The 2019 revision introduced several technical updates to align with modern practices and improve consistency:

Testing hardened concrete — Part 2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests

According to BS EN 12390-2:2019, test specimens must meet specific requirements, including:

Under ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory accreditation), simply following the standard is not enough – you must prove you followed it.

Depending on the workability of the concrete mix, the standard allows for different compaction tools:

Allowing cast molds to bake on-site destroys early microstructural development, leading to micro-cracking and low 28-day strengths. Always use an insulated, temperature-controlled site curing box.