Bs En 12390-2:2019
✅ Before casting: Verify mould calibration and cleanliness.
✅ During filling: Use appropriate compaction method for slump class.
✅ After casting: Cover immediately; record time.
✅ Storage before demoulding: Maintain 20°C ± 5°C; protect from vibration.
✅ Demoulding: At 24 h ± 2 h; mark clearly; check for defects.
✅ Curing: Use lime-saturated water at 20°C ± 1°C (or ±2°C). Log continuously.
✅ Transport to test lab: Keep protected and avoid temperature shock.
✅ Documentation: Keep all logs for at least 10 years (as per project records).
By following BS EN 12390-2:2019 meticulously, you ensure that the compressive strength result reflects the concrete – not the mistakes of the technician. That is the essence of standardized testing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always refer to the full text of BS EN 12390-2:2019, available from BSI Group (British Standards Institution), for complete and legally binding requirements.
BS EN 12390-2:2019 is the British and European standard that dictates the procedures for making and curing concrete specimens for strength testing. It is a critical document for ensuring that concrete samples (typically cubes or cylinders) are prepared consistently so that strength results are accurate and comparable. What This Standard Covers
The document outlines specific laboratory and field procedures to maintain the integrity of concrete samples from the moment they are cast until they are tested for hardened strength:
Preparation & Filling: Instructions for preparing moulds and the systematic filling process to avoid segregation.
Compaction: Standardized methods for compacting the concrete within the moulds using mechanical or manual tools to remove air pockets.
Surface Leveling & Marking: Procedures for finishing the top surface and clearly identifying each specimen for tracking.
Curing: Strict requirements for temperature and humidity—often involving water tanks or humidity chambers—to allow the concrete to gain strength properly before testing.
Transport: Guidelines for safely moving specimens from the site to the laboratory without causing internal damage. Why It’s Important
Standardization: It ensures that a 28-day strength test in one lab is directly comparable to a test in another.
Reliability: Improper curing (e.g., letting a specimen dry out too quickly) can lead to artificially low strength readings, potentially causing a project to fail inspection unnecessarily.
Safety: Adhering to these methods ensures that the concrete used in buildings and infrastructure truly meets the design's structural requirements. Key Resources BS EN 12390-2:2019 Concrete Testing | PDF - Scribd
BS EN 12390-2:2019!
That's a British Standard (BS) and European Norm (EN) that outlines the testing methods for hardened concrete. Specifically, Part 2 of the standard focuses on the "Determination of compressive strength of test specimens".
Here's a brief overview:
Title: BS EN 12390-2:2019 - Testing hardened concrete - Part 2: Determination of compressive strength of test specimens
Summary: This standard specifies the method for determining the compressive strength of hardened concrete test specimens, including cubes, cylinders, and other shapes. The test is used to evaluate the strength of concrete in structures, and it's an essential aspect of quality control and assurance in construction. bs en 12390-2:2019
Key aspects:
Why is it interesting?
Well, concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the world, and its compressive strength is a critical parameter in ensuring the safety and durability of structures. The BS EN 12390-2:2019 standard provides a widely accepted and reliable method for determining the compressive strength of concrete, which helps engineers, contractors, and researchers to:
The standard is an essential tool for anyone involved in the construction industry, from engineers and architects to contractors and materials scientists.
What specific aspects of BS EN 12390-2:2019 would you like to discuss or explore further?
The standard BS EN 12390-2:2019 is a critical technical document that specifies methods for making and curing specimens for strength tests of hardened concrete.
The following story personifies this technical process through the eyes of a meticulous Site Engineer. The Guardian of the Cube
For Elias, the construction site was a chaotic symphony of diesel engines and shouting, but the "Cube Shed" was his sanctuary of silence. On his desk sat a worn copy of BS EN 12390-2:2019, the rulebook that separated a stable skyscraper from a disaster in the making.
"Mixing is done, Elias!" the foreman yelled, pointing at the fresh grey sludge pouring from the truck.
