FprEN 12390-10

• Abstract:

  This document specifies a method of determining the carbonation rate of a concrete, expressed in mm/√a.; This document establishes a procedure where a standardized climate-controlled chamber is used and where specimens are placed on a natural exposure site protected from direct rainfall. The standardized climate-controlled chamber procedure is the reference method.; These procedures are applicable for the initial testing of concrete, including that manufactured with slowly reacting binders, provided that the ages at which the carbonation depth is measured, the number of measurements required to calculate the carbonation rate, as well as the length of exposure to CO2, are appropriately selected, as described in this document.; These procedures are not applicable for factory production control.

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 16-Dec-2026
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 104 - Concrete ( performance, production, placing and compliance criteria )
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 104/SC 1 - Revision of ENV 206
• Current Stage: 5020 - Submission to Vote - Formal Approval
• Start Date: 27-Aug-2026
• Due Date: 08-Oct-2026
• Completion Date: 27-Aug-2026
• Ref Project: kSIST FprEN 12390-10:2026 - Testing hardened concrete - Part 10: Determination of the carbonation resistance of concrete at atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide

• Revises: EN 12390-10:2018 - Testing hardened concrete - Part 10: Determination of the carbonation resistance of concrete at atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide
• Effective Date: 18-Jan-2023

FprEN 12390-10 is a CEN draft European Standard for testing hardened concrete. It specifies how to determine the carbonation resistance of concrete by measuring the carbonation rate at atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide, using either a standardized climate controlled chamber or a protected natural exposure site. It is written for initial testing and for comparing concretes, including mixes made with slowly reacting binders.

What does FprEN 12390-10 specify?

FprEN 12390-10 specifies a test method for the carbonation rate of concrete, expressed in mm/√a. The document sets out a reference method based on a standardized climate controlled chamber, and an alternative procedure using a natural exposure site protected from direct rainfall.

The standard is organized into clauses for scope, normative references, principle, reagents and apparatus, specimen production, carbonation depth measurements, rate determination, test report, and precision. Annex A gives guidance on suitable climate controlled chambers, and Annex B gives guidance on natural exposure sites.

Annex	What it covers
Annex A	Guidance on suitable climate controlled chambers
Annex B	Guidance on natural exposure sites

The method is intended for initial testing of concrete, including concrete with slowly reacting binders, when the test ages, number of measurements, and exposure period are chosen as described in the document. It is not applicable for factory production control.

What are the key requirements of FprEN 12390-10?

Specimens, exposure, and the reference method

FprEN 12390-10 requires pairs of beams from the same batch of concrete, or two cubes per test age, to be exposed and then checked for carbonation depth. Beams are the reference specimens, which matters in practice because the method is built around comparing like with like from one batch.

The climate controlled chamber procedure is the reference method. The chamber is controlled at carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity conditions set by the standard, while the natural exposure site must protect the specimens from direct precipitation and allow atmospheric exchange.

Reagents and measuring equipment

FprEN 12390-10 uses phenolphthalein solution as the reference indicator, although other indicators with a colour change in the pH 8 to pH 11 range may be used if they clearly show the neutralized zone. The document also requires a magnifier and a gauge that can measure carbonation depth perpendicular to the surface with 0.5 mm precision.

The chamber procedure requires control of carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and relative humidity, plus a fan to keep the air homogeneous. For a natural exposure site, the document calls for instruments that record carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity at least four times per day, or suitable local meteorological data if that cannot be done on site.

Making and curing the specimens

FprEN 12390-10 requires representative constituent materials and one concrete batch for the carbonation test specimens and the associated compressive strength specimens. The standard gives minimum specimen sizes for beams and cubes and asks that mould release agents be avoided or minimized because they can affect carbonation depth.

For chamber testing, the specimens are protected from drying after casting, then transferred to standard curing, then exposed to laboratory air before placement in the chamber. For natural exposure testing, the specimens are stored in sealed bags until they reach 50% of the reference strength, then moved to the exposure site.

Measuring carbonation depth

FprEN 12390-10 requires the test ages to be defined before the test starts, with measurements recommended at three months, six months, and one year. If the carbonation depth is less than 5 mm at one year, the test should continue to two years.

