Bs En 12390-2:2019 Jun 2026

The standard mandates that moulds must be rigid, non-absorbent, and dimensionally accurate to within specified tolerances. For cubes, the most common specimen in the UK, the internal dimensions must be precise. Sampling fresh concrete must follow BS EN 12350-1, ensuring a representative batch.

Specimens should be kept in their molds, protected from shock, vibration, and dehydration, for at least 16 hours but not more than 3 days.

To prevent these discrepancies, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) established . This British and European standard outlines the precise, mandatory procedures for making and curing concrete test specimens used for strength testing. 1. What is BS EN 12390-2:2019? bs en 12390-2:2019

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 becomes indispensable.

The standard ("Testing hardened concrete. Making and curing specimens for strength tests") provides the official European and British framework to eliminate these human variables. This article breaks down the standard's technical requirements into clear, actionable steps for site technicians, lab personnel, and quality managers. 1. Scope and Equipment Requirements The standard mandates that moulds must be rigid,

When properly implemented, BS EN 12390‑2 provides substantial benefits:

After casting, specimens must be protected from evaporation, shock, and extreme temperatures. For the first 24 hours (the initial curing period), the standard recommends storing the moulded specimens at a temperature of 20°C ± 5°C and near 100% relative humidity, often achieved by covering with plastic sheeting or damp mats. Specimens should be kept in their molds, protected

Maintaining specific environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) to ensure proper hydration and strength development before testing.

Store the molds in an environment maintained at

Once removed from the moulds, the specimens must be immediately transferred to their permanent curing environment. BS EN 12390-2:2019 allows two primary methods: