kSIST FprEN 12390-20:2026
(Main)Testing hardened concrete - Part 20: Determination of porosity
Testing hardened concrete - Part 20: Determination of porosity
This document describes the method for the determination of the open porosity (open pores) of hardened concrete on test specimens manufactured from moulded or cored specimens.
The test is suitable for specimens having a declared value of D of the coarsest fraction of aggregates used in concrete (Dmax) not greater than 40 mm.
The test method is not applicable for concrete containing lightweight aggregate.
Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 20: Bestimmung der Porosität
Dieses Dokument beschreibt das Verfahren für die Bestimmung der Porosität (offene Poren) von Festbeton an Probekörpern aller Arten (in Formen hergestellt, gesägt, durch Kernbohren entnommen) oder Formen.
Die Prüfung ist geeignet für Probekörper mit einem Nennwert D des Größtkorns der tatsächlich im Beton verwendeten Gesteinskörnung (Dmax) von höchstens 40 mm.
Auf Beton, der leichte Gesteinskörnung enthält, ist dieses Prüfverfahren nicht anwendbar.
Essais pour béton durci - Partie 20 : Détermination de la porosité
Le présent document décrit la méthode de détermination de la porosité (pores ouverts) du béton durci sur des éprouvettes de tout type (moulées, sciées, carottées) ou de toute forme.
L’essai est adapté aux éprouvettes ayant une valeur déclarée D de la partie la plus grosse des granulats réellement utilisés dans le béton (Dmax) ne dépassant pas 40 mm.
La méthode d’essai ne s’applique pas au béton contenant du granulat léger.
Preskušanje strjenega betona - 20. del: - Določanje poroznosti
General Information
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 24-Apr-2025
- Technical Committee
- BBB - Concrete, reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete
- Current Stage
- 5020 - Formal vote (FV) (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 10-Jun-2026
- Due Date
- 29-Jul-2026
Overview
kSIST FprEN 12390-20:2026 sets out the standardized method for determining the open porosity of hardened concrete using test specimens sampled from moulded, sawn, or cored sources. Developed by the Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo (SIST), this standard offers a practical, precise approach for testing the volume of open pores (those connected to the specimen surface and accessible to water) in concrete not containing lightweight aggregates. It is suitable for specimens with a maximum aggregate size (Dmax) of up to 40 mm. Reliable measurement of open porosity helps characterize concrete durability and informs decisions in construction quality control and materials science.
Key Topics
- Scope and Applicability: The method is applicable to hardened concrete specimens such as moulded, cored, or sawn samples, with Dmax not greater than 40 mm. It specifically excludes concrete made with lightweight aggregate.
- Definition of Porosity: Porosity refers to the ratio (as a percentage) of the volume of pores to the total apparent volume of a test specimen. The standard distinguishes between open pores (accessible to water) and closed pores (not accessible).
- Test Equipment: The procedure requires equipment such as a ventilated oven (capable of 105 ± 5°C), precision balance, water tank, vacuum system, thermometer, desiccator, and calipers. All must meet specifications referenced in EN 12350-1 and related standards.
- Testing Procedure:
- Prepare at least three test specimens, each with dimensions and volume suitable for aggregate size.
- Dry specimens, saturate under vacuum, and weigh in water and air.
- Calculate porosity for each specimen using the observed masses.
- Reporting and Results: The average porosity is determined from three specimens and reported to the nearest 0.1%. The report must include specimen details, procedure deviations, and test results.
Applications
Determining porosity in hardened concrete is crucial for:
- Durability Assessment: Porosity directly affects concrete’s resistance to water penetration, freeze-thaw cycles, and aggressive chemicals.
- Quality Assurance: Ensures uniformity and soundness in structural concrete, supporting compliance with project and regulatory requirements.
- Research and Development: Provides data for the optimization of mix designs and evaluation of new materials or admixtures.
- Maintenance Planning: Informs engineers about probable life-span and performance under environmental loads, supporting proactive asset management.
The test can be applied to:
- Infrastructure Projects: Bridges, tunnels, and high-performance facilities demand thorough assessment of concrete’s durability indicators, including open porosity.
- Commercial and Residential Construction: Designers and contractors use porosity data for quality control and to achieve specific performance levels.
