EN 206 Conformity Testing for Concrete Strength in Compression

Abstract

The design of concrete structures in accordance with EN 1992-1-1 adopts the characteristic cylinder compressive strength inits equations. EN 206 provides for conformity testing for concrete strength in compression using 150mm diameter by 300mm length cylinders or 150mm cubes only. The complementary standard to EN 206 in UK, BS 8500 (SS 544 in Singapore, MS 523 in Malaysia) has added provisions (clause 12.2) for the use of 100mm cubes for conformity testing. The conformity criteria for 100mm cube specimens are to be the same as those for 150mm cubes. A series of tests based on 3 selected levels of compressive strength has been conducted to examine the relationship between these 3 types of test specimens for compressive strength of concrete. For each strength level, 100 batches of concrete were produced over a period of several months. The test results are presented with analysis based on the mean of 3 numbers for each type of test specimens prepared from the same batch at each time of preparation. The results of this study for the 3 strength levels support the relationship between standard cylinder compressive strength and standard cube compressive strength in EN 206. In addition, results also support the recommendation that standard 100mm cube compressive strength is equivalent to that of standard 150mm cube compressive strength in BS 8500. The use of the small size cubes and certiication of designed concrete promote sustainability in concrete construction.