What this method can answer
EN 14488-5 determines the load-deflection response of a fibre-reinforced sprayed-concrete slab specimen and uses that response to calculate energy absorption up to a specified deflection. It is a specimen test, not a direct prediction of mine stability, tunnel support life or the behaviour of every shotcrete mix.
Method outline
- Identify the sprayed-concrete process, mix, fibre product and batch, dosage and panel series.
- Record spraying, panel preparation, curing, dimensions, age and any deviations from the intended procedure.
- Support and load the slab through the defined central loading arrangement under deflection control.
- Record the load-deflection response and retain the raw curve used to calculate absorbed energy.
- Publish a result only with its test conditions, source, observations and limitations.
Wet- and dry-mix records stay separate
The record must identify whether the specimen came from wet- or dry-mix spraying and describe the actual dosing, mixing and spraying conditions. Results from one process, mix, dosage, panel or curing condition must not be transferred to another without a new qualified review.
Minimum record attached to a result
- record, panel and sample identity;
- wet- or dry-mix process and concrete composition;
- fibre product, batch and measured dosage;
- spraying, curing, panel dimensions and test age;
- test equipment and method reference;
- load-deflection curve and reported energy value;
- crack observations, deviations, source and limitations.
Publication boundary: Conchip does not publish a product energy-absorption value as an EN 14488-5 result unless the underlying sample, mix, dosage, panel, curve and original record can be traced. Project or acceptance testing must be arranged with a qualified third party when required.