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British Standard

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20 February 2004

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Standards Online at bsonline.techindex.co.uk
BRITISH STANDARD BS 4131:1973

Specification for

Terrazzo tiles
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

UDC 69.022:691.31:666.963 – 431 + 69.025.332.691.31:666.963 – 431


BS 4131:1973

Co-operating organizations

The Cement, Lime and Gypsum Products Industry Standards Committee,


under whose supervision this British Standard was prepared, consists of
representatives from the following Government departments and scientific and
industrial organizations:

Association of Consulting Engineers Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors


British Precast Concrete Federation* Greater London Council
British Quarrying and Slag Federation Gypsum Products Development Association
British Railways Board Institution of Civil Engineers
British Ready Mixed Concrete Association Institution of Municipal Engineers
British Steel Industry Institution of Structural Engineers
Cement and Concrete Association* Institution of Water Engineers
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Cement Makers’ Federation* National Federation of Building Trades


Chemical Industries Association Employers*
Concrete Society Limited Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Department of the Environment Sand and Gravel Association Limited
Department of the Environment-Building Society of Chemical Industry
Research Establishment* Welwyn Hall Research Association

The Government department and scientific and industrial organizations


marked with an asterisk in the above list, together with the following, were
directly represented on the committee entrusted with the preparation of this
British Standard:

Incorporated Association of Architects and Royal Institute of British Architects


Surveyors
National Federation of Terrazzo-Mosaic
Specialists

This British Standard, having


been approved by the Cement,
Lime and Gypsum Industry
Standards Committee, was
published under the authority
of the Executive Board on
8 October 1973
Amendments issued since publication
© BSI 04-1999

First published February 1967 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments


Metric version October 1973

The following BSI reference


relates to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference CEB/17

ISBN 0 580 07872 8


BS 4131:1973

Contents

Page
Co-operating organizations Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Designation for ordering tiles 1
3 Cement 1
4 Pigments 1
5 Aggregate 1
6 Additives or admixtures 1
7 Manufacture 1
8 Shape 2
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9 Dimensions 2
10 Tolerances 2
11 Finish 2
12 Freedom from defects or flaws 2
13 Uniformity of colour 2
14 Age at testing 2
15 Water absorption 2
16 Transverse strength 2
17 Independent tests 3
18 Sampling 3
19 Compliance 3
20 Age at delivery 3
21 Protection in transit 3
22 Supplier’s certificate 3
Appendix A Method of determining water absorption 4
Appendix B Method of determining transverse strength 5
Appendix C Recommendations for stacking tiles on site 6
Appendix D Recommendations for special use of tiles 6
Appendix E Recommendations for maintaining terrazzo tiling 6
Appendix F Dimensionally co-ordinated sizes 7
Figure 1a — A typical arrangement of loading for transverse strength
test (side and end elevations) 7
Figure 1b — A typical arrangement of loading for transverse strength
test (side and end elevations) 8
Figure 1c — A typical arrangement of loading for transverse strength
test (side and end elevations) 8
Figure 2 — Recommended methods for stacking terrazzo tiles 9
Table 1 — Sizes of marble aggregate corresponding to commercial grades 1
Table 2 — Sizes of tiles 2
Table 3 — Dimensionally co-ordinated sizes for tiles 7
Publications referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 04-1999 i
BS 4131:1973

Foreword

BS 4131 was first published in 1967 in response to a request from the National
Federation of Terrazzo-Mosaic Specialists.
This is a metric version of that British Standard, which it now supersedes. It also
incorporates minor corrections.
In drafting this British Standard, consideration was given to dimensional
co-ordination in accordance with PD 6432, “Dimensional co-ordination in
building. Arrangement of building components and assemblies within functional
groups”. The manufacture of terrazzo tiles, however, originated in Europe and
from there comes the machinery and material for making the tiles in the UK. It
was therefore considered more important to conform with European production
than to adopt dimensionally co-ordinated sizes, if that meant making sizes
different from those already in use in Europe. Consequently, the sizes specified
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

in this standard are the existing metric sizes which form the bulk of current
production.
Although the sizes in this standard may have a modular appearance, it should be
carefully noted that they are not dimensionally co-ordinated nor are they
intended to be so.
Despite dimensional co-ordination being excluded from the specified sizes in this
standard, it is nevertheless intended to incorporate it in those sizes if the
opportunity occurs during future revisions of the standard. This will depend on
international co-operation, and BSI will make every attempt during international
discussions to encourage other countries to adopt dimensionally co-ordinated
sizes of floor tiles.
Meanwhile, 9.2 enables dimensionally co-ordinated sizes to be covered by this
standard if they are provided by agreement between the purchaser and the
supplier. Appendix F gives further information on dimensionally co-ordinated
sizes.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 10, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii © BSI 04-1999
BS 4131:1973

