__exclusive__ | Bs En 12390-2:2019

BS EN 12390-2:2019 defines the standardized methods for making and curing concrete test specimens, such as cubes, cylinders, and prisms, to ensure accurate compressive and flexural strength results. The standard outlines specific procedures for molding, compaction, and environmental curing controls required for quality assurance and regulatory compliance. For more details, visit BSI Knowledge. BS EN 12390-2:2019 - TC | 31 Jul 2019 | BSI Knowledge

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 bs en 12390-2:2019

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

The standard BS EN 12390-2:2019 focuses on the preparation and curing of hardened concrete specimens for strength testing.

It does not specify or require a "solid paper" product as part of its technical procedures for making or curing test cubes or cylinders BSI Knowledge

If you are looking for physical materials often used alongside this standard, you may be referring to: Common Ancillary Materials Mould Release Agent:

A thin coating applied to the inner surface of moulds to prevent concrete from sticking. Identification Marking: BS EN 12390-2:2019 defines the standardized methods for

Labels or marking tools used to identify specimens immediately after leveling the surface. Moisture Protection:

Plastic sheeting or damp burlap/hessian is typically used to cover specimens immediately after casting to prevent moisture loss during initial curing. Standard Overview

Procedures for making and curing specimens (cubes, cylinders, and prisms) for strength tests. Key Steps:

Includes filling and compacting moulds, surface leveling, marking, curing conditions, and transportation. Curing Requirements: Specimens must remain in moulds for 16 hours to 3 days at

, followed by underwater curing or humidity-controlled storage until testing. BSI Knowledge

If "solid paper" refers to a specific academic paper or technical document investigating this standard, several studies use it as a reference for their methodology, such as those exploring bauxite tailing admixtures pozzolanic performance in structural concrete Quick questions if you have time: Was this "solid paper" a product? Need help finding the standard? BS EN 12390-2:2019 - TC | 31 Jul 2019 | BSI Knowledge 31 July 2019 —

Significant changes vs. 2009 edition

  • Editorial revisions and harmonization with EN 12350‑1 for common apparatus/specification.
  • Clarifications regarding equivalence of compaction methods and caution on internal vibrators with air‑entrained concrete.
  • Recognition that controlled humidity curing can be equivalent to water curing.

D. Subsequent Curing (Until Testing)

Once demoulded, the specimens enter the main curing phase. This ensures hydration continues uninterrupted. Significant changes vs

  • Water Curing: The preferred method is submersion in water. The water temperature must be maintained at $20 \pm 2^\circ C$. The water should be changed regularly to prevent the build-up of lime, which can alter the curing environment.
  • Storage: If stored in air (less common for standard strength tests), the humidity must be $\ge 95%$, and the temperature must remain at $20 \pm 2^\circ C$.

7. Relationship with Other Standards

BS EN 12390-2:2019 does not work in isolation. It is part of a family:

| Standard | Title | Role | |----------|-------|------| | BS EN 12390-1 | Shape, dimensions, and tolerances of moulds | Specifies the moulds used in Part 2. | | BS EN 12390-3 | Compressive strength of test specimens | The test method after curing per Part 2. | | BS EN 12390-4 | Determination of compressive strength – non-destructive (rebound hammer) | Optional supplementary. | | BS EN 12350-4 | Fresh concrete – Degree of compactability | Helps determine compaction method for Part 2. | | BS 1881-108 | (Partly superseded) | Old UK standard – still referenced but not current. |

For anyone working in concrete testing, keeping the entire BS EN 12390 series on hand is essential.

Final Best Practice Checklist:

✅ 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.