At each test age, a slice is broken off a beam or a cube is split, and the fresh fracture surface is sprayed with indicator. The standard says not to use a saw for this step. Measurements are taken at three points on each face, using positions at 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 of the edge length, so the reader knows exactly where the carbonation front is checked.

The document also gives rules for special cases. Dense aggregate particles within the carbonation front are treated by drawing a theoretical front across the particle, while pores and porous aggregates may be included or excluded depending on the local increase in carbonation depth. Very large local jumps are not used in the mean calculation, but they must be recorded.

Determining the carbonation rate

FprEN 12390-10 determines the carbonation rate from the average carbonation depth at each effective time. The average depth is plotted against the square root of time in years, and the slope of the regression line gives the carbonation rate.

The document also gives an equivalent calculation using a square-root relationship between average measured carbonation depth and time. In practical terms, this means the test result is not just a depth reading at one date - it is a rate that can be used for comparison, classification, or modelling.

Reporting and precision

FprEN 12390-10 requires the test report to identify the exposure method, the specimens, the dates, the indicator used, the carbonation depths by face and test age, the regression result, the average carbonation rate, and any departures from the test conditions. For natural exposure testing, the report also includes site location and environmental data.

Clause 10 gives precision information for both the chamber test and the natural exposure site test. It also notes that interpretation is better when carbonation depth is above 4 mm, and that very shallow carbonation reduces precision.

What terms does FprEN 12390-10 define?

Carbonation rate - The rate at which carbonation advances in concrete, reported in mm/√a.

Carbonation depth - The measured distance from the exposed surface to the carbonation front after indicator application.

Effective time - The time under the chosen exposure condition, counted from when the specimens are placed in the chamber or on the exposure site.

Reference method - The standardized climate controlled chamber procedure, which the document treats as the baseline method.

Climate controlled chamber - A chamber that maintains the specified carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and relative humidity for the test.

Natural exposure site - An outdoor exposure arrangement protected from direct rain, hail, and snow while still allowing atmospheric exchange.

Reference strength - The 28-day average compressive strength used to decide when natural-exposure carbonation specimens may be placed on site.

Who uses FprEN 12390-10?

FprEN 12390-10 is used by concrete testing laboratories, durability engineers, and quality managers who need a repeatable way to compare carbonation resistance. It is relevant to producers and specifiers of concrete for reinforced and prestressed structures, because carbonation can reduce cover protection and influence corrosion risk.

The document is also useful when comparing concrete mixtures, especially when a constituent changes, such as cement type or additions, or when mix proportions such as water-cement ratio, cement content, or fines content change. It supports work on equivalent durability assessments and on classification of concrete by carbonation resistance.

What changed in FprEN 12390-10 from the previous edition?

FprEN 12390-10 will supersede EN 12390-10:2018. The foreword states one significant technical change: the scope has been updated to account for slowly reacting binders.

The introduction also states that the carbon dioxide concentration in the climate controlled chamber is fixed at 400 ppm, which is 50 ppm higher than in the previous version. That matters because the chamber condition is the basis for the reference method and for comparison between laboratories.

Which standards are used with FprEN 12390-10?

Standard	What it contributes
EN 12390-1	Shape, dimensions, and other requirements for specimens and moulds
EN 12390-2	Making and curing specimens for strength tests
EN 12390-3	Compressive strength of test specimens
EN 13670	Curing periods and strength-development assumptions for natural exposure testing
CEN/TR 16563	Basic principles for equivalent durability procedures

EN 12390-1, EN 12390-2, and EN 12390-3 are the direct normative references used for specimen preparation, curing, and compressive strength testing. EN 13670 and CEN/TR 16563 are used in the document’s procedure and background for site exposure timing and equivalent durability comparisons.

What does the FprEN 12390-10 document contain?

FprEN 12390-10 contains the full procedure for specimen production, exposure, indicator use, and carbonation-depth measurement. It also contains the regression-based method for turning repeated depth readings into a carbonation-rate result.

The document includes figures for handling dense aggregates, porous aggregates, and air voids at the carbonation front. Annex A includes chamber layouts and carbon dioxide injection and monitoring arrangements, while Annex B includes a Stevenson Screen arrangement for natural exposure.

