Understanding the differences between the 2009 and 2019 versions is critical for laboratories seeking to maintain UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation or simply follow best practice.
| Aspect | BS EN 12390-2:2009 | BS EN 12390-2:2019 | |--------|--------------------|--------------------| | Mould material | 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). |
The 2019 version is more rigorous, less open to operator interpretation, and emphasizes traceability and documentation.
Under ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory accreditation), simply following the standard is not enough – you must prove you followed it. bs en 12390-2:2019
BS EN 12390-2:2019 implicitly (and sometimes explicitly) requires the following records:
Many laboratories are now using digital barcode tracking linked to temperature sensors to automate compliance with the 2019 version.
Title: Testing Hardened Concrete – Part 2: Making and Curing Specimens for Strength Tests Understanding the differences between the 2009 and 2019
✅ 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. Many laboratories are now using digital barcode tracking
The standard distinguishes between two curing phases:
A. Initial Curing (In Molds)
B. Subsequent Curing (After Demolding)