1 Scope 5 Aggregate
This British Standard specifies requirements for 5.1 Facing layer
hydraulically-pressed terrazzo floor and wall tiles. The aggregate shall consist of good quality marble,
NOTE The titles of the British Standards referred to in this or other natural stone of similar characteristics, of
standard are listed on the inside back cover.
adequate hardness, angular in shape as distinct
from elongated and flaky. Aggregate shall not
2 Designation for ordering tiles
contain clay, iron oxide, pyrites or other harmful
2.1 When placing an order or making an enquiry, foreign matter in such a form or in sufficient
tiles shall be designated by referring to the quantity to affect adversely the bond or strength, or
following: cause surface failure. Aggregate should preferably
a) The number of this British Standard. be graded and it is important to avoid a high fines or
dust content. The approximate sizes of aggregates
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b) The size of the aggregate in the facing layer


(see 2.2). corresponding to commercial grades are given in
Table 1.
c) The size and thickness of tile (see Clause 9).
Table 1 — Sizes of marble
d) The shape of tile if other than square. aggregate corresponding
e) The finish of the tiles (see Clause 11). to commercial grades
The colour of tiles and the type of aggregate shall mm
be designated by referring to the manufacturer’s
sample. 1 — 2
2.2 The sizes of the terrazzo aggregate for the 2 — 4
purpose of ordering tiles shall be described as 2 — 5
follows:
4 — 6
a) Up to 5 mm
5 — 9
b) Up to 12 mm
9 — 12
c) Up to 25 mm
d) Random 12 — 20
e) Pebble marble 20 — 25
Selection of aggregate sizes shall take into 5.2 Base layer
consideration the finished thickness of the tile.
The aggregate shall consist of naturally occurring
3 Cement materials complying with the requirements of
BS 882, such as crushed or uncrushed gravel, or
The cement shall be ordinary white or coloured crushed stone, with natural sand, crushed stone
Portland cement complying with the requirements sand or crushed gravel sand.
of BS 12.
6 Additives or admixtures
4 Pigments
Additives or admixtures other than pigments
4.1 Pigments used shall normally comply with the (see Clause 4) may be incorporated by agreement
requirements of BS 1014. Other pigments may be between the purchaser and the supplier, in special
used by agreement between the purchaser and the circumstances.
supplier, but most pigments not covered by BS 1014
may fade, especially if exposed to sunlight and 7 Manufacture
weathering.
7.1 The tile shall be vibrated to an extent which
4.2 In order to achieve the best staining power and allows the entrapped air to escape to the surface and
homogeneity, pigments should be milled in with the compacts the aggregate at the wearing face and it
dry cement before adding to the mix, or shall be hydraulically pressed with a pressure
alternatively, coloured cement should be used. depending on the area of the tile but sufficient to
NOTE All colours, including the natural grey colour of ordinary mould the facing to the backing and to enable the
cement, may become obscured or reduced in intensity to varying
degrees, if conditions during the manufacture and storage of the
tile to meet the performance tests specified in this
tiles are not so arranged as to avoid formation of “lime bloom” or standard.
efflorescence. The incorporation of an integral waterproofer, such
as a metallic soap, known not to give rise to damaging side
effects, may be considered to inhibit fading due to lime bloom
(see Clause 6).

