EN 12390-4:2025
(Main)Testing hardened concrete - Part 4: Compressive strength - Specification for testing machines
Testing hardened concrete - Part 4: Compressive strength - Specification for testing machines
This document specifies the requirements for the performance of compression testing machines for the measurement of the compressive strength of concrete test specimen in accordance with EN 12390 3 or cores in accordance with EN 12504-1.
Other additional or different requirements may apply for different uses.
Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 4: Bestimmung der Druckfestigkeit - Anforderungen an Prüfmaschinen
Dieses Dokument legt die Anforderungen an die Leistung von Druckprüfmaschinen zur Messung der Druckfestigkeit von Betonprobekörpern nach EN 12390 3 oder Bohrkernen nach EN 12504 1 fest.
Für andere Anwendungen können zusätzliche oder andere Anforderungen gelten.
Essais pour béton durci - Partie 4 : Résistance à la compression - Caractéristiques des machines d'essai
Le présent document spécifie les exigences relatives aux performances des machines d’essai pour la mesure de la résistance à la compression d’une éprouvette de béton conformément à l’EN 12390 3 ou de carottes conformément à l’EN 12504-1.
D’autres exigences complémentaires ou des exigences différentes peuvent s’appliquer pour des utilisations différentes.
Preskušanje strjenega betona - 4. del: Tlačna trdnost - Specifikacija za stiskalnice
Ta dokument določa zahteve za zmogljivost stiskalnic za preskušanje tlačne trdnosti betonskih preskušancev v skladu s standardom EN 12390-3 ali izvrtanih preskušancev v skladu s standardom EN 12504-1. Za različne vrste uporabe lahko veljajo druge dodatne ali drugačne zahteve.
General Information
Relations
Overview
EN 12390-4:2025 - Testing hardened concrete: Part 4 - Compressive strength - Specification for testing machines (CEN) defines performance, construction and verification requirements for compression testing machines used to measure the compressive strength of concrete test specimens (EN 12390-3) and cores (EN 12504-1). The 2025 edition supersedes EN 12390-4:2019 and aligns machine requirements with EN ISO 7500-1.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & normative references: Requires compliance with EN ISO 7500-1 (calibration/verification of force-measuring systems) and references EN ISO 6507‑1 and EN ISO 21920‑2.
- Machine platens & auxiliary platens:
- Material must not deform irreversibly.
- Minimum hardness 570 HV30 (≈53 HRC) (EN ISO 6507‑1).
- Flatness tolerance 0.03 mm on the contact area; auxiliary platen parallelism 0.05 mm.
- Surface roughness 0.4–3.2 µm (EN ISO 21920‑2).
- Auxiliary platens ≥ 23 mm thick; optional but recommended for specimen contact.
- Spacing blocks: Up to four, centred on axis; recommended minimum size ~200 mm; must meet platen flatness/parallelism.
- Force measurement & accuracy:
- Machine displays/dials must meet accuracy classes in Table 1 (tight Class 1 vs looser Class 2 tolerances). Readable from the operating position; post-failure peak must be retained.
- Lowest verifiable value ≤ 20% of range.
- Force control & rate:
- Smooth, shock‑free loading; manual or automatic control allowed.
- Load rate pacer/indicator required; pacer accuracy within ±5%. Recording recommended.
- Force transfer & alignment:
- Upper platen must incorporate a ball‑seating with centre of rotation coincident with platen contact area and permit ≥ 3° rotation.
- Self-alignment during initial contact and capability for verification of alignment and restraint.
- Verification & calibration:
- Use of a strain‑gauged column (force proving device) and the verification procedure in Annex A is mandatory for machine proving. Two machine classes (A and B) define different verification limits.
Applications and who uses it
- Laboratories performing compressive strength testing of hardened concrete
- Construction quality control teams and materials testing labs
- Manufacturers and suppliers of compression testing machines
- Notified bodies and calibration/verification services ensuring EN ISO 7500‑1 conformity
- Research organizations assessing concrete properties
EN 12390-4:2025 ensures reliable, repeatable compressive strength results by standardizing machine design, force measurement, alignment and verification - essential for structural quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
Related standards
- EN 12390 series (Parts 1–17)
- EN 12390-3 (compressive strength of test specimens)
- EN 12504-1 (testing of cores)
- EN ISO 7500-1 (calibration/verification of testing machines)
- EN ISO 6507-1, EN ISO 21920-2
Keywords: EN 12390-4:2025, compression testing machines, compressive strength, testing hardened concrete, CEN, strain-gauged column, EN ISO 7500-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12390-4:2025 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Testing hardened concrete - Part 4: Compressive strength - Specification for testing machines". This standard covers: This document specifies the requirements for the performance of compression testing machines for the measurement of the compressive strength of concrete test specimen in accordance with EN 12390 3 or cores in accordance with EN 12504-1. Other additional or different requirements may apply for different uses.
This document specifies the requirements for the performance of compression testing machines for the measurement of the compressive strength of concrete test specimen in accordance with EN 12390 3 or cores in accordance with EN 12504-1. Other additional or different requirements may apply for different uses.
EN 12390-4:2025 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12390-4:2025 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12390-4:2019. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
You can purchase EN 12390-4:2025 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2025
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 12390-4:2019
Preskušanje strjenega betona - 4. del: Tlačna trdnost - Specifikacija za stiskalnice
Testing hardened concrete - Part 4: Compressive strength - Specification for testing
machines
Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 4: Bestimmung der Druckfestigkeit - Anforderungen an
Prüfmaschinen
Essais pour béton durci - Partie 4 : Résistance à la compression - Caractéristiques des
machines d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 12390-4:2025
ICS:
91.100.30 Beton in betonski izdelki Concrete and concrete
products
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 12390-4
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 91.100.30 Supersedes EN 12390-4:2019
English Version
Testing hardened concrete - Part 4: Compressive strength -
Specification for testing machines
Essais pour béton durci - Partie 4 : Résistance à la Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 4: Bestimmung der
compression - Caractéristiques des machines d'essai Druckfestigkeit - Anforderungen an Prüfmaschinen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 10 February 2025.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12390-4:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Construction of machines . 7
4.1 General . 7
4.2 Machine platens, auxiliary platens and spacing blocks . 7
4.3 Classes of testing machines . 8
4.4 Force measurement . 8
4.5 Force control . 9
4.6 Force transfer . 9
4.7 Specimen location . 11
4.8 Frequency of verification and calibration . 11
5 Details to be provided by the supplier/manufacturer . 11
5.1 Specification . 11
5.2 Installation and connection . 12
5.3 Maintenance . 12
Annex A (normative) Strain gauged column and proving procedure for compression testing
machines . 13
A.1 General . 13
A.2 The strain gauged column . 13
A.3 Strain gauged column verification procedure . 14
A.4 Procedure for verifying the self-alignment of the upper machine platen and the
component parts of the machine . 15
A.5 Self-alignment of the upper machine platen . 15
A.6 Alignment of the component parts of the machine . 15
A.7 Procedure for verifying restraint on movement of the upper platen . 15
A.8 Safety requirements . 16
Bibliography . 17
European foreword
This document (EN 12390-4:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 104 “Concrete
and related products”, the secretariat of which is held by SN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2025, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by September 2025.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 12390-4:2019.
This document is one of a series on testing concrete.
EN 12390, Testing hardened concrete, consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: Shape, dimensions and other requirements for specimens and moulds;
— Part 2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests;
— Part 3: Compressive strength of test specimens;
— Part 4: Compressive strength — Specification for testing machines;
— Part 5: Flexural strength of test specimens;
— Part 6: Tensile splitting strength of test specimens;
— Part 7: Density of hardened concrete;
— Part 8: Depth of penetration of water under pressure;
— Part 10: Determination of the carbonation resistance of concrete at atmospheric levels of carbon
dioxide;
— Part 11: Determination of the chloride resistance of concrete, unidirectional diffusion;
— Part 12: Determination of the potential carbonation resistance of concrete: Accelerated carbonation
method;
— Part 13: Determination of secant modulus of elasticity in compression;
— Part 14: Semi-adiabatic method for the determination of heat released by concrete during its hardening
process;
— Part 15: Adiabatic method for the determination of heat released by concrete during its hardening
process;
— Part 16: Determination of the shrinkage of concrete;
— Part 17: Determination of creep of concrete in compression.
