BS 

EN 12390‑14:2018

BSI Standards Publication

Testing hardened concrete

Part 14: Semi-adiabatic method for the determination of heat

released by concrete during its hardening process
BS EN 12390‑14:2018 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 12390‑14:2018.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee B/517/1, Concrete production and testing.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
© The British Standards Institution 2018
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2018
ISBN 978 0 580 92694 5
ICS 91.100.30
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 August 2018.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

Date Text affected
 BS EN 12390‑14:2018

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 12390-14

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 2018

ICS 91.100.30

English Version

Testing hardened concrete - Part 14: Semi-adiabatic

method for the determination of heat released by concrete
during its hardening process
Essais pour béton durci - Partie 14 : Méthode semi-
adiabatique de détermination de la chaleur dégagée
par le béton en cours de durcissement
Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 14: Teiladiabatisches
Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Wärme, die während
des Erhärtungsprozesses von Beton freigesetzt wird

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 9 April 2018.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12390-14:2018 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

Contents Page
European foreword....................................................................................................................................................... 3
1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 5
3 Terms, definitions, symbols, units and scripts ..................................................................................... 5
3.1 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Symbols, units and scripts ........................................................................................................................... 6
4 Principle ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
5 Apparatus........................................................................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Thermometers ................................................................................................................................................. 7
5.2 Balance ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
5.3 Temperature monitoring and control system ...................................................................................... 7
5.4 Semi-adiabatic calorimeter ......................................................................................................................... 7
5.5 Control specimen ............................................................................................................................................ 9
6 Procedure........................................................................................................................................................... 9
7 Expression of results - Semi-adiabatic heat release ........................................................................ 10
8 Report ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
9 Precision .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Annex A (normative) Calibration of semi-adiabatic calorimeter ............................................................ 12
A.1 Calibration of the semi-adiabatic calorimeter .................................................................................. 12
A.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 12
A.1.2 Determination of the total heat loss coefficient ................................................................................ 12
A.1.3 Determination of heat capacity............................................................................................................... 13
A.2 Alternative method for the calibration of semi-adiabatic calorimeter .................................... 14
A.2.1 Calibration procedure ................................................................................................................................ 14
A.2.2 Determination of heat capacity and heat loss coefficient.............................................................. 14
Annex B (informative) Experimentation on site ............................................................................................ 16
Annex C (informative) Specific heat of concrete components .................................................................. 17
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 18

2
 BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

European foreword

This document (EN 12390-14:2018) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 104 “Concrete
and related products”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2019, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by February 2019.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This standard is one of a series on testing concrete.

EN 12390, Testing hardened concrete, consists of the following parts:

— Part 1: Shape, dimensions and other requirements of specimens and moulds

— Part 2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests

— Part 3: Compressive strength of test specimens

— Part 4: Compressive strength - Specification for testing machines

— Part 5: Flexural strength of test specimens

— Part 6: Tensile splitting strength of test specimens

— Part 7: Density of hardened concrete

— Part 8: Depth of penetration of water under pressure

— Part 10: Determination of the carbonation resistance of concrete at atmospheric levels of carbon
dioxide

— Part 11: Testing hardened concrete. Determination of the chloride resistance of concrete,
unidirectional diffusion

— Part 13: Determination of secant modulus of elasticity

— Part 14: Semi-adiabatic method for the determination of heat released by concrete during its
hardening process

— Part 15: Adiabatic method for the determination of heat released by concrete during its hardening
process

— Part 16: Determination of shrinkage of concrete (in preparation)

— Part 17: Determination of creep of concrete in compression (in preparation)

According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,

3
BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

4
 BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

1 Scope
This document specifies the procedure for the determination of heat released by concrete during its
hardening process in semi-adiabatic conditions in a laboratory. Annex B specifies the procedure when
the test is performed on site. The test is suitable for specimens having a declared value of D of the
coarsest fraction of aggregates actually used in the concrete (Dmax) not greater than 32 mm.

