Concrete Specification to BS EN 206 - 1 : 2013 AND BS 8500: 2015

Successful concrete starts with an understanding of the way in which clear specification progresses through the selection and proportioning of suitable materials to meet the demands placed on concrete structures to perform well in an aggressive world.

The European Standard BS EN 206-1 together with the supplementary British Standard BS 8500, both of which should now become familiar to professionals engaged in the writing and interpretation of concrete specifications.

This course explains the principles of the standards and how to achieve durable concrete.

Aims & Objectives:

At the end of this course delegates will understand the principle in BS 8500 and its associated documents. They will be able to specify concrete to be durable in its intended environment.

At the end of the course delegates will:

  • Know how BS 8500, EN 206-1 and SD 1 work together
  • Understand the terminology in BS 8500
  • Understand the differences between the concrete types
  • Be able to identify the durability requirements for particular situations
  • Understand how to specify concrete to meet the durability requirements
  • Appreciate how to ensure the concrete meets the specification

Course Outline:

Session 1

  • The roles of the parties in specifying concrete
  • Classes of concrete
  • Consistence classes
  • Density classes

Session 2

  • Concrete types
  • Prescribed concretes
  • Standardised prescribed concretes
  • Designed concretes
  • Designated concretes
  • Proprietary concretes
  • Strength classes
  • What are C16/20, C28/35 and C40/50?
  • Normal strength concretes
  • Normal density concretes
  • Heavyweight concretes
  • Lightweight concretes
  • High strength concretes

Session 3

  • Durability
  • Requirements for durable concrete
  • Chloride classes
  • Durability classes
  • X0, XA, XC, XD, XF, XS classes
  • Resistance to sulphates and acids
  • The UK approach
  • BRE Special Digest SD1
  • The Thaumasite form of sulfate attack
  • Classification of ground conditions
  • Structural performance levels
  • Design Chemical classes
  • Additional Protective Measures

Session 4

  • Specification
  • The Designated concrete approach to aggressive environments
  • Use of standard schedules

Session 5

  • Conformity testing
  • Identity testing
  • Tolerances
  • Action on non-conformity

The course is a training session consisting mainly of presentations with interaction where appropriate.

Delegates will be able to confidently specify durable concrete.

Intended For:

The course is intended for structural engineers who specify concrete.

There are no pre-course requirements

All our courses can be offered as in-house training