Elias didn't move until he checked his stopwatch. He knew the 90-minute rule—if that concrete wasn't in the moulds soon, it was useless. He stepped into the light, carrying his steel moulds. These weren't just boxes; they were the "specimens" defined by the standard. Step 1: The Filling
Elias began the ritual of making the specimens. 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
Once the surfaces were leveled and smoothed, Elias moved the moulds to a shaded, vibration-free corner. The BS EN 12390-2:2019 was strict: the cubes needed to stay in their moulds for at least 16 hours, but no more than three days, protected from the elements. He covered them with a damp cloth and plastic sheeting, tucked away like sleeping giants. Step 3: The Curing
The next morning, Elias performed the "demoulding." He carefully loosened the bolts, revealing perfect 150mm grey cubes. But their journey wasn't over. For concrete to reach its true potential, it needs to "cure."
He lowered them into a temperature-controlled water tank. "See you in 28 days," he whispered. In this underwater purgatory, the chemical reaction—hydration—would continue until the concrete was rock hard. The Reckoning
Exactly 28 days later, the cubes were pulled out, wiped dry, and placed under a massive hydraulic press for the compression test. As the machine groaned, applying thousands of kilonewtons of force, Elias looked at his 2019 standard manual. CRACK.
The cube shattered into a perfect hour-glass shape—the sign of a well-made specimen. The digital display flashed a number that exceeded the design strength. Elias exhaled. Because he had followed BS EN 12390-2 to the letter, he knew the building rising above him was safe.
He closed his manual, ready to start the ritual all over again with the next delivery. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and
BS EN 12390-2:2019 provides the definitive framework for the preparation of concrete test specimens. Its strict requirements for temperature control and curing duration ensure that the construction industry has reliable data on concrete performance. Non-compliance with this standard typically results in invalid strength tests, posing significant risks to construction projects.
Report: BS EN 12390-2:2019 - Testing Hardened Concrete: Part 2 - Making and Curing Specimens
Introduction
BS EN 12390-2:2019 is a European Standard that outlines the procedures for making and curing specimens of hardened concrete. This standard is part of a series of standards for testing hardened concrete, and it provides guidelines for the preparation of concrete specimens for testing. This report provides an overview of the standard, its significance, and key aspects of making and curing specimens.
Scope and Significance
The standard BS EN 12390-2:2019 covers the procedures for making and curing specimens of hardened concrete for testing. The standard is applicable to concrete made with normal weight aggregates, lightweight aggregates, and heavyweight aggregates. The standard provides guidelines for:
The significance of this standard lies in its ability to ensure that concrete specimens are made and cured in a consistent and controlled manner, which is essential for obtaining reliable and accurate test results.
Key Aspects of Making and Curing Specimens
The standard BS EN 12390-2:2019 covers several key aspects of making and curing specimens, including:
Requirements for Making Specimens
The standard outlines specific requirements for making specimens, including:
Requirements for Curing Specimens
The standard outlines specific requirements for curing specimens, including:
Conclusion
In conclusion, BS EN 12390-2:2019 provides guidelines for making and curing specimens of hardened concrete for testing. The standard ensures that specimens are made and cured in a consistent and controlled manner, which is essential for obtaining reliable and accurate test results. By following this standard, manufacturers and testing laboratories can ensure that their concrete specimens are prepared in accordance with European standards, which is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of concrete structures.
Recommendations
Based on the requirements of BS EN 12390-2:2019, it is recommended that: Why is it interesting
Limitations
This report provides a general overview of BS EN 12390-2:2019 and should not be considered a substitute for the actual standard. It is essential to consult the standard and relevant regulatory requirements for specific guidance on making and curing concrete specimens.