© BSI 04-1999 1
BS 4131:1973

7.2 The base layer shall consist of not less than 3 a) ground and grouted, or
and not more than 3½ parts of aggregate as b) ground, grouted and re-ground to a fine grit
specified in 5.2, to one part of cement as specified in finish for floors and walls, or
Clause 3, proportioned by weight.
c) ground, grouted and high polish finished for
7.3 The facing layer shall be such as to provide a walls.
minimum wearing thickness of 6 mm after
grinding. 12 Freedom from defects or flaws
7.4 The period between pressing and grinding shall
12.1 The aggregate shall be evenly distributed.
be sufficient to enable the tile to meet the
performance requirements specified in this 12.2 The face shall be free from projections,
standard. depressions, flakes and crazes.
7.5 The surface treatment shall be by grinding. Any 12.3 The edges of the tile shall be perpendicular to
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

slight surface imperfections shall be filled by the surface. The planes of the upper and lower
grouting with a neat cement paste coloured to match surfaces of the tile shall be parallel and adjacent
the original mix and well worked into the surface. vertical edges of square tiles shall be at right angles
to each other.
8 Shape 12.4 All arrises shall be sharp and true.
Tiles shall be square with flat tops and of
rectangular cross section. Other shapes may be
13 Uniformity of colour
supplied by agreement between the purchaser and The overall colour of tiles shall be practically
the supplier. uniform in any one delivery, except where special
random effects are ordered.
9 Dimensions NOTE Owing to variations in the colour of aggregates and
cement in the processes of manufacture, corresponding slight
9.1 The dimensions of square tiles shall be as given variations in the colour of the resultant tiles are unavoidable.
in Table 2.
Table 2 — Sizes of tiles 14 Age at testing
Length of each side: work Thickness: work size in mm The minimum age at testing shall be 28 days.
size in mm

150 ± 1 15 ± 3 15 Water absorption


200 ± 1 20 ± 3 When tested by the method described in
Appendix A, the tiles sampled in accordance with
225 ± 1 20 ± 3 Clause 18 shall comply with the following
300 ± 1 30 ± 3 requirements:
400 ± 1 35 ± 3 a) Water absorption by tile-face: No single result
shall be more than 0.4 grams/cm2.
500 ± 1 40 ± 3
b) Total absorption: No single result shall be more
9.2 Other sizes and thicknesses may be supplied by than 8 %.
arrangement between the purchaser and the
supplier. This applies particularly to dimensionally 16 Transverse strength
co-ordinated sizes on which further guidance is When tested by the method described in
given in Appendix F. Appendix B, the tiles sampled in accordance with
Clause 18 shall comply with the following
10 Tolerances requirement:
A 2 mm tolerance has been allowed for the lengths Transverse strength: No single result shall be less
of tile-sides and a 6 mm tolerance for than 3 N/mm2.
tile-thicknesses. Nevertheless, for each delivery of
tiles, the tolerances shall not exceed 1 mm for
lengths and 3 mm for thicknesses between tile and
tile.

11 Finish
By agreement between the purchaser and the
supplier, tiles shall be supplied either:

2 © BSI 04-1999
BS 4131:1973

17 Independent tests 20 Age at delivery


If the purchaser or his representative requires The tiles shall not be delivered until a period of at
independent tests, the sample shall, at the option of least 7 days after pressing has elapsed.
the purchaser or his representative, be taken before NOTE There is inherent danger in the delivery and laying of
or immediately after delivery, and the tests shall be insufficiently cured products arising from drying shrinkage.
carried out in accordance with the requirements of Where possible the minimum period between pressing and laying
should be 21 days to 28 days.
this British Standard on the written instructions of
the purchaser or his representative. If the supplier 21 Protection in transit
so desires, he or his representative shall be present
at the sampling. The manufacturer shall provide protection adequate
to the nature of the tiles and free from material
18 Sampling likely to cause discoloration of them.
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18.1 Samples for independent tests shall be taken at 22 Supplier’s certificate


random by the purchaser or his representative at
the time of delivery, identified and marked by the The supplier shall satisfy himself that the tiles at
supplier, at the rate of 3 tiles from the first 100 tiles the time of their delivery by him, comply with the
or less and 2 further tiles from each additional 200 requirements of this British Standard and, if
tiles or part thereof in each delivery. requested, shall forward a certificate to this effect to
the purchaser or his representative.
18.2 Before testing, each tile so sampled shall be
carefully examined for damage. Any tile which is NOTE Attention is drawn to the certification facilities offered
by BSI; see the inside back cover of this standard.
found to be damaged shall be rejected and another
tile sampled from the bulk delivery in its place.

19 Compliance
Compliance of tiles submitted for independent tests
shall be assessed as follows:
a) If two or more tiles from the sample taken in
accordance with Clause 18 fail to pass any of the
tests specified in Clauses 15 and 16, all the tiles
comprising the delivery represented by the
sample shall be deemed not to comply with the
requirements of this standard.
b) If one tile fails to pass, then the consignment
shall only be deemed to comply if the tiles in a
further sample of double the number of tiles from
the same delivery all satisfy the requirements of
the test which the one tile previously failed.