Clause 9 gives a structured test-report checklist, and Clause 10 provides precision estimates for both test routes. In practice, this makes the document useful not only for testing, but also for reporting, comparison, and interpretation of results.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025
01-december-2025
Preskušanje strjenega betona - 10. del: Določanje odpornosti betona proti
karbonatizaciji pri atmosferski koncentraciji ogljikovega dioksida
Testing hardened concrete - Part 10: Determination of the carbonation resistance of
concrete at atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide
Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 10: Bestimmung des Karbonatisierungswiderstandes von
Beton bei atmosphärischer Konzentration von Kohlenstoffdioxid
Essais pour béton durci - Partie 10 : Détermination de la résistance à la carbonatation du
béton à des niveaux atmosphériques de dioxyde de carbone
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 12390-10
ICS:
91.100.30 Beton in betonski izdelki Concrete and concrete
products
oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025
oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 12390-10
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
October 2025
ICS 91.100.30 Will supersede EN 12390-10:2018
English Version
Testing hardened concrete - Part 10: Determination of the
carbonation resistance of concrete at atmospheric levels of
carbon dioxide
Essais pour béton durci - Partie 10 : Détermination de Prüfung von Festbeton - Teil 10: Bestimmung des
la résistance à la carbonatation du béton à des niveaux Karbonatisierungswiderstandes von Beton bei
atmosphériques de dioxyde de carbone atmosphärischer Konzentration von Kohlenstoffdioxid
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 104.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, 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.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN 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, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 12390-10:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025
prEN 12390-10:2025 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Principle . 6
5 Reagents and apparatus . 7
6 Production of specimens . 7
6.1 General . 7
6.2 Procedure when using climate controlled chamber . 8
6.3 Procedure when using a natural exposure site . 8
7 Carbonation depth measurements . 9
7.1 Testing age and generation of colour change . 9
7.2 Determination of the carbonation depth . 10
7.2.1 General . 10
7.2.2 Measuring the depth of carbonation . 10
7.2.3 Appreciation of dense aggregates . 10
7.2.4 Appreciation of pores and porous aggregates and extreme values . 10
8 Determination of the rate of carbonation . 10
9 Test report . 11
10 Precision . 12
Annex A (informative) Guidance on suitable climate controlled chambers . 14
Annex B (informative) Guidance on natural exposure sites . 18
Bibliography . 20

oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025
prEN 12390-10:2025 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 12390-10:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 104
“Concrete and related products”,”, the secretariat of which is held by SN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 12390-10:2018.
prEN 12390-10:2025 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
EN 12390-10:2018:
— The scope has been updated in order to account for slowly reacting binders.
The EN 12390 series, under the general title Testing hardened concrete, consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: Shape, dimensions and other requirements for 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 9: Freeze–thaw resistance with de-icing salts - Scaling (Technical Specification)
— Part 10: Determination of the carbonation resistance of concrete at atmospheric levels of carbon
dioxide
— Part 11: Determination of the chloride resistance of concrete, unidirectional diffusion
— Pert 12: Determination of the carbonation resistance of concrete – Accelerated carbonation method
— Part 13: Determination of the secant modulus of elasticity in compression
— 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 the shrinkage of concrete
— Part 17: Determination of creep of concrete in compression
oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025
prEN 12390-10:2025 (E)
— Part 18: Determination of the chloride migration coefficient
— Part 19: Determination of electrical resistivity
oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025
prEN 12390-10:2025 (E)
Introduction
In reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, a sufficient concrete cover protects conventional
steel reinforcement from corrosion and contributes to ensure that the intended working life is achieved.
Reinforcement corrosion induced by carbonation can play a significant role in a structure’s
serviceability and consequently carbonation resistance of concrete, in particular of the cover zone, is an
important property to be quantified.
This document describes a test method for the quantification of the carbonation rate of any freshly cast
concrete. This document quantifies concrete behaviour in the conditions of carbonation at natural
levels of carbon dioxide. For standardization purposes, the carbon dioxide concentration in the climate
controlled chamber is fixed at 400 ppm, which is an increase of 50 ppm over the value used in the
previous version of this document. However, atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide are not constant in
location or time, and in some urban and industrial areas, carbon dioxide concentration exceeds
400 ppm.
From a European perspective, it makes sense to have common test procedures and common assessment
procedures, but with various possible purposes.
One of the intended applications of this document is the comparison of concrete mixtures, and in
particular the assessment of the impact of a change of constituent, e.g. cement type, addition, or the
impact of a change in mix proportions, e.g. w/c ratio, cement content, fines content. Such a comparison,
is also carried out when assessing the durability performance, and more precisely the ‘equivalent
durability’ with respect to carbonation, of a concrete, with unknown carbonation resistance or of a
concrete with one or more unfamiliar constituents. CEN/TR 16563 sets out basic principles to be
followed by 'equivalent durability' procedures.
In addition, this document provides parameters used in the classification of concrete on the basis of its
carbonation resistance.
Moreover, the rate of carbonation, as determined by the described test procedure, is used in some
models that estimate the start of reinforcement corrosion.
As this document provides test procedures, it only describes the production of standardized test
results; how these test results are used is not within the scope of this document.
oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025
prEN 12390-10:2025 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies a method of determining the carbonation rate of a concrete, expressed in
mm/√a.
This document establishes a procedure where a standardized climate controlled chamber is used and
where specimens are placed on a natural exposure site protected from direct rainfall. The standardized
climate controlled chamber procedure is the reference method.
These procedures are applicable for the initial testing of concrete, including those manufactured with
slowly reacting binders, provided that the ages at which the carbonation depth is measured, the number
of measurements required to calculate the carbonation rate, as well as the length of exposure to CO , are
appropriately selected, as described in this document.
These procedures are not applicable for factory production control.
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 12390-1, Testing hardened concrete — Part 1: Shape, dimensions and other requirements for
specimens and moulds
EN 12390-2, Testing hardened concrete — Part 2: Making and curing specimens for strength tests
EN 12390-3, Testing hardened concrete — Part 3: Compressive strength of test specimens
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
4 Principle
Pairs of beams of concrete (or two cubes per test age) from the same batch of concrete are stored in a
climate controlled chamber as specified in 5.4 or on a natural exposure site as specified in 5.5. After
defined periods of exposure, an approximately 50 mm thick slice of the beam is broken off at each test
age and tested for its carbonation depth. If cubes are being used, they are broken in half and one half of
each cube is used to measure the carbonation depth, the other half being discarded.
The carbonation depth is measured at three locations on each face of each beam/cube giving a potential
total of 12 measurements per specimen and potentially 24 measurements for the two specimens. The
mean carbonation depth of all measurements is calculated. The remains of the beams are returned to
the climate controlled chamber for testing at other pre-defined ages. Using at least three sets of
measurements taken at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year, the rate of carbonation expressed as mm/√a is
