What is BS EN 12390‑13 about?

BS EN 12390‑13 is the 13th part of the multi-series standard BS EN 12390. BS EN 12390-13 specifies a method for the determination of the secant modulus of elasticity in compression of hardened concrete on test specimens that can be cast or taken from a structure.

The test method allows the determination of two secant moduli of elasticity: the initial modulus, E C,0 measured at first loading and the stabilized modulus, E C,S measured after three loading cycles.

Two different test methods are given. The first (Method A) is for determination of both initial and stabilized moduli, the second (Method B) is for determination of stabilized modulus only.

Who is BS EN 12390‑13 for?

BS EN 12390‑1 on concrete testing is useful for:

Cement manufacturing companies
Suppliers of raw materials for concrete
Civil engineers
Construction companies
Contractors
Concrete specialists

Why should you use BS EN 12390‑13?

Concrete is used to provide strength, durability, and versatility during the construction of a structure. These excellent properties have made concrete a reliable and long-lasting choice of construction companies for both commercial and domestic types of constructions. The elastic modulus of concrete is a very important mechanical parameter reflecting the ability of the concrete to deform elastically. BS EN 12390-13 provides the test method for the determination of the secant modulus of elasticity in concrete.

Higher elastic modulus means the concrete can withstand higher stress but the concrete will become brittle and sooner cracks will appear. Low elastic modulus indicates that it will bend and deform very easily. With the test provided in BS EN 12390‑13 you can attain the desired properties.

Overall, as the buyer of BS EN 12390-13, a standardized testing for determination of elasticity in concrete compression is extremely useful as it provides clarity over the stiffness, and thereby strength of the concrete. By achieving the necessary minimum modulus of elasticity for concrete, it will help you limit any excessive deformation and avoid sway in tall structures. As a result, BS EN 12390-13 will also provide you with optimum serviceability while achieving cost-efficient designs. Moreover BS EN 12390-13 is also extremely useful when undertaking structural repairs, ensuring of uniform load transfer.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 12390‑13:2021 supersedes EN 1239013:2013. BS EN 12390‑13:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to EN 1239013:2013. These include:

Upper limit of lower stress increased to prevent sample unloading when testing low strength concrete
Change to the loading profile in Method B

BS EN 12390-13:2021

Testing hardened concrete - Determination of secant modulus of elasticity in compression

Current

Published:

31 Aug 2021