BS EN 12390-2:2019 Testing Hardened Concrete: Making and Curing Specimens for Strength Tests
The BS EN 12390-2:2019 standard is a critical document for civil engineers, laboratory technicians, and construction professionals involved in concrete quality control. This European Standard specifies the methods for making and curing test specimens for strength tests on hardened concrete. Compliance with this standard ensures that concrete strength results are accurate, repeatable, and representative of the material's true potential. Understanding the Significance of the Standard
Concrete is a heterogeneous material, and its measured strength is highly sensitive to how it is handled in its plastic state and how it is treated during the early stages of hardening. BS EN 12390-2:2019 provides a rigorous framework to minimize variables during the sampling and preparation process. By standardizing the size of the molds, the compaction methods, and the temperature and humidity of the curing environment, the industry can compare results across different projects and regions with confidence. Scope and Application
This part of the EN 12390 series applies to specimens made from concrete with a maximum aggregate size of 40 mm or less. It covers the preparation of cubes, cylinders, and prisms. The standard is used both for specimens made in a laboratory setting and those made on-site to verify the quality of concrete being delivered to a structure. Essential Equipment Requirements
To adhere to the standard, specific equipment must be used. Molds must be made of a non-absorbent, rigid material that does not react with cement paste. They must be watertight and capable of maintaining their shape under the pressure of compaction. Common materials include steel, cast iron, and certain high-density plastics.
The standard also specifies the tools for compaction. Depending on the consistency of the concrete, this may include internal vibrators (poker vibrators), vibrating tables, or manual tamping rods. For manual compaction, the rod must be circular in cross-section, straight, and made of steel with a smooth finish. The Making of Test Specimens
The process begins with obtaining a representative sample of fresh concrete according to EN 12309-1. Once the sample is ready, the molds are prepared by applying a thin film of non-reactive release agent to the internal surfaces.
The concrete is placed in the molds in layers. The number of layers and the duration of vibration or number of tamps depend on the dimensions of the specimen and the workability of the mix. Over-vibration must be avoided as it can cause segregation, while under-compaction leads to voids that artificially lower the recorded strength. After compaction, the top surface is leveled using a trowel or float to create a smooth, flat finish. The Curing Process: A Critical Phase
Curing is perhaps the most vital step in the preparation of concrete specimens. BS EN 12390-2:2019 outlines strict parameters for both initial and long-term curing. Initial Curing
Specimens must remain in the molds for at least 16 hours but no longer than 3 days. During this time, they must be protected from shock, vibration, and dehydration. The temperature during this initial phase must be maintained between 20°C and 25°C in temperate climates, or higher in hot climates if specified. Covering the molds with plastic sheeting or wet burlap is a common practice to prevent moisture loss. Standard Curing
After removal from the molds (demolding), the specimens must be cured in water or in a mist room. If water curing is used, the specimens must be fully submerged in a tank. The water temperature must be maintained at a constant 20°C (± 2°C). If a mist room is used, the relative humidity must be kept above 95%. This controlled environment ensures that the hydration of the cement continues optimally, allowing the concrete to gain strength at a predictable rate. Marking and Documentation
Every specimen must be clearly and indelibly marked so that it can be traced back to its specific batch, location in the structure, and date of manufacture. Accurate record-keeping is a requirement of the standard, including details of the sampling procedure, the compaction method used, and the duration and conditions of the curing period. Differences Between Laboratory and Site Curing
While the standard primary focus is on "standard curing" to verify the potential strength of a mix design, it also acknowledges "site curing." Site-cured specimens are treated as closely as possible to the actual structure they represent. These are often used to determine when formwork can be safely removed or when post-tensioning can occur. However, site-cured results cannot be used for official compliance with the 28-day characteristic strength requirements unless specifically permitted. Conclusion
The BS EN 12390-2:2019 standard is a cornerstone of modern concrete technology. By following its detailed procedures for making and curing specimens, the construction industry ensures that the data used to make safety and structural decisions is robust and reliable. Whether you are a technician in a commercial lab or a site manager overseeing a major pour, a deep understanding of this standard is essential for maintaining the integrity of the built environment.
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
Great care must be taken when removing the moulds. If the concrete is damaged during this process, the specimen is compromised. Once demoulded, the specimens should be marked clearly and permanently.