ISO 1920-5:2018

Overview

ISO 1920-5:2018 - Testing of concrete - Part 5: Density and water penetration depth specifies internationally recognized methods to measure the density of hardened concrete and the depth of water penetration under pressure. The standard applies to lightweight, normal‑weight and heavy‑weight concrete and covers specimens in three conditions: as‑received, water‑saturated, and oven‑dried.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Methods for determining mass, volume and density of hardened concrete and for measuring water penetration depth under pressure.

• Specimen requirements: Minimum specimen volume of 1 L (larger minimums apply for mixes with big aggregate sizes - see the standard). Whole specimens or sawn specimens conforming to size rules may be used.

• Mass determination: Measurements permitted for as‑received, saturated and oven‑dried conditions. Oven drying at 105 °C ± 5 °C until mass change < 0.2 % in 24 h; saturation immersion normally at 20 °C ± 2 °C.

• Volume determination (three methods):

  • Water displacement (reference method) - hydrostatic weighing using a stirrup and a balance; suitable for irregular shapes (note exceptions such as floating lightweight aggregates or no‑fines concrete).
  • Calculation from actual measurements - for undamaged prismatic/cylindrical specimens.
  • Calculation from checked designated dimensions - for specimens cast in calibrated moulds and within ±0.5 % of designated size.

• Apparatus: Callipers/rules (±0.5 %), balance with hydrostatic stirrup (accuracy 0.1 %), water tank with constant level device, ventilated oven.

• Calculations and reporting: Density D = m / V (reported to nearest 10 kg/m3). Water density for calculations given as 998 kg/m3 at 20 °C (alternative 997 kg/m3 at 27 °C for hotter climates). Test report requirements and example reports are included; precision information provided in Annex A.

• Water penetration under pressure: Principle - apply water pressure to a concrete surface, split the specimen and measure the depth of water ingress. Applicable to laboratory-cast specimens and cores from sites in various moisture states.

Applications and who uses it

• Concrete testing laboratories - routine density and permeability assessments.
• Quality control and site engineers - verifying mix density targets, compaction and uniformity.
• Durability engineers and researchers - assessing susceptibility to water ingress, durability modeling and comparative studies.
• Specification writers and regulators - incorporating standardized test methods into contracts and compliance documents.
• Contractors and precast manufacturers - production control and acceptance testing.

Related standards

• ISO 1920 series (other Parts for concrete testing) - see ISO 1920-3 for making and curing test specimens. Annexes in ISO 1920-5 include precision data and example test reports useful for laboratory accreditation and validation.