To ensure consistency, the standard specifies the use of equipment conforming to BS EN 12390-1. Key tools include:
| | Temperature Range | Relative Humidity | Typical Application | |----------------------|----------------------|----------------------|--------------------------| | Reference curing room (optimal) | 20 ± 2°C | ≥ 90% | Standard specimen curing for strength testing | | Ambient storage (common application) | 20 ± 2°C | 60 ± 5% | Simulating field conditions for certain durability tests |
BS EN 12390‑2 is the second part of the multi-series that specifically discusses . The standard methodically covers five essential areas:
Ensure the molds are clean, properly assembled, and thinly coated with a release agent. No excess oil should pool at the bottom of the mold. 3. Molding the Test Specimens
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Must be clean and coated with a non-reactive release agent to prevent sticking.
The dimension of the test specimen must be chosen based on the maximum aggregate size in the concrete. A critical requirement is that the specimen size should be at least as specified in EN 206. This ensures that aggregate particles do not disproportionately influence the strength test results by creating localised weak points or stress concentrations.
Can include vibrating tables, internal poker vibrators, or manual compacting rods/bars, depending on the workability of the concrete.
Without adherence to BS EN 12390-2:2019, a concrete strength test result is not legally valid under most European and UK construction contracts. To ensure consistency, the standard specifies the use
On the day of testing, specimens are removed from the curing water. The standard dictates the following: Specimens are weighed to determine density.
Specimens should be kept in their molds, protected from shock, vibration, and dehydration, for at least 16 hours but not more than 3 days.
Two common curing regimes specified in related standards (and referenced by EN 12390-2) include:
To comply with the standard, your testing facility must utilize calibrated, standardized equipment: No excess oil should pool at the bottom of the mold
Several factors can affect the compressive strength of hardened concrete, including:
If two identical batches of concrete are cured at different temperatures or compacted poorly, their 28-day compressive strengths can vary significantly. Following BS EN 12390-2:2019 safeguards structural projects against artificial test failures, preventing costly project delays, material rejections, and legal disputes. Equipment Specifications
Immediately after finishing, the specimens must remain in their moulds.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2019 edition brought tighter controls to improve reproducibility:
The term "curing" refers to providing adequate moisture, temperature, and time to allow concrete to achieve the desired properties for its intended use. .
This interconnectedness means that compliance with BS EN 12390-2:2019 is rarely sufficient on its own; it must be implemented in conjunction with other referenced standards to achieve full conformity.