2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 12350-1, Testing fresh concrete - Part 1: Sampling

EN 12390-2, Testing hardened concrete - Part 2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests

3 Terms, definitions, symbols, units and scripts

3.1 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1.1
semi-adiabatic calorimeter
equipment containing a calorimetric cell where the maximum heat losses are limited

3.1.2
calorimeter coefficient of heat loss
(α)
proportionality factor between heat losses and the difference of temperature between inside and
outside of the calorimeter; the coefficient of heat loss is a linear function of this difference of
temperature

3.1.3
semi-adiabatic heat release
(q)
heat released by unit mass of concrete during its hydration in semi-adiabatic conditions as a function of
time

3.1.4
calorimeter cell
element containing the test sample in its mould or control specimen and having an external insulated
enclosure with a sealable removable cover

5
BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

3.2 Symbols, units and scripts

For the purposes of this document, the symbols and units in Table 1 apply.
Table 1 — Symbols, units and explanation

Symbol Units Explanation

Ccal J/K heat capacity of the calorimeter
Ccon J/K total heat capacity of the concrete specimen alone
Cmould J/K total heat capacity of the mould with probe tube and mould cover
Ctot J/K total heat capacity
α J/(h∙K) coefficient of heat loss of calorimeter
θ(t) K difference in temperature between the concrete specimen and the control specimen
at time t
q(t) J/kg heat release by unit mass of concrete at time t
Text,0 °C initial ambient temperature in the conditioned testing room
Text(t) °C ambient temperature in the conditioned testing room at time t
Tcon,0 °C initial temperature of fresh concrete
Tcon(t) °C temperature of the concrete specimen at time t
Tcal(t) °C temperature of the calorimeter cell at time t
Tctl(t) °C temperature of the control specimen at time t
t h time elapsed since start of test t0
t0 — initial time of test (first contact of water with cement)
Δt min time interval between two measures of temperature
cc J/(kg∙K) specific heat of cement
cad J/(kg∙K) specific heat of additions
cag J/(kg∙K) specific heat of dry aggregate
cw J/(kg∙K) average specific heat of water in hardening concrete
mcon kg mass of concrete sample
mc kg nominal mass of cement in the mix design per cubic metre
mad kg nominal mass of additions in the mix design per cubic metre
mag kg nominal mass of dry aggregate in the mix design per cubic metre
mw kg nominal mass of total water in the mix design per cubic metre
mmould kg sum of the masses of empty mould, probe tube and mould cover
u, du - mathematical integration variable
ΔQ(tn) J calculated heat loss between measurements numbers n-1 and n
R2 — regression coefficient
CT J/K total heat capacity of the system equipment containing calibration sample, a
reference sample or the calibration medium
a, b — calibration coefficients

6
 BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

4 Principle
The test determines the quantity of heat released over time of a concrete specimen placed into a semi-
adiabatic calorimeter designed for concrete.
The quantity of heat produced, expressed in joules per kilogram of concrete, is determined at regular
intervals from just after casting of the specimen.
The test is carried out using two calorimeters which have been constructed to minimize the heat loss
from the concrete sample to the surrounding environment and have similar heat loss coefficients and
heat capacities.
A sample of fresh concrete is placed in a mould which is then introduced into the calorimeter and the
internal temperature of the hardening concrete is measured. At any given time, the heat released by
hydration equals the heat accumulated into both calorimeter and specimen plus the cumulative heat
that has dissipated to the outside since the initial time.
The test is suitable for concrete containing all types of cement referred to in EN 206, with the exception
of quick-setting cements.

5 Apparatus
5.1 Thermometers

To measure the temperature of the fresh concrete specimen (Tcon) and the temperature of the control
specimen (Tctl) with a maximum permissible error of 0,3 K in the working range of the test of (10-
100) °C.
5.2 Balance

To measure the mass of the concrete to a maximum permissible error of 0,1 %.

