Bs En 12390-2:2019 Today
Preventing dehydration, which halts cement hydration.
The standard generally refers to molding concrete into cubes or cylinders using standard molds.
Apply vibration using a table or poker until the surface becomes relatively smooth and no large air bubbles emerge. Avoid over-vibration, which causes segregation.
Disclaimer: This article provides an overview of the standard for informational purposes. Always refer to the official BSI document for exact technical requirements. bs en 12390-2:2019
If youI can provide details on the (BS EN 12390-3), explain how to calculate target mean strength , or outline acceptable dimensional tolerances for molds. Which of these areas Share public link
: Verifying that the concrete delivered to a site meets the specified design strength.
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. Preventing dehydration, which halts cement hydration
Place the concrete into the moulds in a minimum of two layers (for cubes) or multiple layers depending on specimen size and compaction method. Ensure each layer is roughly equal in depth. Step 3: Compaction
Troubleshoot that cause low-strength failures.
The standard is not a standalone document. It is Part 2 of a larger series, , which systematically covers every major aspect of hardened concrete testing. Understanding its position within this "family" of standards is important for full compliance: Avoid over-vibration, which causes segregation
┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Freshly Cast Specimen │ └────────────────────┬─────────────────────┘ │ ▼ ┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Initial Curing │ │ • Leave in mould for 16 to 72 hours │ │ • Temperature: 20°C (± 2°C or ± 5°C) │ │ • Protect from wind, solar, and shock │ └────────────────────┬─────────────────────┘ │ ▼ ┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Demoulding Phase │ │ • Carefully remove without damage │ │ • Permanently mark the specimen ID │ └────────────────────┬─────────────────────┘ │ ▼ ┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ Long-Term Curing │ │ • Submerge in water at 20°C (± 2°C) │ │ - OR - │ │ • Mist room at 20°C (± 2°C) & >95% RH │ └──────────────────────────────────────────┘ Initial Curing (In the Mould)
To avoid voids and honeycombing, the concrete must be properly compacted within the mould. The standard describes two primary methods: internal vibration (needle vibrator) and manual compaction (tamping rod). Crucially, it specifies the size of the vibrator head, the duration of vibration, and the number of rod strokes for manual compaction, depending on the specimen size and concrete slump. This removes operator guesswork.
Obtain a representative sample of concrete according to BS EN 12350-1. Fill the molds in layers. For standard cubes and cylinders, concrete is typically placed in two or three equal layers depending on the compaction method used. 3. Compaction
: 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
After casting, the specimens are left to harden in their moulds for 24± 2 hours. During this time, they must be protected against vibration, shocks, and premature drying, usually by covering them with impermeable sheets or keeping them in a humid environment. 3. Curing and Curing Conditions