 
148-7.  
 
NOTE 1 Testing may be delayed for up to three months from the time of sampli ng, provided that there is confirmation that the sample has 
been stored continuously in the manner described in EAS 148 -7.  
 
B.2 When the masonry cement is tested for compressive strength (see 5.3.6), it is recommended that the source 
from which the Standa rd sand (see EAS 148 -1) is obtained and the compaction procedure used should be the 
same as those in use by the manufacturer at the time the cement was originally tested.  
  NOTE It should be noted that the source of Standard sands and the compaction proced ure can, within permitted limits (see EAS 148 -
1:2005, 11.2.3.3 and 11.3.2.3), influence the strength achieved.  
 
B.3 When the masonry cement is tested for chemical properties (see 5.4), the sample should be prepared by 
the method described in EAS 148 -2.  
 
B.4 The testing of properties of the laboratory sample should be carried out in accordance with the relevant 
methods in KS 2168 -2 or the  EAS 148 series of standards.  
 
B.5 The limiting values applicable to acceptance inspection of masonry cement should be those given in Table 
NB.1.  
 
 
Table B.1 Acceptance Inspection limiting values  
Property   Type  
 
 MC 12.5 X  MC 22.5 X  
Compressive strength (MPa)  
lower limit value  7 day - 6 9 
28 day  10.5 20.5 
Compressive strength (MPa)  
upper limit value  28 days  37.5 47.5 
Setting times  
initial - lower limit (min)  
Final - upper limit (h)    
45 
17  
45 
17 
Soundness  
maximum (mm)    
10  
10 
Sulfate content (as %  SO3) 
maximum (% by mass)  
  3.51 3.51 
Chloride content  
maximum (% by mass)   0.1 0.1 
Water retention  
lower limit (% by mass)   70 70 
Air content  
upper Limit (% by volume)  
lower limit (% by volume)    
- 
-  
- 
- 
1 4.0 % by mass if the Portland cement clinker can be shown to be not less than 55