Bs En 12390-2:2019 Here
Concrete should be placed in layers, and each layer should be compacted to remove air voids without inducing segregation.
Leave the specimens in their moulds for at least 16 hours, but no longer than 3 days. The standard norm is 24 hours.
The standard BS EN 12390-2:2019 focuses on the preparation and curing of hardened concrete specimens for strength testing.
According to the guidelines, fresh concrete is poured into moulds (commonly 100mm or 150mm cubes or cylinders). Proper compaction is essential to remove trapped air, which can weaken the specimen.
To ensure your laboratory workflow meets the latest compliance criteria, I can provide more details. bs en 12390-2:2019
Total submersion in a water tank maintained rigidly at a temperature of 20°C (± 2°C) .
Once removed from the moulds, specimens intended for standard strength tests must be cured in water.
BS EN 12390-2:2019 defines strict, standardized procedures for making and curing hardened concrete specimens to ensure accurate, consistent strength test results. It mandates specific guidelines for mould preparation, compaction methods, and environmental controls for specimens during initial and final curing stages. For more details, visit BSI Knowledge
A key update in the 2019 version is the removal of the disclaimer clause that existed in the 2009 edition. Testing houses can no longer claim that non-standard curing was used; the standard now mandates strict adherence to its curing requirements. This shift has driven many laboratories to update their equipment to guarantee consistent temperature control. Concrete should be placed in layers, and each
Molds must be clean, watertight, and treated with a releasing agent that does not react with the cement.
Moulds must be made of a non-absorbent, rigid material that does not react with cement paste (typically cast iron, steel, or heavy-duty plastics). Standard sizes are 100 mm or 150 mm.
required for compliance with BS EN 12390-2:2019. Share public link
cube). Distribute the strokes evenly across the cross-section. Step 3: Topping and Finishing The standard BS EN 12390-2:2019 focuses on the
A test specimen is invalid without a complete paper trail verifying its compliance with BS EN 12390-2:2019. The testing laboratory's official report must include the following mandatory information: Unique identification mark of the specimen. Date and exact time of casting.
Disclaimer: This article provides an overview of the standard for informational purposes. Always refer to the official BSI document for exact technical requirements.
In concrete construction, structural safety depends entirely on compressive strength. Engineers verify this strength by testing molded concrete specimens. However, a test result is only as reliable as the specimen itself. If you make or cure a cube incorrectly, your laboratory test will reflect poor workmanship rather than the actual quality of the concrete.
The standard outlines the lifecycle of a test specimen from the moment it is cast until it is ready for testing:






