ISO 1920-13:2018

Overview

ISO 1920-13:2018 - "Testing of concrete - Part 13: Properties of fresh self compacting concrete" specifies standardized procedures for testing the fresh properties of self‑compacting concrete (SCC). The document covers laboratory and site test methods used to evaluate fresh SCC performance characteristics such as flowability, viscosity, passing ability and segregation resistance. It is intended for use in quality control, mix development and conformity assessment of SCC.

Key topics and test methods

This part of the ISO 1920 series defines procedures and reporting requirements for the following test methods:

• Slump‑flow test

  • Measures the spread (slump‑flow) and the time to reach a specified spread (t500). Indicates flowability in the absence of obstructions and provides information on yield stress and relative viscosity. (Note: the slump‑flow test is not suitable when maximum aggregate size exceeds 40 mm.)

• V‑funnel test

  • Used to assess flow time/viscosity of SCC under flow conditions.

• L‑box test

  • Evaluates the passing ability of SCC - its capacity to flow through tight openings (e.g., congested reinforcement) without blocking.

• Sieve segregation test

  • Determines segregation resistance, i.e., the ability of fresh concrete to remain homogeneous and not separate.

• J‑ring test

  • Assesses both passing ability and flow spread; the standard includes expressions of results such as passing ability (PJ), flow spread (SF) and flow time (t500).

• Drop‑and‑fill (self‑compactability) test

  • Measures the capability of SCC to fill formwork and flow around obstacles; includes filling time and filling height metrics.

The standard also defines key terms (e.g., self‑compacting concrete, passing ability, segregation resistance, slump‑flow, viscosity), apparatus, sampling and reporting requirements, and discusses repeatability and reproducibility for each method.

Practical applications and who uses ISO 1920-13

ISO 1920-13:2018 is used by:

• Concrete laboratories and quality control technicians for routine acceptance testing of SCC.
• Mix designers and material suppliers to validate SCC mixes and optimize admixture dosages.
• Contractors and site engineers to confirm that SCC will fill formwork and pass reinforcement without vibration.
• Research institutions and standards bodies for method comparison and development.
• Specifiers and clients to set performance requirements in construction contracts and technical specifications.

Typical applications include precast production, heavily reinforced structural elements, complex formwork, and projects where vibration is undesirable or impractical.

Related standards

• ISO 1920-1 - Testing of concrete - Part 1: Sampling of fresh concrete
• ISO 1920-2 - Testing of concrete - Part 2: Properties of fresh concrete (slump test referenced)
• ISO 3310-2 - Test sieves - Technical requirements (for sieve segregation test)

Keywords: ISO 1920-13, self‑compacting concrete testing, SCC testing methods, slump‑flow test, V‑funnel, L‑box, J‑ring, sieve segregation test, self‑compactability test.