BS EN 12390-2:2019 defines critical standards for molding, compacting, and curing concrete test specimens to ensure structural integrity and reliable strength evaluations. By establishing uniform procedures for specimen preparation, it enables accurate quality assurance and enhanced durability for concrete structures. For more details, visit en-standard.eu. BS EN 12390-2:2019 Concrete Testing | PDF - Scribd
The standard BS EN 12390-2:2019 focuses on the preparation and curing of hardened concrete specimens for strength testing.
It does not specify or require a "solid paper" product as part of its technical procedures for making or curing test cubes or cylinders BSI Knowledge
If you are looking for physical materials often used alongside this standard, you may be referring to: Common Ancillary Materials Mould Release Agent:
A thin coating applied to the inner surface of moulds to prevent concrete from sticking. Identification Marking:
Labels or marking tools used to identify specimens immediately after leveling the surface. Moisture Protection:
Plastic sheeting or damp burlap/hessian is typically used to cover specimens immediately after casting to prevent moisture loss during initial curing. Standard Overview
Procedures for making and curing specimens (cubes, cylinders, and prisms) for strength tests. Key Steps:
Includes filling and compacting moulds, surface leveling, marking, curing conditions, and transportation. Curing Requirements: Specimens must remain in moulds for 16 hours to 3 days at
, followed by underwater curing or humidity-controlled storage until testing. BSI Knowledge
If "solid paper" refers to a specific academic paper or technical document investigating this standard, several studies use it as a reference for their methodology, such as those exploring bauxite tailing admixtures pozzolanic performance in structural concrete Quick questions if you have time: Was this "solid paper" a product? Need help finding the standard? BS EN 12390-2:2019 - TC | 31 Jul 2019 | BSI Knowledge 31 July 2019 —
BS EN 12390-2:2019 is the British Standard that dictates the procedures for making and curing specimens for strength tests on hardened concrete. It is a critical document for ensuring the consistency and reliability of compressive strength results in construction projects. Key Procedures in BS EN 12390-2:2019 bs en 12390-2:2019
The standard provides a step-by-step framework to ensure that test samples (cubes, cylinders, and prisms) accurately represent the concrete used on-site:
Apparatus & Equipment: Specifies the requirements for molds, compacting equipment (such as vibrating tables), and finishing tools like floats.
Molding & Compaction: Outlines how to fill molds and compact concrete to remove entrapped air, which is vital for achieving a representative strength profile.
Curing Protocols: Sets strict parameters for curing, typically requiring specimens to remain in their molds for at least 16 to 24 hours before being transferred to a water tank or mist room at a controlled temperature of
Handling & Transport: Includes guidelines for marking and transporting specimens to the laboratory to prevent damage that could compromise test results. Why This Standard Matters
Following BS EN 12390-2:2019 is essential for Quality Assurance. If curing or molding is done incorrectly, the resulting strength tests—performed under BS EN 12390-3—may show "false failures," leading to unnecessary project delays or costly investigative work.
For professionals looking to stay compliant, the full standard can be accessed via BSI Knowledge or official Standard Distributors. BS EN 12390-2:2019 - TC | 31 Jul 2019 | BSI Knowledge
BS EN 12390-2:2019 dictates the standardized procedures for making and curing concrete test specimens to ensure accurate strength verification. The process involves precise preparation of moulds, compaction, and controlled curing at 20°C (± 2°C) to simulate real-world concrete performance. Learn more about these standards through BS EN 12390.2 - 2000 (Testing Hardened Concrete - Scribd
BS EN 12390-2:2019 the British and European standard that defines the procedures for making and curing concrete specimens for strength tests
. By standardizing how test cubes, cylinders, and prisms are handled, it ensures that the physical properties of the hardened concrete are measured accurately and consistently across different construction projects. Scope and Purpose
The standard provides a rigorous framework for preparing specimens used primarily for compressive and flexural strength testing. It covers the entire lifecycle of a test specimen, including: Preparation : Using non-reactive release agents to prevent sticking. : Layering concrete based on consistency. Compaction BS EN 12390-2:2019 defines critical standards for molding,
: Prescribing specific mechanical (vibrating tables, internal vibrators) or hand methods (compacting rods).
: Establishing precise temperature and moisture requirements. Key Technical Procedures
Adhering to these steps is critical, as minor deviations can lead to significant variations in reported strength. Compaction
: The standard allows for multiple methods but warns against over-vibration, which can cause the loss of entrained air and lead to segregation. For hand compaction, it typically suggests 25 strokes per layer to remove entrapped air without disturbing entrained air. Initial Curing
: Specimens must remain in their molds for at least 16 hours but no more than three days at a temperature of
C. They must be protected from shock, vibration, and moisture loss (e.g., covered with polyethylene sheeting). Final Curing
: Once demolded, specimens are typically cured in a water tank at
C or in a humidity-controlled chamber with relative humidity
: When moving specimens to a laboratory, they must be protected from dehydration and temperature extremes using wet sand, sawdust, or sealed plastic bags. Significance in Construction The 2019 version supersedes the earlier 2009 edition and aligns with the broader EN 12390 series
for hardened concrete testing. Its implementation is vital for: Quality Control
: Verifying that the concrete delivered to a site meets the specified design strength. Step 1: Sampling Fresh Concrete The concrete must
: Ensuring structural integrity by identifying substandard batches before they become critical failures. Traceability
: Requiring detailed reporting of sampling, compaction, and curing conditions to maintain accountability.
For professionals like civil engineers and laboratory technicians, following the BS EN 12390-2:2019
standard is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental practice for building durable and safe infrastructure. comparative breakdown of the specific changes between the 2009 and 2019 versions?
The concrete must be sampled according to BS EN 12350-1 (Testing fresh concrete – Part 1: Sampling). Sampling should occur mid-discharge from the truck, not at the very start or end.
The standard details a clear, sequential process. The goal is to produce a homogeneous specimen with no segregation, air pockets, or surface defects.
The 2019 revision superseded the 2009 version. While the core principles remained consistent, the update introduced several refinements to align with modern practices and improve quality assurance:
This standard applies to concrete tested under laboratory conditions, specifically for:
It covers the entire lifecycle of the specimen in the lab:
BS EN 12390-2:2019 is a crucial standard within the construction materials industry. It specifies the methods for making and curing concrete test specimens (cubes and cylinders) in a laboratory setting. The primary objective is to ensure that the specimens produced are representative of the concrete quality, allowing for accurate determination of compressive strength. It replaced the 2009 version and introduces stricter controls on curing conditions, temperature monitoring, and surface preparation of specimens.
This is sometimes used for conformity testing of concrete that will be in thick sections – initial slow heat development followed by standard curing. The standard allows this, but the precise regime must be agreed between the specifier and the tester.