Related Standards
The test method described in kSIST FprEN 12390-20:2026 references and complements several other European and international standards:
- EN 12390 Series – Testing Hardened Concrete:
- EN 12390-1: Shape, dimensions, and requirements for specimens and moulds
- EN 12390-2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests
- EN 12390-7: Density of hardened concrete
- EN 12350-1: Sampling and apparatus for testing fresh concrete
- EN 12504-1: Taking and testing cored specimens from existing concrete structures
- EN 206: Specification, performance, production, and conformity of concrete
These standards together establish a unified framework for testing, verifying, and documenting the properties of concrete, supporting both industry best practices and regulatory compliance.
Keywords: hardened concrete, porosity testing, open pores, concrete durability, EN 12390-20, SIST, vacuum saturation, concrete quality assurance, construction materials testing
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Frequently Asked Questions
kSIST FprEN 12390-20:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Testing hardened concrete - Part 20: Determination of porosity". This standard covers: This document describes the method for the determination of the open porosity (open pores) of hardened concrete on test specimens manufactured from moulded or cored specimens. The test is suitable for specimens having a declared value of D of the coarsest fraction of aggregates used in concrete (Dmax) not greater than 40 mm. The test method is not applicable for concrete containing lightweight aggregate.
This document describes the method for the determination of the open porosity (open pores) of hardened concrete on test specimens manufactured from moulded or cored specimens. The test is suitable for specimens having a declared value of D of the coarsest fraction of aggregates used in concrete (Dmax) not greater than 40 mm. The test method is not applicable for concrete containing lightweight aggregate.
kSIST FprEN 12390-20:2026 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.
kSIST FprEN 12390-20:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 12390-20:2025
01-april-2025
Preskušanje strjenega betona - 20. del: - Določanje poroznosti
Testing hardened concrete - Part 20: Determination of porosity
Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 20: Bestimmung der Porosität
Essais pour béton durci - Partie 20 : Détermination de la porosité
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 12390-20
ICS:
91.100.30 Beton in betonski izdelki Concrete and concrete
products
oSIST prEN 12390-20:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
oSIST prEN 12390-20:2025
oSIST prEN 12390-20:2025
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 12390-20
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
February 2025
ICS 91.100.30
English Version
Testing hardened concrete - Part 20: Determination of
porosity
Essais pour béton durci - Partie 20 : Détermination de Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 20: Bestimmung der
la porosité Porosität
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 104.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, 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.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN 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.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
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. prEN 12390-20:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
oSIST prEN 12390-20:2025
prEN 12390-20:2025 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Principle . 5
5 Apparatus . 5
5.1 Common apparatus . 5
5.2 Ventilated oven . 5
5.3 Balance . 5
5.4 Water tank . 5
5.5 Vacuum system . 5
5.6 Thermometer . 5
5.7 Dessicator . 5
5.8 Timer or clock . 5
5.9 Calliper and rules: Capable of determining the dimensions of a specimen to within
0,5 % . 5
6 Test specimens . 5
6.1 General . 5
6.2 Number of test specimens . 6
6.3 Dimension/volume of test specimens . 6
6.4 Storage of test specimens . 6
7 Procedures. 7
7.1 General . 7
7.2 Immersion of test specimens . 7
7.3 Determination of the mass in water of the test specimen - M . 7
w
7.4 Determination of the mass in air of the saturated test specimen - M . 7
air
7.5 Determination of the mass of the dry test specimen - M . 7
dry
8 Expression of results . 7
9 Test report . 8
10 Precision . 8
Bibliography . 10
oSIST prEN 12390-20:2025
prEN 12390-20:2025 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 12390-20:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 104
“Concrete and related products”, the secretariat of which is held by SN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
It is based on the French Standard NF P 18-459 “Concrete — Testing hardened concrete — Testing
porosity and density”.
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 shrinkage of concrete;
— Part 17: Determination of creep of concrete in compression;
— Part 18: Determination of the chloride migration coefficient;
— Part19: Determination of resistivity;
oSIST prEN 12390-20:2025
prEN 12390-20:2025 (E)
1 Scope
This document describes the method for the determination of the porosity (open pores) of hardened
concrete on test specimens of any type (moulded, sawn, cored) or any shape.
The test is suitable for specimens having a declared value of D of the coarsest fraction of aggregates
actually used in the concrete (D ) not greater than 40
...