5.3 Temperature monitoring and control system

A digital multimeter, used to measure both the calibration cylinder resistance and test voltages having a
maximum permissible error of 0,1 % in the operating range (0-200) V.
Stabilized power supply, with voltage adjustable between 2 and 200 V minimum; stability as a function
of load: ΔV/V ≤ 2·10−4; and stability as a function of the mains voltage ΔV/V ≤ 10−4.
One calibration cylinder (see A.1.1), containing an aluminium specimen with an identical shape to the
test specimen and an electrical resistance of 2 500 ohms minimum with a resistivity having a low
temperature coefficient of resistance e.g. constantan or manganin wire. The resistance connection wires
are designed with a maximum cross-section of 0,05 mm2 to avoid heat leaks.
Another calorimeter used as a reference calorimeter, equipped with an inert specimen of an identical
design to the calibration cylinder, yet without an electrical resistance.
5.4 Semi-adiabatic calorimeter

To perform the test, two calorimeters having heat loss coefficients (α) at 20 °C and heat capacities (Ccal)
to within 15 % of each other are required [3]. One contains the control specimen, the other the test
specimen.
Each calorimeter typically consists of a calorimetric cell with a removable insulated cover and an
external enclosure made with a high heat conductivity material, e.g. steel or other suitable material. The
calorimeter cell is surrounded by an external insulating layer encased in a rigid caisson.

7
BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

A cubic or cylindrical mould (with cover) made of steel with a wall thickness of approximately 0,1 to
0,2 mm or cardboard or similar material with a wall thickness of approximately 1,9 mm having a
volume of at least 5 l.
The mould cover shall allow the positioning of a probe tube made from a high heat conductivity
material not readily attacked by cement paste in the centre of the sample to house a thermometer.
The tube is filled with diathermal fluid in order to provide the best possible heat contact between the
thermometer and the concrete sample.
The apparatus shall be supported in a way to ensure that the temperature of the base is determined by
the ambient air.
A schematic example is shown in Figure 1.
The calorimeters shall be calibrated according to the procedure specified in A.1 or alternatively A.2
every 4 years or any time the calorimeter has been modified or refurbished. The coefficient of heat loss
of the calorimeter shall be less than 400 J/(K∙h) for a difference of temperature of 20 K.

Key
Equipment items:
1 Probe tube for thermometer in diathermal fluid
2 Cover (with similar thermal insulation as 4)
3 External caisson
4 Thermal insulation
5 Calorimetric cell
6 Sample mould, with cover
7 Sample under test or control sample
8 Base

Figure 1 — Schematic arrangement of the semi-adiabatic calorimeter

8
 BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

5.5 Control specimen

A control specimen (thermally inert) cast using the same procedure as the test specimen and having a
heat capacity similar to the test specimen within 15 % is required.
NOTE Concrete specimens of similar density are assumed to have similar heat capacity.

Concrete specimen of at least three months old is assumed to be thermally inert. Special attention
should be taken for hydraulic binders with slow heat release.

6 Procedure
The test shall be carried out in a conditioned room with a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C.
The open calorimeters, control specimen and constituent materials shall be stored in the conditioned
room for at least 24 h. Sufficient materials are required to produce a concrete volume of at least 20 l.
A control specimen is placed inside a calorimeter located in the conditioned room.
Prepare the amounts of components to produce the required volume of concrete, on the basis of the
nominal mix design (one cubic metre). Their temperature shall be controlled to ensure that they are at
room temperature before mixing begins.
The total mass (mmould) of the empty mould, probe tube and mould cover shall be measured.
Without any delay after mixing, a portion of fresh concrete is sampled according to EN 12350-1 and cast
into the mould according to EN 12390-2.
The initial time of test (t0), the initial temperature of the fresh concrete (Tcon,0) and, at t0 (time t = 0), the
temperature of the control specimen (Tctl(0)) and the ambient temperature (Text(0)) shall be recorded.
NOTE 1 The initial time of the test (t0) is considered to be the time at which the water is added to the cement
and aggregate.

