Bs En 12390-2:2019 !exclusive! May 2026

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

: 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 bs en 12390-2:2019

: 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 BS EN 12390-2:2019 the British and European standard

: 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.

: 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. Step 5: Initial Curing (Before Demoulding)

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?

Step 5: Initial Curing (Before Demoulding)

  • Cover the specimen immediately with a non-absorbent, airtight cover (e.g., plastic sheet or damp hessian if covered by plastic) to prevent moisture loss.
  • Store the moulded specimen in an environment at 20°C ± 5°C for the first 24 hours (for standard curing). Avoid drafts, direct sunlight, or vibration.

2. Scope and Purpose

This standard applies to concrete tested under laboratory conditions, specifically for:

  • Compressive Strength Tests: Preparing specimens to be crushed at specific ages (e.g., 7 days, 28 days).
  • Density Determination: Preparing specimens for density calculations.

It covers the entire lifecycle of the specimen in the lab:

  1. Sampling the fresh concrete.
  2. Filling the molds.
  3. Compaction and finishing.
  4. Curing (initial and subsequent storage).
  5. Surface preparation (capping or grinding).

Step 2: Preparation of Moulds

  • Clean the mould thoroughly.
  • Apply a thin, even layer of release agent (mould oil). Avoid puddles, which cause surface pitting.
  • Ensure the mould is assembled tightly – loose joints cause leakage and honeycombing.

3. Updates in the 2019 Version

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:

  • Measurement Uncertainty: There is a greater emphasis on calculating and reporting measurement uncertainty, aligning with broader ISO standards.
  • Mould Tolerances: Stricter specifications regarding the dimensional tolerances of moulds to ensure specimen geometry is perfect (e.g., planeness of surfaces).
  • Temperature Monitoring: Enhanced requirements for the calibration and verification of temperature recording equipment used in curing tanks and storage rooms.

3. Key Procedures