ISO 1920-2:2016

Overview - ISO 1920-2:2016 (Testing of concrete - Properties of fresh concrete)

ISO 1920-2:2016 specifies standardized procedures for testing fresh concrete. This second-edition ISO standard defines accepted methods for determining the consistence (workability) of concrete (including slump, Vebe, degree of compactability, flow-table for high‑fluidity mixes, and the slump‑flow test), measuring fresh density, and assessing air content using the pressure‑gauge and water‑column methods. The document covers sampling, apparatus, step‑by‑step procedures, reporting requirements and includes normative annexes for calibration and precision data.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Consistence and workability tests
  • Slump test, Vebe test, degree of compactability, flow‑table test (high‑fluidity concrete), and slump‑flow test - each with specified apparatus, procedure, test result interpretation and reporting requirements.
  • Notable editorial update: minimum dimensions (800 mm × 800 mm) specified for the slump‑flow apparatus in clause 4.7.3.3.
• Fresh density
  • Procedures for sampling, container calibration, filling/compacting, mass and volume determination, and expression of results.
  • Includes informative annexes with density measurement precision and calibration guidance.
• Air content measurement
  • Two accepted methods: pressure‑gauge method and water‑column method, with detailed apparatus calibration (normative annexes), filling/compacting instructions and calculation rules.
  • Annexes provide aggregate correction factors and examples of test reports and worksheets.
• Quality assurance elements
  • Sampling rules, test reporting (clause 7), calibration and precision requirements, and normative annexes (E–H) for apparatus calibration and corrections.

Applications - who uses ISO 1920-2:2016

• Construction materials laboratories performing routine fresh concrete testing for QC/QA.
• Contractors and site engineers verifying workability, density and entrained air during placement.
• Concrete producers and batching plants to confirm mix consistency and conform to specifications.
• Inspectors, testing agencies and research labs conducting comparative tests or product development.
• Useful for compliance with project specifications, material acceptance procedures, and dispute resolution where standardized test evidence is required.

Related standards

• Part of the ISO 1920 series on testing of concrete. Users should consult other parts of ISO 1920 for hardened concrete tests and complementary methods. National or regional standards may reference ISO 1920-2:2016 for harmonized testing practice.

Keywords: ISO 1920-2:2016, testing fresh concrete, slump test, Vebe test, flow-table, slump-flow, fresh density, air content, pressure-gauge method, water-column method.