When the mould is nearly full, the probe tube is inserted. Concrete is added and compacted until the
mould is fully filled. The mould cover is positioned and sealed in order to minimize evaporation and
condensation inside the calorimeter.
The mass of the concrete sample in its mould (with probe tube and cover) shall be measured and the
mass of the concrete sample (mcon) determined by the difference with mass mmould and recorded.
The fresh concrete sample (in its mould) shall be introduced into the calorimeter cell, the thermometer
positioned inside the probe tube, which is then filled with diathermal fluid, the calorimeter closed and
the test and recording of temperatures started immediately.
The opening on the calorimeter cap, which serves to route the connection wires, shall be hermetically
sealed so as to prevent convection currents between the calorimeter interior and the ambient
environment.
If two or more specimens are tested in two or more calorimeters they shall be separated by at least
100 mm.
The time interval between the initial time (t0) and the starting of the test on closure of the test
calorimeter shall be short as possible (preferably less than 0,5 h) and shall be recorded.
During the test the temperatures of the concrete sample (Tcon(t)) and of the control specimen (Tctl(t))
and the ambient temperature in the conditioned testing room (Text (t)) shall be recorded at intervals Δt
not exceeding 5 min.
The duration of the test shall be at least 72 h and may be continued at least until the measured
temperature change of the concrete (Tcon) over 24 h is not greater than 1 °C.

9
BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

NOTE 2 At this time it is assumed that the bulk of the hydration reaction has occurred and no appreciable
further heat release will occur.

NOTE 3 In most cases duration of 7 days is usually enough to reach this equilibrium state although a longer test
period may be necessary. The temperature deviation (Tcon – Tctl) offers a useful control value for this particular
purpose.

At the end of the test the mass of concrete sample in its mould (with probe tube and cover) shall be
measured and the mass of the concrete sample determined by the difference with mass mmould. If the
mass of the concrete sample has reduced by more than 1,0 % the test is not valid.

7 Expression of results - Semi-adiabatic heat release

The heat released q(t) expressed in joules per kilogram of concrete is calculated at time t using the
following equation, where a proportion of the heat released by cement hydration increases the
specimen temperature, while another proportion increases the calorimeter temperature and the final
proportion is discharged to the outside. This can be expressed as follows:
t
C tot 1
q(t )
=
mcon
( )
θ (t ) − θ (0) +
mcon ∫ α (θ ) ⋅ θ (u) ⋅ du (1)
0

The total heat capacity (Ctot) is calculated as follows:

Ctot = Ccon + Ccal + Cmould (2)

where the calorimeter heat capacity Ccal is given in the calibration report (see Annex A), the total heat
capacity Cmould of the mould with probe tube and mould cover is given by (assuming the specific heat is
equal to 500 J/(kg∙K)):
Cmould = 500 ∙ mmould (3)

and the heat capacity of the concrete specimen Ccon is calculated according to the following expression:
mcon
C con = (mc ⋅ c c + mad ⋅ c ad + mag ⋅ c ag + mw ⋅ c w ) ⋅ m + mad + mag + mw
(4)
c

with cc, cad and cag taken to be equal to 800 J/(kg∙K) and cw taken to be equal to 3760 J/(kg∙K)
NOTE If needed, more accurate values of specific heat of the concrete constituent materials may be used (see
Annex C).

The integration given in Formula (1) is calculated from the initial time t0 (t = 0), i.e. when it is
considered that zero heat has been released (heating due to anhydrate dissolution is neglected during
the initial stages). For each time interval (Δt) between measurement number n-1 at time tn-1 and
measurement number n at the time tn, the heat loss (ΔQ(tn)) is calculated as follows:

( ) ( )
a b ⋅ θ ( t n ) ⋅ θ ( t n ) ⋅ ( t n − t n-1 )
α θ ( t n ) ⋅ θ ( t n ) ⋅ ∆t =+
∆Q ( t n ) = (5)

which is then added to the cumulative sum obtained at step n–1 as an approximation of the integration
given in Formula (1) i.e.:
C tot N
∑ ( a + b ⋅ θ (t n ) ) ⋅ θ (t n ) ⋅ (t n − t n-1 )
1
q(t )
=
mcon
(θ (t ) − θ (0)) + mcon
(6)
n =1

10
 BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

Where

θ (t n ) =
( ) ( ) ( ) (
Tcon t n − Tctl t n + Tcon t n −1 − Tctl t n −1 ) (7)
2

with, at t0 (t = 0), Tcon(0) being assumed equal to the theoretical equilibrium temperature between
test specimen, mould (with cover) and calorimeter, calculated as the mean value of initial fresh concrete
and ambient temperatures (Tcon,0 and Text(0)) weighted respectively by the heat capacities Ccon and
(Cmould + Ccal):

()(
Tcon,0 ⋅ C con + Text 0 ⋅ C cal + C mould )
()
Tcon 0 =
C con + C cal + C mould
(8)

The values of q(t) obtained from Formula (6), are then plotted against t and the curve produced shows
the semi-adiabatic heat release.

8 Report
The report shall include:
a) reference to this standard;

b) identification of the concrete;

c) date of test;

d) ambient temperature during the batch process;

e) initial mass of the specimen (mcon);

f) values of the specific heats of the concrete constituent materials if not equal to default values;

g) values of q(t), Tcon(t) and Tctl(t) at specified times;

h) a plot of q(t) against time t;

i) any deviation from standard test method.

The report may include:

j) calibration coefficients (a, b);

k) heat capacity of the calorimeter (Ccal);

l) mass of the mould (with probe tube and cover) (mmould);

m) the nominal mix design of the concrete to produce one cubic metre.

9 Precision
There is currently no precision data for this test.

11
BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

Annex A
(normative)

Calibration of semi-adiabatic calorimeter

A.1 Calibration of the semi-adiabatic calorimeter

A.1.1 General

This method, adapted from Standard EN 196-9 (entitled “Cement test methods – Part 9: Hydration heat
– The semi-adiabatic method”), consists of replacing the test sample inside the calorimeter to be
calibrated with a same-sized calibration cylinder equipped with an electrical resistance.
By applying a known potential difference to this resistance so as to trigger a temperature rise, the
amount of applied electrical energy corresponds to both the temperature rise taking place in the
calorimeter and the heat dissipated towards the atmosphere. Heat loss can then be calculated based on
the electrical energy required to maintain constant temperature.
As a next step, the heat capacity is determined by measuring the rate at which temperature is
decreasing inside the calorimeter once the electrical source has been disconnected.
The calorimeter to be calibrated is placed immediately adjacent to the control calorimeter in the
climate-controlled room. Both devices are positioned on a table to withstand the influence of heat
exchange conditions at floor level, which is where conditions can differ considerably from one testing
room to another.
A calibration cylinder, connected to the power supply, is placed inside the calorimeter to be verified,
while an inert cylinder is placed in the control calorimeter. A probe containing a platinum resistance
thermometer is also positioned at the centre of each cylinder in the test set-up.
The opening on the calorimeter cap, which serves to route the connection wires of both the calibration
cylinder and the probe, shall be hermetically sealed so as to prevent convection currents between the
calorimeter interior and the ambient environment.
A.1.2 Determination of the total heat loss coefficient

The application of a potential difference at the calibration cylinder resistance terminals causes this
cylinder to warm by means of the Joule effect.
The total heat loss coefficient α of the calorimeter is obtained by measurement, during an established
steady-state mode, using:
— the amount of heat released by the Joule effect inside the calibration cylinder;

— warming of this cylinder in comparison with the temperature of the inert cylinder placed in the
control calorimeter.

