What is a Field of Applications and why should it matter to a specifier?

The Field of Application is the parameters within which a product’s make up can be varied whilst remaining within those parameters to which any testing certification remains valid.

A good example of this is the thickness of a slip being applied to the system, for example we can use any slip at 15mm +/-3mm, therefore the maximum slip thickness is 18mm. So if we were asked to include a projecting slip in the build up of say 25mm, then this would effectively negate any testing that had been carried out for Reaction to Fire, Frost Damage or Hard and Soft Body Impact, not to mention the possibility of taking the system outside of it’s maximum operating weight.

To that end, and to ensure that a good range of brick choices are available, we set about testing a range of bricks and colours of mortar to ensure that the Reaction to Fire certification would not be comprimised.

What was the outcome

The range of tests carried out means that we can use any brick classified as F2 frost resistance, manufactured to EN771-1, from 7N/mm2 to 125N/mm2, with any colour lime mortar.

We know that meeting and wherever possible, bettering the Building Regulations requirements is important to everyone, from designer through to occupier and we strive to keep doing so for the benefit of the industry.