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.
Introduction: The Foundation of Reliable Concrete Testing In the construction and civil engineering industries, concrete is the most widely used man-made material on the planet. However, the quality of concrete can vary significantly depending on its constituent materials, mixing, placement, and curing conditions. To ensure that a structure is safe, durable, and fit for purpose, engineers rely on standardized tests—most notably compressive strength tests. But a test result is only as reliable as the specimen that was tested. This is where BS EN 12390-2:2019 becomes indispensable. bs en 12390-2:2019
is the British adopted European standard titled: "Testing hardened concrete – Part 2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests." This standard superseded the previous 2009 version and provides the mandatory, legally referenced procedures for producing representative concrete test specimens (cubes, cylinders, and prisms) and curing them under controlled conditions before they are crushed or tested. By following BS EN 12390-2:2019 meticulously, you ensure
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid | |---------|-------------|---------------| | Using moulds out of tolerance (worn, warped) | Resulting cubes can be oversized (lower strength) or undersized (higher false strength). | Annual mould measurement log. | | Not covering specimens for first 24 hours | Surface drying → lower strength, cracking. | Use rigid plastic lids or cling film immediately. | | Incorrect rodding – too few strokes or bar of wrong diameter | Incomplete compaction → voids and low density. | Use rodding templates and trained operators. | | Water tank temperature not monitored or out of range (e.g., 23°C) | Faster strength gain – false pass for early age, but may also cause weaker late strength. | Continuous temperature logger with alarm. | | Tap water without lime | Surface softening → lower crush results by 5-15%. | Add calcium hydroxide powder to tank water. | | Testing specimens not demoulded flat – rocking on platens | Eccentric loading → variable results. | Check flatness before testing; cap or grind if necessary (per BS EN 12390-3). | BS EN 12390-2:2019 does not work in isolation. It is part of a family: Always refer to the full text of BS