Once the steady-state has been reached (the time required to achieve thermal equilibrium is on the
order of 14 days), the heat generated is completely dissipated towards the external environment.
The loss formula can therefore be written as follows:

V2 α ⋅θ
P
= = (A.1)
R 3600

12
 BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

yielding:

3600 V 2
α = (A.2)
R ⋅θ

where:
V is the supply line voltage at the resistance terminals, in V;
R is the resistance of the heating winding, in Ω;
P is the dissipated power, in W;
θ is the temperature difference between calibration cylinder and inert cylinder, in K;
α is the heat loss coefficient of the calorimeter at temperature θ, in J/(h∙K).
The coefficient α is determined from at least four values of temperature difference θ covering
homogeneously the temperature range observed during the test. A linear function of α with respect to θ
is then established: α = a + b · θ (i.e. a straight calibration line), the constants a and b being calibrated
using the (linear) least squares method, with the linear correlation coefficient R2 needing to exceed
0,97. Figure A.1 shows an example of this result.

Key
α heat loss coefficient of the calorimeter, in J/(h·K)
θ temperature difference between calibration cylinder and inert cylinder, in K

Figure A.1 — Example of a calorimeter calibration line

A.1.3 Determination of heat capacity

The calorimeter heat capacity Ccal is measured by means of the spontaneous cooling method when the
expression of total heat loss coefficient α is known.
Once the heat capacity CT of the calorimeter containing a cylinder with known heat capacity CE (i.e. a
calibration cylinder) has been determined, it then becomes possible to deduce the heat capacity of the
empty calorimeter Ccal.
During cooling (after shutting off the power supply), the heat exchange formula can be written as
follows:

( )
−C T ⋅ dθ = α ⋅ θ ⋅ dt = a + b ⋅ θ ⋅ θ ⋅ dt (A.3)

which leads to:

13
BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

a⋅t
CT = (A.4)
θ ⋅α 
ln  0 t 
θ ⋅α 
 t 0 

where
t is the cooling time from the initial instant (time 0), in h;
θ0, θt are the temperature rises at time 0 and t, in K;
α0, αt are the heat loss coefficients at time 0 and t, in J/(h∙K).

Four measurements θti of θt are recorded for cooling periods of: ti = 24, 26, 28 and 30 h.
After determining the corresponding CTi values, the heat capacity of the empty calorimeter is given by:
1 4
C cal =
4 ∑1 µ i (A.5)

with
µ i C Ti − C E
= (A.6)

where
Ccal is expressed in joules per kelvin.

A.2 Alternative method for the calibration of semi-adiabatic calorimeter

A.2.1 Calibration procedure

This method consists of measuring cooling curves of matured concrete and a defined volume of water
or another medium whose heat capacity is known (the “calibration medium”) inside the calorimeter to
be calibrated.
The matured concrete specimen and the calibration medium are both heated to a specified maximum
temperature (exact definition depending on the temperature range during semi-adiabatic test,
preferable 10 °C higher than the measured maximum). Afterwards they are placed consecutively in the
calorimeter to be calibrated and the cooling curves are recorded until the temperature inside the
matured concrete / calibration medium has nearly reached the temperature of the specimen inside the
control calorimeter. Recordings can stop when the temperature has reached the temperature of the
control specimen +1 °C.
The heat capacity of the matured concrete specimen (Ccon,m = mcon,m · ccon,m [J/K]) and the calibration
medium (Cw = mw · cw [J/K]) shall differ at least by factor 1,5 to get adequate differences between the
cooling curves.
During the recording of the cooling curves the calorimeter has to stay at the same place as during semi-
adiabatic testing. The testing equipment has to stay the same for semi-adiabatic testing and calibration.
In order to account for the deterioration in calorimeter insulation characteristics, device inspection
shall be repeated every 4 years and moreover becomes mandatory any time the calorimeter has been
modified or refurbished (also valid for exchange of single temperature sensor).
A.2.2 Determination of heat capacity and heat loss coefficient