© BSI 04-1999 3
BS 4131:1973

Appendix A Method of determining At the corners of each tile mark the edges 5 mm
water absorption below the tile face. Tiles shall be placed face
downwards in the dishes [see A.1 d)]. Water at a
A.1 Apparatus temperature of 20 ± 2 °C, shall be poured carefully
The following apparatus shall be provided: into each dish until the water level is within ± 2 mm
of the mark on the four edges of each tile. The water
a) A balance capable of weighing up to 20 kg to an shall not surge more than 2 mm above these marks,
accuracy of 1 gram. nor shall it wet the backs of tiles. The specified
b) A well ventilated oven complying with the temperature and specified level of the water shall be
requirements of BS 2648 and in which the maintained for a period of 24 ± ½ h.
temperature shall be controlled between 100 °C At the end of that time each tile shall be taken out
and 110 °C. of the water, care being taken to prevent the tile
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c) A water tank at least 75 mm deep in which the backing becoming wet. Surface water shall be
tiles may be immersed. removed from the wetted parts of the tile by dabbing
d) One or more dishes in which tiles may be them with a slightly dampened cloth. Each tile shall
immersed face downwards with at least 99 % of then be weighed in air and its weight (W2) shall be
each tile-face exposed to water. For this purpose recorded.
the bottom inside of each dish should be suitably A.5 Calculation of water absorbed by the
ribbed. Alternatively, glass rods or beads on tile-face
which specimens can be supported may be The water absorbed by the face of each tile shall be
provided. calculated and reported. The result shall be
A.2 Number of specimen tiles expressed in grams of water absorbed per square
The number of tiles to be used as test specimens centimetre of tile-face and shall be determined as
shall be determined in accordance with Clause 18. shown below.
A.3 Age of tiles when tested Let
The test for water absorption shall be commenced
between 28 and 35 days after tiles have been A = face-area of tile in cm2,
pressed. W1 = dry weight of tile in grams,
A.4 Test procedure for water absorption by
W2 = weight of tile in grams after absorption of
tile-face
water by face (see Clause A.4),
All test specimens shall be placed in the oven at the
w = weight of water absorbed by tile-face in
same time. They shall be arranged so that they are
grams/cm2.
separated from each other and from any heating
surface by a distance of at least 25 mm. They shall Then
be dried in the oven until they attain a constant
W2 – W 1
weight. Constant weight shall be considered as w = ----------------------
-
having been reached when the variation in total A
weight of any three tiles does not exceed 2 grams
over a period of 8 hours. Each result shall be expressed to the
nearest 0.01 grams/cm2.
The tiles having been removed from the oven should
preferably be cooled for 24 ± ½ h, in the air of a A.6 Test procedure for total absorption of
room at a controlled temperature of 20 ± 2 °C. Tiles water
may however, be cooled in any room so long as it is On completion of the previous test, tiles shall again
free from draughts and rapid temperature changes. be dried and cooled as described in A.4.
Tiles shall then be weighed and the dry weight (W1) Immediately afterwards tiles shall be immersed
of each shall be recorded. once more in water at a temperature of 20 ± 2 °C. As
far as possible, their main planes shall be parallel to
the surface of the water. The depth of water over the
top of each tile shall be between 25 mm and 50 mm.
Tiles shall remain immersed under the above
conditions for a period of 24 ± ½ h.

4 © BSI 04-1999
BS 4131:1973

At the end of that time each tile shall be taken out The bed of a testing machine shall contain two
of the water. Surface water shall be removed by round steel bars each 38 mm to 40 mm in diameter
dabbing the tile with a slightly dampened cloth. for supporting a tile in two places across its full
Each tile shall then be weighed in air and its weight width. The distance between the axes of the round
(W3) shall be recorded. steel bars shall be two-thirds of the length of the tile
A.7 Calculation of total absorption of water which they support.
The total absorption of water by each tile shall be One support shall be fixed horizontally. The other
calculated and reported. The result shall be shall be pivoted as shown in Figure 1b so that the
expressed as a precentage of each tile’s dry weight linear reactions at the two supports shall be evenly
and shall be determined as shown below. distributed to the tile without imposing any
torsional forces on it.
Let
The upper frame of a testing machine shall contain
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a round steel bar of 38 mm to 40 mm in diameter


