Two common curing regimes specified in related standards (and referenced by EN 12390-2) include:
The Definitive Guide to BS EN 12390-2:2019: Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens
Executed using a standard compacting bar. The strokes must be distributed uniformly across the cross-section of the mould, penetrating through the layer being compacted into the underlying layer. Step 4: Topping and Leveling bs en 12390-2:2019
Accurately predicting the concrete strength prevents structural failure.
Concrete is often placed in layers (e.g., 50mm deep) and compacted at each stage. Two common curing regimes specified in related standards
| Aspect | BS EN 12390-2:2009 | BS EN 12390-2:2019 | |--------|--------------------|--------------------| | | Specified materials (metal, rigid plastic) | More detailed requirements for mould rigidity, dimensional tolerance, and re-use limits. | | Compaction methods | Vague guidance on rodding, vibration, etc. | Clarified compaction energy and process, especially for different consistence classes (slump classes S1 to S5). | | Surface finish | Minimal guidance. | Added requirement to record surface flatness deviation. | | Curing temperature | 20°C ± 2°C for water tanks. | Tightened to 20°C ± 1°C for sensitive applications (e.g., high-strength concrete >80 MPa). | | Transport of fresh specimens | Not detailed. | New clause on minimizing disturbance, vibration, and temperature change during transport from batching to lab. | | Demoulding time | 24 hours ± 4 hours typical. | More prescriptive: 24 hours ± 2 hours unless otherwise agreed, with justification for early demoulding. | | Curing records | Basic temperature checks. | Mandatory logging of temperature and relative humidity at defined intervals (every 4 hours if automated, or at least twice daily if manual). |
C. They must be protected from shock, vibration, and moisture loss (e.g., covered with polyethylene sheeting). Final Curing Concrete is often placed in layers (e
| Standard | Title | Role | |----------|-------|------| | | 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 | | BS 1881-108 | (Partly superseded) | Old UK standard – still referenced but not current. |
Concrete samples must be obtained following EN 12350-1 and thoroughly remixed before use. Molds are typically filled in multiple layers depending on the concrete's consistency; however, self-compacting concrete is filled in a single layer without additional vibration. Compaction
Under ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory accreditation), simply following the standard is not enough – you must prove you followed it.
Methods include using a vibrating table or a poker vibrator to ensure the concrete density is representative of the structure.