The concrete must be sampled according to (Testing fresh concrete – Part 1: Sampling). Sampling should occur mid-discharge from the truck, not at the very start or end.
Specimens should be kept in their molds, protected from shock, vibration, and dehydration, for at least 16 hours but not more than 3 days.
Specimens are commonly immersed in a water tank (kept at 20± 2°C or 27± 2°C depending on local requirements) until the day of testing.
Specifying temperature and moisture conditions for hydration. bs en 12390-2:2019
BS EN 12390-2:2019 is more than a procedural checklist; it is a scientific framework that transforms a heterogeneous, wet material into reliable, testable specimens whose results can be trusted. By rigorously defining moulds, compaction, finishing, and—most critically—curing regimes, the standard ensures that the measured strength of a concrete cylinder or cube faithfully represents the structural material’s potential. For engineers, technicians, and quality managers, mastering and adhering to this standard is not merely a bureaucratic requirement but a fundamental duty to ensure safety, durability, and economic efficiency in concrete construction. As concrete technology evolves with new admixtures and sustainability targets, standards like BS EN 12390-2:2019 provide the essential stability and reproducibility needed to benchmark progress and guarantee performance.
A plastic or rubber mallet used to tap the sides of the molds to release entrapped air bubbles.
Protect the molds from shock, vibration, and drying out. Keep them at a temperature of 20 °C ± 5 °C (or 25 °C ± 5 °C in hot climates). Cover them with a plastic sheet, damp cloth, or lid to retain moisture. Lab Curing (After Demolding) The concrete must be sampled according to (Testing
To ensure consistency, the standard specifies the use of equipment conforming to BS EN 12390-1. Key tools include:
Once removed from the molds, specimens must undergo continuous moist curing until the moment of testing (typically 7 or 28 days).
A central innovation in the 2019 revision is the heightened emphasis on proper compaction. The standard prescribes two methods: internal vibration (using a needle vibrator) or hand layering (using a tamping bar). For each method, specific rules apply—for example, when using a vibrator, the number of insertion points and the duration are defined to avoid segregation or entrapment of air. The 2019 edition clarifies the depth of vibrator penetration and the need to avoid over-vibration, which can cause aggregate settlement and weaken the top surface. Specimens are commonly immersed in a water tank
This standard is an adoption of the European Standard , which was approved by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) on 29 April 2019. It officially replaced and withdrew the older BS EN 12390-2:2009 , bringing with it crucial updates to reflect current best practices and technological advancements in concrete testing.
The standard is a critical technical document that specifies methods for making and curing specimens for strength tests of hardened concrete.
This table reflects information gathered from current knowledge of the BS EN 12390 series. For definitive confirmation of individual part titles and exact publication years, readers should consult the official BSI catalogue.
Based on UKAS laboratory assessment reports and industry experience, here are the top non-conformities related to BS EN 12390-2:2019: