SIST EN 12350-10:2010

Overview

SIST EN 12350-10:2010 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies the procedure for determining the passing ability ratio of self-compacting concrete (SCC) using the L box test. This standard plays a critical role in evaluating fresh self-compacting concrete's ability to flow through tight spaces, such as between reinforcing bars, without segregation or blocking.

Self-compacting concrete is widely adopted for its superior performance in modern construction, as it fills complex moldings and embeds reinforcement without vibration. The L box test provides a reliable and practical method to assess the passing ability-one of the three essential fresh SCC properties alongside filling ability and segregation resistance.

Key Topics

• Purpose: Measures the passing ability ratio (PL) of fresh self-compacting concrete through the L box apparatus.
• Test Principle: Concrete flows horizontally through vertical steel bars arranged in two or three-bar configurations, simulating reinforcement congestion. The heights of concrete in vertical and horizontal sections are measured, and their ratio (H2/H1) quantifies passing ability.
• Apparatus Details:
  • Rigid L box with smooth, non-corrosive surfaces.
  • Bars of 12 ± 0.2 mm diameter arranged to provide gaps of 59 ± 1 mm (two-bar test) or 41 ± 1 mm (three-bar test).
  • Measuring tape, spirit level, containers, and straight edge for accurate testing.
• Sample Requirements: At least 14 liters of fresh SCC sampled according to EN 12350-1.
• Test Procedure:
  • Fill vertical hopper with SCC, level the surface, wait 60 ± 10 seconds.
  • Open sliding gate smoothly and allow flow into horizontal section.
  • Measure concrete height drops at three equidistant points along vertical and horizontal sections.
• Calculations: Passing ability ratio (PL) = H2 / H1, expressed to the nearest 0.01.
• Reporting: Includes sample identification, test location/time, observed segregation, test type (two or three bar), passing ability ratio, deviations, and operator declaration.
• Accuracy: Repeatability and reproducibility values provided based on multi-laboratory testing to ensure reliable and consistent results.

Applications

SIST EN 12350-10:2010 is essential for quality control and research involving self-compacting concrete, especially in projects requiring:

• Verification of concrete’s ability to flow through tightly spaced reinforcement without blocking.
• Assessment of new SCC formulations or constituents to ensure practical performance.
• Ensuring compliance with construction specifications where vibration-free casting is mandated.
• Improving construction site safety and working environment by reducing vibration-related noise and labor.
• Supporting durable, homogeneous concrete structures by certifying fresh concrete properties before placement.

This testing method helps engineers, contractors, and quality control personnel manage fresh concrete consistence, ensuring that the self-compacting concrete will perform as intended in challenging reinforcement scenarios.

Related Standards

EN 12350-10 is part of a comprehensive series on testing fresh concrete that addresses various aspects of SCC and general concrete fresh state properties:

• EN 12350-1: Sampling fresh concrete (mandatory for sample collection).
• EN 12350-2: Slump test for fresh concrete.
• EN 12350-8: Slump-flow test for self-compacting concrete (measuring filling ability).
• EN 12350-9: V-funnel test for viscosity and passing ability of SCC.
• EN 12350-11: Sieve segregation test assessing segregation resistance.
• EN 12350-12: J-ring test assessing passing ability through obstructions.

Together, these standards provide a complete toolkit for evaluating the key fresh properties of self-compacting concrete.

Keywords: SIST EN 12350-10:2010, L box test, self-compacting concrete, SCC testing, passing ability ratio, fresh concrete testing, concrete standards, CEN, concrete quality control, reinforcement flow, concrete segregation, fresh concrete consistency, construction standards.