— reference to compliance with EN ISO 7500-1;
— insertion of Table 2 of EN ISO 7500-1;
— creation of two classes of machines.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
The requirements for testing machines set out in this document have been formulated to satisfy the needs
of those compressive tests on concrete specimens which are specified in EN 206:2013+A2:2021.
Machines conforming to this document can be suitable for other uses, but this needs to be carefully
considered on an individual test basis. Particular care needs to be taken before using machines
conforming to this document for compressive tests on small specimens, e.g. those with lateral dimensions
significantly less than 100 mm. The main concern is that the ball-seating fitted to the upper platen can be
too large to align satisfactorily on the top of such small specimens and special adaptations can be
required. Another concern is the ability to accurately determine the failure load of small or low strength
specimens.
1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements for the performance of compression testing machines for the
measurement of the compressive strength of concrete test specimen in accordance with EN 12390-3 or
cores in accordance with EN 12504-1.
Other additional or different requirements may apply for different uses.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 6507-1, Metallic materials — Vickers hardness test — Part 1: Test method (ISO 6507-1)
EN ISO 7500-1:2018, Metallic materials — Calibration and verification of static uniaxial testing machines
— Part 1: Tension/compression testing machines — Calibration and verification of the force-measuring
system (ISO 7500-1:2018)
EN ISO 21920-2, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Surface texture: Profile — Part 2: Terms,
definitions and surface texture parameters (ISO 21920-2)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
auxiliary platen
separate platen usually of a size equal to the designated size of the specimen being tested
3.2
contact area
part of the platen that comes into contact with the specimen
3.3
indicated force
force indicated on the machine scale(s) or display
3.4
indication range
total force range, from zero to maximum, displayed on the machine
3.5
machine platens
lower platen and upper platen both centred on the central vertical axis of the machine and where the
upper platen is spherically seated
3.6
measuring range
part of an indication range over which the machine conforms with the accuracy values specified in
EN ISO 7500-1
3.7
spacing block
metal block to adjust the space available to test specimens
3.8
true force
force indicated on a calibrated force proving device
4 Construction of machines
4.1 General
Machines shall conform to EN ISO 7500-1:2018 with the following specifications:
4.2 Machine platens, auxiliary platens and spacing blocks
4.2.1 Machine and auxiliary platens shall be made of a material which shall not deform irreversibly
when the machine is used.
4.2.2 Machine and auxiliary platens shall have a hardness value of at least 570HV30 (or 53HRC) when
tested in accordance with EN ISO 6507-1.
4.2.3 The flatness tolerance for machine platens and auxiliary platens shall be 0,03 mm for the area in
contact with the specimen.
NOTE For the purpose of this document, flatness can be assessed by the measurement of straightness in four
positions (see EN 12390-1:2021, Annex B).
4.2.4 The roughness parameter (R) for the surface texture of machine and auxiliary platens shall be in
the range 0,4 μm to 3,2 μm, when assessed in accordance with EN ISO 21920-2 for the area in contact
with the specimens.
4.2.5 Platens are rectangular, square or circular. The dimensions of the surface of the machine platens
and auxiliary platens in contact with the specimen shall surpass the dimensions of the specimen as placed
in the machine'.
4.2.6 The two contact faces of an auxiliary platen shall be produced to be parallel to a tolerance of
0,05 mm.
4.2.7 Auxiliary platens shall be at least 23 mm thick.
NOTE The use of auxiliary platens is optional.
4.2.8 Spacing blocks may be used if there is a requirement to reduce the distance between the machine
platens.
For stability reasons, the total number of spacing blocks shall not exceed four. Spacing blocks shall be
centred along the machine axis.
4.2.9 A spacing block may be either circular or square in section and shall be rigidly supported from
below.
A minimum diameter or length of side of 200 mm is recommended for spacing blocks.
4.2.10 Spacing blocks shall comply with the flatness and parallelism tolerances required for auxiliary
platens (see 4.2.3 and 4.2.6).
4.2.11 Spacing blocks shall be positioned below the lower machine platen
4.3 Classes of testing machines
Two classes of machines are defined:
— Class A machines: Machines shall conform to class 1 of Table 1of 4.4 and Table 2 of 4.6.5.
