SIST EN 12350-11:2010

Overview

EN 12350-11:2010 - Testing fresh concrete - Part 11: Self‑compacting concrete - Sieve segregation test - specifies a laboratory procedure to assess the resistance of self‑compacting concrete (SCC) to sieve segregation. The method quantifies the proportion of paste and fines that pass a perforated plate (5 mm square apertures) after a controlled standing and pouring sequence.
Note: this test is not applicable to concrete containing fibres or lightweight aggregate.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and purpose: Measure sieve segregation resistance of fresh SCC as an indicator of homogeneity and stability before casting.
• Principle: After sampling, a 10 L sample is left undisturbed for 15 ± 0.5 min to observe bleed water. A defined mass (4.8 ± 0.2 kg) of the sample is poured from 500 ± 50 mm height onto a 5 mm perforated sieve and left for 120 ± 5 s. The mass that passes through the sieve is weighed and expressed as the segregated portion (SR) in percent.
• Apparatus:
  • Perforated plate sieve, 5 mm square apertures, frame diameter ≥ 300 mm, height ≥ 30 mm (ISO 3310-2).
  • Balance with capacity ≥ 10 kg and resolution 0.01 kg.
  • Rigid, non‑absorbent sample container, min internal diameter 200 mm, capacity ≥ 11 L with 10 L mark.
  • Timer (1 s resolution) and thermometer (1 °C resolution).
• Test calculation: SR = ((mps − mp) / mc) × 100
  where mp = mass of empty receiver, mc = mass of concrete placed on sieve, mps = mass of receiver plus passed material.
• Reporting: Include sample ID, location, date/time, concrete temperature, presence of bleed water after 15 min, SR to nearest 1%, deviations and a declaration that the method was followed.
• Precision: Interlaboratory study results give repeatability r = 3.7% and reproducibility R = 3.7% for SR ≤ 20%; r = 10.9%, R = 10.9% for SR > 20% (ISO 5725-2 basis).

Applications

• Quality control on site and in labs to check SCC stability before placement.
• Comparative evaluation of SCC mixes, admixture effects and new material combinations.
• Acceptance testing in precast plants and contractors’ QC when segregation resistance is a contractual requirement.
• Research and development for mix design optimization of SCC.

Who uses this standard

• Concrete testing laboratories, quality assurance teams, precast manufacturers, site engineers, mix designers, and researchers working with self‑compacting concrete.

Related standards

• EN 12350-1 (Sampling) - essential for obtaining test sample.
• ISO 3310-2 (Test sieves) - sieve technical requirements.
• ISO 5725-2 - method for determining repeatability and reproducibility.
• Other EN 12350 SCC parts (slump‑flow, V‑funnel, L‑box, J‑ring) for complementary fresh concrete testing.

Keywords: EN 12350-11:2010, sieve segregation test, self‑compacting concrete, SCC, testing fresh concrete, segregation resistance, concrete quality control.