W1 = dry weight of tile in grams and of sufficient length to overlap a tile on each side.
(see Clause A.4), The round steel bar shall be pivoted as shown in
W3 = weight of tile in grams after total Figure 1b and Figure 1c so that the linear reaction
absorption of water, between it and a tile shall be evenly distributed and
shall not impose any torsional forces on the tile. The
T = Total absorption of water expressed as a
line of contact between the round steel bar and the
percentage.
tile shall bisect the distance between the axes of
Then tile-supports.
When a tile is mounted for testing, it shall be placed
W 3 – W1
- × 100
T per cent = ---------------------- on the supports squarely and not askew. When a
W1 load is applied, care should be taken to ensure that
it acts truly perpendicular to the tile.
Each result shall be expressed to the nearest 0.1 %. B.2 Sequence of testing
A.8 Report A tile should normally be tested for transverse
The following information shall be recorded in all strength immediately after it has been tested for
reports. water absorption. However, a tile need only be
a) The identification mark of each sample. tested for transverse strength, and the test for water
absorption may be omitted, if all the following
b) The date each test was commenced.
conditions have been fulfilled:
c) The age of each sample on the date each test
a) The tile is one of a sample being re-tested in
was commenced.
accordance with Clause 19 b).
d) The weight of water absorbed by each tile-face
b) The tiles from the original sample have
in grams/cm2 (w).
complied with Clause 15 regarding water
e) The total absorption of water by each tile absorption by tile-face and total absorption of
expressed as a percentage (T). water.
c) The tile itself has undergone the procedures for
Appendix B Method of determining
water absorption by tile-face and total absorption
transverse strength of water described in A.4 and A.6 respectively
immediately before transverse testing.
B.1 Testing machine
B.3 Testing procedure
Sectional views of the end and sides of a testing
machine for determining transverse length are Each tile shall be placed on the supports of the
illustrated in Figure 1a, Figure 1b and Figure 1c. testing machine symmetrically and face upwards.
The load shall be applied to the tile continuously
A testing machine of this kind shall comply with the
and at a uniform rate until the tile breaks.
specifications which are given in BS 1610 for a
Grade A or a Grade B machine. A testing machine
shall also be able to impose loads 300 % greater
than is required to attain the value of transverse
strength specified in Clause 16. (3N/mm2).

© BSI 04-1999 5
BS 4131:1973

B.4 Calculation Appendix D Recommendations for


The transverse strength of each tile shall be special use of tiles
calculated and reported, using the following
formula. D.1 In general, the advice of the manufacturer on
Let special uses of tiles should be obtained.
D.2 When tiles are used externally, or in cold-stores,
P = breaking load on tile in newtons, or in other rooms where freezing conditions exist,
the predominant proportion of aggregate in the tiles
S = test span of tile in mm, should not be under 5 mm in size. The use of larger
b = width of tile in mm, aggregates is recommended. The incorporation of an
integral water-proofer should also be considered.
t = thickness of tile in mm,
D.3 If the terrazzo is re-ground to a fine grit finish
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f = transverse strength of tile in N/mm2.