— Class B machines: Machines shall conform to class 1 or 2 of Table 1of 4.4 and Table 3 of 4.6.5.
4.4 Force measurement
The machine shall be provided with:
— dials or digital displays which allow the force to be read to the accuracy specified in Table 1;
— a system which allows the maximum force sustained to be read after completion of the test, until
reset;
— displays readable from the operating position.
The machine force indication system shall not be affected by explosive failure of the specimen.
The lowest verifiable value of each measuring range shall be less than or equal to 20 % of the maximum
value of the range. If the machine is equipped with several indication ranges, the above requirement shall
apply to each range.
Table 1 — Characteristic values of the force-measuring system
Class of Maximum permissible value (%)
machine
Relative error of Relative
range
resolution
a
Indication Repeatability Zero
Reversibility
1 ±1,0 1,0 ±1,5 ±0,1 0,5
2 ±2,0 2,0 ±3,0 ±0,2 1,0
a
The relative reversibility er
...
The standard SIST EN 12390-4:2025 addresses a critical aspect of concrete testing by outlining the specifications required for compression testing machines utilized in determining the compressive strength of hardened concrete. The scope of this standard is particularly relevant, as it ensures that testing machines can accurately measure the compressive strength of concrete specimens in compliance with EN 12390-3 and concrete cores as per EN 12504-1. One of the primary strengths of this standard is its comprehensive detailing of performance requirements for compression testing machines. This ensures that testing procedures yield consistent and reliable results, which is essential for quality control in construction and engineering practices. The standard not only addresses the machines themselves but also considers the various conditions under which the tests may be conducted. This adaptability adds practical value for practitioners who may be dealing with different types of concrete or testing scenarios. Moreover, the specification for testing machines highlighted within the standard reinforces the importance of accurate compressive strength measurements, which are fundamental to assessing the structural integrity and durability of concrete in construction projects. By adhering to the requirements set forth in EN 12390-4:2025, stakeholders in the industry can ensure compliance with best practices, thereby enhancing safety and performance standards. The relevance of SIST EN 12390-4:2025 extends beyond mere compliance; it reflects a commitment to maintaining high quality in testing processes, which is crucial for builders, engineers, and quality assurance professionals. This standard serves as an essential tool in the construction industry, promoting consistency and reliability in strength testing of concrete, thus facilitating informed decision-making based on robust data.
SIST EN 12390-4:2025 표준 문서는 경화된 콘크리트의 압축 강도 측정을 위한 압축 시험 기계의 성능 요구 사항을 명확히 규정하고 있습니다. 이 표준은 EN 12390-3에 따른 콘크리트 시험 시편이나 EN 12504-1에 따른 코어 시편의 압축 강도를 측정하는 데 필요한 시험 기계의 성능을 보장하는 데 중점을 두고 있습니다. 이 표준의 강점 중 하나는 시험 기계의 성능에 대한 명확한 사양을 제공함으로써, 일관된 시험 결과를 도출할 수 있도록 하는 것입니다. 이는 콘크리트의 내구성과 품질을 평가하는 데 있어 중요한 요소로 작용합니다. 또한, 표준문서에는 다양한 사용 케이스에 대해 추가적인 또는 상이한 요구 사항이 적용될 수 있다는 점을 명시하여, 실제 적용 시 유연성을 제공하고 있습니다. SIST EN 12390-4:2025는 콘크리트 강도 평가를 위한 기계의 신뢰성을 보장하며, 해당 분야의 전문가들에게 필수적인 지침을 제공합니다. 이 표준은 건축 및 토목공학 분야에서 경화 콘크리트의 압축 강도 테스트의 일관성 및 정확성을 유지함으로써, 전반적인 품질 관리 및 안전성을 높이는 데 기여합니다.