determined.
oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025
prEN 12390-10:2025 (E)
5 Reagents and apparatus
5.1 A solution of 1 g of phenolphthalein powder dissolved in a solution of 70 ml ethanol and 30 ml of
deionized water. Phenolphthalein is the reference method but an alternative indicator giving a colour
change in the range pH 8 to pH 11 that gives a sufficiently clear colour change in concrete to
differentiate the neutralized zone may be used, e.g. thymolphthalein, flavonoids, curcumine, or
antocianines.
WARNING — Phenolphthalein is listed on the REACH candidate list of substances of very high concern
for authorization. Phenolphthalein powder should be handled with the greatest care using safety gloves
in a fume cupboard fitted with an extractor.
5.2 Where used, a fixing solution to permanently fix the colour change in the concrete specimen (see
7.1).
NOTE Suppliers of some indicator solutions also provide a fixing solution that permanently fixes the colour
change.
5.3 A magnifier and a gauge to measure the depth of carbonation perpendicular to the exposed
concrete surface which ensure a precision of the measurement of 0,5 mm.
5.4 A climate controlled chamber controlling the average over the test duration carbon dioxide
concentration at (0,040 ± 0,001) % by volume with no variation outside (0,040 ± 0,005) %, temperature
at (20 ± 2) °C and a relative humidity at (65 ± 2) % (see Annex A for details of a suitable chamber).
5.5 Alternatively to climate controlled chamber, a natural exposure site where specimens are
protected from direct precipitation such as rain, hail and snow (see Annex B for details of a suitable
arrangement). The site shall be equipped with instruments to measure relative humidity, temperature
and carbon dioxide concentration at least 4 times per day. If this is not possible, local meteorological
data can be used.
5.6 Apparatus for recording the relative humidity, which ensures a precision of the measurement
of ± 1,0 %, and the temperature with a precision of ± 0,5 °C.
5.7 Apparatus for recording CO concentration with a precision of ± 0,001 % by volume. If a climate
controlled chamber is being used, it shall be fitted with an audible/visual/electronic alarm to signify
breaching of limits.
5.8 Fan to provide a homogeneous CO concentration in the air. Type, dimensions and power of the
fan shall be adapted to the dimension of the chamber.
6 Production of specimens
6.1 General
Representative samples of the constituents, e.g. cement, aggregates, shall be used for making the test
specimens. Either a sample of concrete is taken from the concrete production plant or the concrete
mixes shall be produced using the laboratory’s standard procedures. The specimens for one test, which
include specimens for the carbonation test and compressive strength tests, shall be cast from a single
batch of concrete.
For laboratory production, a minimum batch volume of 50 l is recommended.
oSIST prEN 12390-10:2025
prEN 12390-10:2025 (E)
Each test shall comprise at least two prismatic beams each being at least 350 mm long and the other
dimensions at least three times the maximum aggregate size or two cubes per test age with a side
length of at least three times the maximum aggregate size. Beams are the reference specimens.
Avoid or minimize the use of mould release agents on the moulds as they may influence the carbonation
depth.
All compressive strength specimens, either cubes or cylinders, shall be made and cured in accordance
with EN 12390-1 and EN 12390-2 and tested in accordance with EN 12390-3.
6.2 Procedure when using climate controlled chamber
After moulding the test specimens, cover the exposed concrete surface with polythene or similar
impermeable sheeting to prevent drying. After (24 ± 2) h, the moulds shall be stripped and the test
specimens transferred without delay into the standard curing condition according to EN 12390-2. After
27 days of standard curing, the test specimens shall be exposed to laboratory air, T = (20 ± 2) °C,
RH = (65 ± 5) % for (16 ± 2) h and then they are placed in the climate controlled chamber.
NOTE 1 The reason for the 27 day wet curing is to allow cements to hydrate prior to carbonation testing as
further hydration is hindered by the carbonation test conditions.
NOTE 2 In climate controlled chambers that do not have the facility to reduce the relative humidity, if the test
specimens are placed immediately in the climate controlled chamber, the rate of carbonation decreases when the
relative humidity is too high and (temporarily) exceeds the limit. If the climate controlled chamber is fitted with
facilities to reduce the relative humidity (not the normal situation), the test specimens can be placed directly in
the climate controlled chamber.
The test specimens shall be positioned in the climate controlled chamber in a way that permits air to
circulate freely around all the four faces to be tested. This is either by horizontal storage or vertical
storage, but ensuring a 50 mm gap between adjacent specimens. The temperature shall be measured at
least once per day at a constant time.
The relative humidity and carbon dioxide concentration shall be measured and recorded at least once
every two hours. The average carbon dioxide concentration in the climate controlled chamber over the
duration of the test shall be (0,040 ± 0,001) % with no variation outside (0,040 ± 0,005) %.
6.3 Procedure when using a natural exposure site
For each concrete mix, cast at least two beams or at least six cubes for carbonation testing and at least 2
or if the strength development is not known, at least 5 compressive strength specimens from a single
batch of concrete. The test specimens shall be cast horizontally in accordance with EN 12390-2. After
finishing the test specimens, cover the exposed surface with polythene or similar impermeable sheeting
to prevent drying.
After (24 ± 2) h, the moulds shall be stripped and the carbonation test specimens transferred without
delay into close-fitting, sealed polythene bags or similar storage material and stored at (20 ± 2) °C until
they have reached 50 % of the reference strength. If the temperature range is from 15 °C to 25 °C, 50 %
of the reference strength
...