BS EN 12390-7:2019 defines methods for measuring the density of hardened concrete. Published by the British Standards Institution and incorporating a November 2020 corrigendum, the standard distinguishes between three moisture conditions: hardened concrete as-received, water-saturated and oven-dried. The scope extends to lightweight, normal-weight and heavy-weight concrete, making it applicable across a range of applications.
Why Density Testing Matters for Hardened Concrete
Density is a key indicator of concrete quality and composition. Variations in measured density can signal changes in mix proportions, degree of compaction, void content or aggregate characteristics.
The three moisture states defined in BS EN 12390-7 reflect different use cases. As-received density corresponds to the condition of specimens taken directly from a structure or curing environment. Water-saturated density represents the maximum mass per unit volume when all accessible pores are filled. Oven-dried density eliminates all evaporable water, providing a baseline for calculating porosity.
Scope and Application Across Concrete Types
BS EN 12390-7:2019 is applicable to lightweight, normal-weight and heavy-weight concrete. The standard's differentiation between moisture states allows engineers and producers to select the most relevant test condition for their purposes.
Relationship to European Testing Framework
BS EN 12390-7:2019 forms part of the BS EN 12390 series, which covers a comprehensive suite of test methods for hardened concrete. The 2019 edition superseded BS EN 12390-7:2009 and incorporated a November 2020 corrigendum. The standard is recognised across the UK and European Union as a reference for quality assurance and product conformity assessment.