and maintained as recommended in Appendix E, the
surface should not be slippery. For special cases,
Then such as a floor being laid to a fall, a reasonably good
3PS non-slip surface may be obtained by incorporating
f = ------------ carborundum or bauxite grit in the mix. The
2
2bt
proportion should not be high since it will seriously
interfere with the good polishing of the surface.
Each result shall be expressed to the
nearest 0.05 N/mm2.
Appendix E Recommendations for
B.5 Report maintaining terrazzo tiling
The following information shall be recorded in all
reports: E.1 After the floor has been laid, and machine
a) The identification mark of each sample. finished if specified, it should be covered with white,
non-staining sawdust to protect it while other work
b) The date the test was commenced.
is being done. When the sawdust is eventually
c) The age of each sample on the date the test was removed, the floor should be thoroughly scrubbed.
commenced. Wall tiling should be scrubbed at the same time. The
d) The breaking load of each tile in newtons (P). water should be changed for every 10 m2 area of
e) The test span of each tile in mm (S). tiling scrubbed.
f) The width of each tile in mm (b). E.2 Wax polishes should not be applied to wall tiles
until the tiling is clean and has thoroughly dried
g) The thickness of each tile in mm (t).
out. Their use on floors tends to make the terrazzo
h) The transverse strength of each tile in N/mm2 slippery and should generally be discouraged.
(f).
E.3 Although terrazzo tiling has a high resistance to
oil staining, it is not completely impervious to oil
Appendix C Recommendations for penetration. It should be noted however, that
stacking tiles on site certain proprietary treatments are available for the
removal of oil stains.
C.1 The protection of tiles on site is recommended.
The following simple precautions should be taken: E.4 Disinfectants with a phenol or cresol base will
stain the tiling. The resistance of terrazzo tiling to
a) The stacking area should be clean and level. If
staining may be increased by the use of certain
the tiles cannot be stacked under cover they
sealers.
should be protected from the weather by means of
a tarpaulin or other suitable waterproof covering. E.5 The manufacturer’s advice should be sought on
Tiles should also be protected against penetration proprietary treatments and sealers.
of water from the ground. E.6 Scrubbing with soap and water is recommended
b) The tiles should always be stacked face to face. for maintaining terrazzo tiling. Soap should be
removed carefully afterwards.
c) Laths or thin battens should be inserted
between rows of tiles. E.7 Detergents should not be used owing to the
difficulty of distinguishing between neutral
The diagrams in Figure 2 show the
products and those containing constituents harmful
recommended methods of stacking.
to terrazzo.

6 © BSI 04-1999
BS 4131:1973

E.8 Fine abrasive powders, although not Table 3 — Dimensionally co-ordinated sizes
recommended for regular maintenance, may be used for tiles
occasionally to remove stubborn marks. Length of tile-side

Appendix F Dimensionally Co-ordinating size mm 300 400 500


co-ordinated sizes Joint clearance mm 3 3 3
Work size mm 297 397 497
F.1 Clause 9.2 makes provision for tiles
manufactured to sizes which are the subject of an Permissible deviation mm ± 1 ±1 ±1
agreement between the purchaser and the supplier. from work size
In the event of such an agreement being necessary Maximum limit of mm 298 398 498
to fulfill the requirements of a building designed to manufacturing size
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controlling dimensions in accordance with BS 4330,


the sizes to be used should be selected from those Minimum limit of mm 296 396 496
given in Table 3. A recommended joint width manufacturing size
of 3 mm, in accordance with CP 202, has been used Thickness (work size) mm 30 ± 3 35 ± 3 40 ± 3
in determining those sizes.
F.2 Tiles made to these sizes should be laid in
accordance with the recommendations given in
CP 202 for jointing and laying floor tiles.

Figure 1a — A typical arrangement of loading for transverse strength test

© BSI 04-1999 7
BS 4131:1973
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 1b — A typical arrangement of loading for transverse strength test

Figure 1c — A typical arrangement of loading for transverse strength test

8 © BSI 04-1999
BS 4131:1973
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 2a — Stacking where there is no wall

Figure 2b — Stacking against a wall


Figure 2 — Recommended methods of stacking terrazzo tiles

© BSI 04-1999 9
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 20 February 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI

10
blank
BS 4131:1973

Publications referred to

This standard makes reference to the following British Standards:


BS 12, Portland cement (ordinary and rapid-hardening).
BS 882, Coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources.
BS 1014, Pigments for cement, magnesium oxychloride and concrete.
BS 1610, Methods for the load verification of testing machines.
BS 2648, Performance requirements for electrically-heated laboratory drying ovens.
BS 4330, Recommendations for the co-ordination of dimensions in building. Controlling dimensions.
CP 202, Tile flooring and slab flooring.
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BSI Certification Trade Mark


The Kitemark
The British Standards Institution is the owner of a registered certification trade mark. It is usually
associated with the words “approved to British Standard” as shown below, the number of relevant British
Standard being added. This mark may be used only by those licensed under the certification mark scheme
operated by BSI. The presence of this mark on or in relation to a product is an assurance that the goods
have been produced under a system of supervision, control and testing, operated during manufacture and
including periodical inspection of the manufacturer’s works in accordance with the certification mark
scheme of BSI designed to ensure compliance with a British Standard.
Further particulars of the terms of licence may be obtained from the Quality Assurance Department,
British Standards Institution, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 4SQ

© BSI 04-1999
BS 4131:1973

BSI — British Standards Institution


BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.

Revisions

British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of


British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.

It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
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