First, the cooling coefficients K1 and K2 are determined by fitting the calculated cooling curves via least
squares method to the measured cooling curves (if the control temperature stays nearly constant,

14
 BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

i.e. ± 0,1 °C, the determination of K1 and K2 may also be done analytically using the average control
temperature).
The cooling curve of the matured concrete is given by:
dθ con,m t()=
dt
−K 1 ( () ( ))
⋅ θ con,m t − θ ctl t (A.7)

The cooling curve of the calibration medium (index “w”) is given by:
dθ w t ()=
dt
−K 2 ( ()
⋅ θ w t − θ ctl t( )) (A.8)

where
t is the cooling time from the start of the test (time 0);
θcon,m(t) is the temperature of matured concrete specimen at time t;
θw(t) is the temperature of calibration medium at time t;
θctl(t) is the temperature of control specimen at time t;
K1 is the cooling coefficient of the calorimeter containing the matured concrete specimen;
K2 is the cooling coefficient of the calorimeter containing the calibration medium.
Once the parameters K1 and K2 are known, the heat loss coefficient α and the heat capacity of the empty
calorimeter Ccal can be determined by solving the following formulas.
α α
K1
= = (A.9)
C T1 C con,m + C cal

α α
K2
= = (A.10)
C T2 C w + C cal

where
α is the heat loss coefficient of the calorimeter [W/K];
CT1 is heat capacity of the calorimeter containing the matured concrete specimen [J/K];
CT2 is the heat capacity of the calorimeter containing the calibration medium [J/K];
Ccon,m is the heat capacity of the matured concrete specimen [J/K];
Cw is the heat capacity of the calibration medium [J/K];
Ccal is the heat capacity of the empty calorimeter [J/K].

15
BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

Annex B
(informative)

Experimentation on site

The results for the heat released by a concrete sample in experimentation on site have to be taken as
information.
Experimentation on site should be achieved with the same requirements on precision of the
measurement chain.
It is allowed to relax the requirements on the both following points:
— The both calorimeters open and the control specimen need to be stored in a room at 20 °C ± 5 °C.

— The values of mc, mad, mag, mw should be obtained using available information e.g. the batch records.

16
 BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

Annex C
(informative)

Specific heat of concrete components

Table C.1 — Specific heat of concrete components at 20 °C [1], [2]

Components Specific heat (J/(kg∙K))

Siliceous aggregates and fillers 730
Limestone aggregates and fillers 840
Dolomite aggregates 890
Anhydrous cement 760
Silica fume 730
Fly ash 730
Water 3 760

17
BS EN 12390‑14:2018
EN 12390-14:2018 (E)

Bibliography

[1] ACKER P., TORRENTI J.M., ULM F.J. Comportement du béton au jeune âge, collection Mécanique et
Ingénierie des Matériaux. Hermès Science, 2004, 188 p.

[2] WALLER V., Relations entre composition des bétons, exothermie en cours de prise et résistance en
compression, Collection Etudes et recherches des Laboratoires des Ponts et Chaussées, OA35,
mai 2000, 317 p

[3] Chaleur d’hydratation des bétons – mesures et exemples d’application, Bulletin des laboratoires
des Ponts et Chaussées N°278, 2010, 77 p

[4] EN 12350-6, Testing fresh concrete - Part 6: Density

[5] EN 12390-1, Testing hardened concrete - Part 1: Shape, dimensions and other requirements for
specimens and moulds

[6] EN 196-9, Methods of testing cement - Part 9: Heat of hydration - Semi-adiabatic method

[7] EN 206, Concrete – Specification, performance, production and conformity

18
This page deliberately left blank
NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

British Standards Institution (BSI)

BSI is the national body responsible for preparing British Standards and other
standards-related publications, information and services.
BSI is incorporated by Royal Charter. British Standards and other standardization
products are published by BSI Standards Limited.

