Details of the compaction method used (manual vs. mechanical).
This article provides an informative overview of the standard, its scope, and the key technical requirements for industry professionals.
From the proper cleaning and oiling of moulds to the precise layering and compaction of fresh concrete, from controlled curing environments to systematic specimen handling and transport, the standard leaves nothing to chance. Its 12 pages distil decades of concrete technology experience into clear, actionable guidance that protects both the quality of our built environment and the safety of those who inhabit it.
Curing is the most critical phase for strength development, providing necessary moisture and temperature for cement hydration. BS EN 12390-2:2019 Concrete Testing | PDF - Scribd bs en 12390-2:2019
To prevent these discrepancies, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) established . This British and European standard outlines the precise, mandatory procedures for making and curing concrete test specimens used for strength testing. 1. What is BS EN 12390-2:2019?
The primary objective of BS EN 12390-2:2019 is to standardize the preparation of concrete samples so that strength results are reliable and comparable across different laboratories and projects. It covers: . Compaction techniques (mechanical and manual). Surface leveling and marking . Curing protocols to ensure optimal hydration. Transportation requirements for specimens. 2. Standardized Apparatus and Materials
The ambient temperature surrounding the moulds during initial curing must be maintained at 20°C (± 2°C) in a lab environment, or 20°C (± 5°C) if site-cured in a climate-controlled box. Demoulding and Marking Details of the compaction method used (manual vs
Once cured, the specimens must be transported to the testing machine (such as a compression testing rig) with care to avoid any impact or damage that could compromise the test results.
Notably, the standard includes a flexibility provision: it can also be used for the making and curing of specimens intended for other test methods beyond strength testing.
Apply vibration via a vibrating table or poker until no more large air bubbles appear on the surface, and the surface becomes relatively smooth and glazed. Do not over-vibrate. From the proper cleaning and oiling of moulds
BS EN 12390-2:2019 is part of the EN 12390 series, which superseded the older BS 1881 methods. Specifically, this part details the apparatus, procedures, and environmental conditions for producing test specimens (typically cubes or cylinders) from fresh concrete and for curing them until the point of testing. The standard’s primary objective is to eliminate variability introduced by poor specimen preparation. If specimens are made or stored incorrectly, the subsequent strength test will reflect the quality of the curing regime, not the inherent quality of the concrete. Therefore, this standard acts as a gatekeeper for accuracy in quality control and compliance testing.
BS EN 12390-2:2019 supersedes the 2009 edition and specifies procedures for making and curing test specimens from fresh concrete. Its primary purpose is to minimize variability introduced during specimen preparation, ensuring that the measured strength reflects the actual quality of the concrete in the structure, rather than artifacts of sample handling. The standard applies to specimens intended for compressive, flexural, or splitting tensile strength tests, covering both laboratory-cured specimens (for quality control and acceptance testing) and field-cured specimens (for assessing when formwork can be removed or when a structure can be loaded).
Elias began the ritual of . He didn't just dump the concrete in; according to the standard, it had to be done in layers. Using a tamping rod, he struck the mix exactly 25 times per layer, ensuring no "honeycombing" or air pockets remained. If he rushed this, the final strength test would be a lie. Step 2: The Initial Rest