SIST EN 12390-4:2025は、硬化コンクリートの圧縮強度を測定するための試験機に関する性能要件を定めている重要な標準です。この標準では、特にコンクリート試験体の圧縮強度を測定するための試験機の要件が記載されており、EN 12390-3に準拠した方法や、EN 12504-1に基づくコア試験についても言及しています。 この標準の範囲は非常に明確であり、圧縮試験機が満たすべき性能基準を詳細に記述しているため、業界内での一貫した測定が可能です。この明確な枠組みにより、異なる試験環境やアプリケーションにおいても信頼性の高いデータを提供することができます。 SIST EN 12390-4:2025の強みは、その具体的な技術要件と適用範囲の広さにあります。この標準は、コンクリートの圧縮強度測定に関連する専門家にとって不可欠なガイドラインを提供し、実務における正確な試験と品質管理を促進します。また、異なる用途に応じた追加要件や異なる条件にも対応できる柔軟性を持っているため、様々な産業ニーズに適応できる点も評価されます。 この標準は、コンクリート試験を行うすべての現場での信頼性を高め、品質保証の観点からも重要な役割を果たしています。そのため、EN 12390-4の規定に従った試験が実施されることで、建設業界全体の信頼性と安全性を向上させることに貢献しています。
La norme SIST EN 12390-4:2025 établit des spécifications claires et précises pour les machines de test de compression utilisées dans la mesure de la résistance à la compression des échantillons de béton durci. Cette norme est particulièrement pertinente pour les industries de la construction et de l'ingénierie, car elle garantit que les appareils utilisés pour évaluer la résistance des matériaux répondent à des critères de performance stricts. L’un des points forts de cette norme est qu'elle s'inscrit dans le cadre de l'EN 12390-3, fournissant ainsi une continuité dans les méthodes de test de béton. En intégrant également les exigences de l'EN 12504-1 pour les carottes, cette norme offre une approche exhaustive et harmonisée pour assurer la fiabilité des essais de résistance. Cela contribue à renforcer la confiance des professionnels du secteur dans les résultats de tests de résistance à la compression, un élément essentiel pour la sécurité et la durabilité des structures. De plus, les exigences spécifiques, qui peuvent varier pour d'autres usages, montrent la flexibilité de la norme et sa capacité à s'adapter à différents contextes et besoins. Cela la rend d'une grande valeur pour un large éventail d'applications, qu'il s'agisse de tests de laboratoire ou d'évaluations sur site. En résumé, la norme SIST EN 12390-4:2025 joue un rôle crucial dans l'assurance qualité des machines de test de résistance à la compression, facilitant ainsi des pratiques de test rigoureuses et uniformes dans l'industrie du béton.
Die Norm EN 12390-4:2025 befasst sich mit der Prüfung von hochfestem Beton und legt die spezifischen Anforderungen für die Leistung von Druckprüfmaschinen fest, die zur Messung der Druckfestigkeit von Betontestproben gemäß EN 12390-3 oder von Bohrkernen gemäß EN 12504-1 verwendet werden. Diese Norm bietet eine klare und präzise Grundlage für die Anwendung von Prüfmaschinen, die für die Ermittlung der Druckfestigkeit von Beton von entscheidender Bedeutung sind. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil der EN 12390-4:2025 ist die Standardisierung der Prüfmethoden, die sicherstellt, dass die Testergebnisse reproduzierbar und vergleichbar sind. Durch die festgelegten Anforderungen wird die Qualität und Zuverlässigkeit von Druckprüfungen erhöht, was für die Bauindustrie von großer Bedeutung ist. Damit können Ingenieure und Baustellenverantwortliche sicherstellen, dass die verwendeten Materialien den notwendigen technischen Standards entsprechen. Ein weiterer Punkt, der die Relevanz dieser Norm unterstreicht, ist der Fokus auf die unterschiedlichen Anforderungen, die je nach Verwendung der Prüfmaschinen gelten können. Dies ermöglicht eine flexible Anpassung an spezifische Bedürfnisse und Umgebungen, was die Anwendbarkeit der Norm in verschiedenen Bauprojekten erhöht. Die EN 12390-4:2025 bietet somit nicht nur eine Richtlinie für die Maschinenleistung, sondern berücksichtigt auch die Variabilität der Einsatzbedingungen. Zusammenfassend bietet die Norm EN 12390-4:2025 eine umfassende Grundlage für die Prüfung der Druckfestigkeit von Beton und stellt sicher, dass die verwendeten Prüfmaschinen den höchsten Leistungsanforderungen entsprechen. Dies fördert die Sicherheit und Langlebigkeit von Bauprojekten und stärkt letztlich das Vertrauen in die Qualität des verwendeten Betons.
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