About us Reproducing extracts

We bring together business, industry, government, consumers, innovators
and others to shape their combined experience and expertise into standards
-based solutions.
The knowledge embodied in our standards has been carefully assembled in
a dependable format and refined through our open consultation process.
Organizations of all sizes and across all sectors choose standards to help
them achieve their goals.
Information on standards
We can provide you with the knowledge that your organization needs
to succeed. Find out more about British Standards by visiting our website at
bsigroup.com/standards or contacting our Customer Services team or
Knowledge Centre.
For permission to reproduce content from BSI publications contact the BSI
Copyright & Licensing team.
Subscriptions
Our range of subscription services are designed to make using standards
easier for you. For further information on our subscription products go to
bsigroup.com/subscriptions.
With British Standards Online (BSOL) you’ll have instant access to over 55,000
British and adopted European and international standards from your desktop.
It’s available 24/7 and is refreshed daily so you’ll always be up to date.
You can keep in touch with standards developments and receive substantial
discounts on the purchase price of standards, both in single copy and subscription
format, by becoming a BSI Subscribing Member.

Buying standards
You can buy and download PDF versions of BSI publications, including British
and adopted European and international standards, through our website at
bsigroup.com/shop, where hard copies can also be purchased.
If you need international and foreign standards from other Standards Development
Organizations, hard copies can be ordered from our Customer Services team.
Copyright in BSI publications
All the content in BSI publications, including British Standards, is the property
of and copyrighted by BSI or some person or entity that owns copyright in the
information used (such as the international standardization bodies) and has
formally licensed such information to BSI for commercial publication and use.
PLUS is an updating service exclusive to BSI Subscribing Members. You will
automatically receive the latest hard copy of your standards when they’re
revised or replaced.
To find out more about becoming a BSI Subscribing Member and the benefits
of membership, please visit bsigroup.com/shop.
With a Multi-User Network Licence (MUNL) you are able to host standards
publications on your intranet. Licences can cover as few or as many users as you
wish. With updates supplied as soon as they’re available, you can be sure your
documentation is current. For further information, email subscriptions@bsigroup.com.
Revisions
Our British Standards and other publications are updated by amendment or revision.

Save for the provisions below, you may not transfer, share or disseminate any We continually improve the quality of our products and services to benefit your
portion of the standard to any other person. You may not adapt, distribute, business. If you find an inaccuracy or ambiguity within a British Standard or other
commercially exploit, or publicly display the standard or any portion thereof in any BSI publication please inform the Knowledge Centre.
manner whatsoever without BSI’s prior written consent.
Useful Contacts
Storing and using standards Customer Services
Standards purchased in soft copy format: Tel: +44 345 086 9001
• A British Standard purchased in soft copy format is licensed to a sole named Email (orders): orders@bsigroup.com
user for personal or internal company use only. Email (enquiries): cservices@bsigroup.com
• The standard may be stored on more than 1 device provided that it is accessible Subscriptions
by the sole named user only and that only 1 copy is accessed at any one time. Tel: +44 345 086 9001
• A single paper copy may be printed for personal or internal company use only. Email: subscriptions@bsigroup.com
• Standards purchased in hard copy format:
Knowledge Centre
• A British Standard purchased in hard copy format is for personal or internal Tel: +44 20 8996 7004
company use only.
Email: knowledgecentre@bsigroup.com
• It may not be further reproduced – in any format – to create an additional copy.
This includes scanning of the document. Copyright & Licensing
If you need more than 1 copy of the document, or if you wish to share the Tel: +44 20 8996 7070
document on an internal network, you can save money by choosing a subscription Email: copyright@bsigroup.com
product (see ‘Subscriptions’).
BSI Group Headquarters
389 Chiswick High Road London W4 4AL UK

This page deliberately left blank