BS EN 12859-2011 PDF

Full title and description

BS EN 12859:2011 — Gypsum blocks. Definitions, requirements and test methods. This standard specifies terminology, product characteristics, and the test methods and conformity criteria for gypsum blocks used in building works, principally for non-loadbearing partitions and linings.

Abstract

BS EN 12859:2011 defines the properties, performance requirements and the test procedures for smooth-surfaced gypsum blocks intended primarily for non-loadbearing partitions, independent linings and the lining of columns, elevator shafts and service shafts. It covers reaction to fire and fire resistance, airborne sound insulation, release of dangerous substances, thermal resistance (calculated from declared thermal conductivity), and additional product characteristics such as density classes and pH. The standard also describes conformity assessment and marking requirements applicable to products that claim compliance.

General information

• Status: Current (adopted as the EN edition and published as BS EN 12859:2011).
• Publication date: 30 April 2011 (2011 edition).
• Publisher: BSI (British Standards Institution) — adopted from EN 12859:2011 (European standard).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.10 — Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar; Construction products.
• Edition / version: 2011 edition (replaces BS EN 12859:2008).
• Number of pages: 40 pages (typical published PDF/page count noted in catalogue entries).

Scope

This standard applies to smooth-faced gypsum blocks intended primarily for use in the construction of non-loadbearing partitions, independent linings and the lining of columns, lift shafts and service shafts. It specifies the essential performance characteristics relevant to these uses — reaction to fire and fire resistance, airborne sound insulation, release of dangerous substances and thermal resistance (the latter calculated from declared thermal conductivity). It also covers additional technical characteristics of relevance to acceptance and use in construction such as density classification and pH. The standard does not cover gypsum blocks with thicknesses less than 50 mm or use for ceilings.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and product designation (terminology and marking requirements).
• Dimensional and geometrical requirements, tolerances and surface characteristics.
• Mechanical properties and strength criteria relevant to non-loadbearing applications.
• Reaction to fire and fire resistance test methods and classification (references to fire classification standards).
• Airborne sound insulation (direct sound transmission) — test methods and declared performance.
• Thermal resistance — declared thermal conductivity and calculation methods for thermal resistance.
• Release of dangerous substances — requirements and assessment methods for substances of concern.
• Additional characteristics: density grading (density classes), pH, and other factory-declared properties.
• Sampling, test methods and conformity assessment procedures for declaring compliance with the standard.

Typical use and users

Typical users of BS EN 12859:2011 include gypsum block manufacturers, laboratory test houses, product certifiers, architects, specifiers, contractors, building control authorities and procurement teams. The standard is used to specify product performance in building contracts, to support CE/UKCA marking or national conformity evidence (where applicable), and to define test regimes for factory or independent testing.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced together with EN 12859 include EN 13501-1 (fire classification), EN ISO 10140-3 (sound insulation laboratory measurements), EN ISO 10456 (thermal properties), EN ISO 6946 (building components and elements — thermal resistance) and EN ISO 717-1 (acoustic ratings). Regional or national equivalents and related product standards (e.g., NF P72-500, earlier DIN/EN versions) may also be relevant. The 2011 edition replaced the 2008 edition of EN 12859.

Keywords

gypsum blocks; plaster blocks; non-loadbearing partitions; fire resistance; sound insulation; thermal resistance; dangerous substances; density classes; pH; test methods; product specification; conformity assessment.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: BS EN 12859:2011 is the British adoption of the European standard EN 12859:2011 covering gypsum blocks — definitions, product requirements and test methods for blocks used in non-loadbearing walls and linings.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers terminology, dimensional and material requirements, mechanical characteristics, fire reaction and resistance, airborne sound insulation, release of dangerous substances, thermal resistance (from declared thermal conductivity), sampling and test procedures, and marking/conformity requirements for gypsum blocks (excluding blocks thinner than 50 mm and not intended for ceilings).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of gypsum blocks, testing laboratories, certification bodies, architects and specifiers, contractors and building authorities use the standard for product specification, testing, conformity assessment and compliance demonstration in construction projects.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2011 edition (BS EN 12859:2011) replaced earlier editions (for example BS EN 12859:2008). Catalogue and standards-seller listings identify the 2011 edition as the current published edition; users should confirm the status with the national standards body or the official EN/CEN records for any developments after 2011 before relying on it for regulatory compliance. (Information checked in standards catalogues and harmonisation listings.)

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: EN 12859 is a single-part product standard addressing gypsum blocks. It is linked by reference to other European and ISO standards for fire classification, acoustic and thermal test methods; it has earlier national or regional equivalents and was issued as successive editions (2001, 2008, 2011).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Gypsum blocks, plaster blocks, non-loadbearing partitions, fire resistance, sound insulation, thermal conductivity, density classes, pH, test methods, conformity assessment.