SIST EN 990:2003

• Abstract:

  This European Standard specifies methods for verification of the effectiveness of the corrosion protection of reinforcing steel embedded in autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) components according to prEN 12602 or components of lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure (LAC) according to prEN 1520.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2003
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: BBB - Concrete, reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Jul-2003
• Due Date: 01-Jul-2003
• Completion Date: 01-Jul-2003
• Directive: 305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Directive:

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  89/106/EEC - Construction products
• Mandate: M/100 - Mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardization work for harmonized standards on precast concrete products
• Ref Project: EN 990:2002 - Test methods for verification of corrosion protection of reinforcement in autoclaved aerated concrete and lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure

• Replaces: SIST EN 990:2001 - Test methods for verification of corrosion protection of reinforcement in autoclaved aerated concrete and lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2003
• Refers: SIST EN 1520:2003 - Prefabricated reinforced components of lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 1520:2026 - Precast lightweight concrete products with an open structure
• Effective Date: 07-Oct-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 845-2:2013 - Specification for ancillary components for masonry - Part 2: Lintels
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 845-2:2004 - Specification for ancillary components for masonry - Part 2: Lintels
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 845-2:2013+A1:2016 - Specification for ancillary components for masonry - Part 2: Lintels
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 1520:2011 - Prefabricated reinforced components of lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 12602:2008+A1:2013 - Prefabricated reinforced components of autoclaved aerated concrete
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 12602:2008 - Prefabricated reinforced components of autoclaved aerated concrete
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 12602:2017 - Prefabricated reinforced components of autoclaved aerated concrete
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

SIST EN 990:2003 is the Slovenian adoption of EN 990:2002 from CEN. It specifies test methods for checking the effectiveness of corrosion protection for reinforcing steel embedded in autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) and lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure (LAC). The standard is used to qualify a corrosion protective system with a defined manufacturing process and for current production control.

What does SIST EN 990:2003 specify?

SIST EN 990:2003 specifies how to verify corrosion protection for reinforcement in AAC components according to prEN 12602 and LAC components according to prEN 1520. It provides three short-term test methods and links the measured corrosion results to the limits in the relevant product standard.

The scope is practical: the standard is for embedded reinforcing steel in prefabricated components, not for general concrete corrosion testing. For LAC components, the tests are not required when corrosion protection is achieved by fully embedding the bars in a zone of concrete with closed structure according to prEN 1520:2002, 5.8.3.3.

The document is organized into clauses on scope, normative references, principle, apparatus, test specimens, corrosion tests, and test report. Clause 6 contains the three exposure methods:

• method 1 - alternate wetting with sodium chloride solution and drying in air
• method 2 - alternate wetting with water and drying in warm air
• method 3 - alternating temperature in moist air

What are the key requirements of SIST EN 990:2003?

SIST EN 990:2003 is built around controlled specimen preparation, defined exposure cycles, and visual assessment of the exposed reinforcement. In practice, the test only has meaning if the specimen, the exposure regime, and the evaluation are all traceable and repeated the same way.

Test specimens and preparation

SIST EN 990:2003 requires 400 mm long prismatic test specimens, either cut from current production or manufactured separately under conditions close to current production. Each specimen has at least two reinforcing bars with the protective system applied, and the concrete cover must meet the minimum nominal cover from the relevant product standard.

The standard also controls timing and handling before the test. Specimens are cut only after the specified age for AAC or LAC, end faces are sealed so corrosion cannot enter from the cut surfaces, and method 3 specimens are conditioned before exposure. This matters because unwanted damage or moisture paths can distort the result.

At least three test specimens are required for each corrosion test. Three companion specimens should also be kept in a non-corrosive environment so the test result can be compared with any pre-existing corrosion on the steel.

Exposure methods

SIST EN 990:2003 gives three different short-term exposure methods in Clause 6. Method 1 uses repeated wetting with 3 % sodium chloride solution and drying in air. Method 2 uses wetting with water followed by drying in warm air. Method 3 uses cyclic temperature changes in moisture-saturated air.

These methods are used to stress the corrosion protection in different ways, so users can choose a method suited to the product and its intended assessment. The standard also allows interruptions for weekends or breakdowns, but the prescribed exposure pattern remains the basis of the test.

Examination and evaluation

SIST EN 990:2003 requires the concrete and protective layer to be removed after exposure so the steel surface can be inspected visually from all sides. The corroded area is measured and expressed as a percentage of the total reinforcement surface, then compared with the companion specimen where applicable.

For coatings that adhere so strongly that the steel cannot be exposed for inspection, visual signs of corrosion on the coating surface may be used instead. That is important in practice for coating systems that cannot be stripped cleanly without altering the corrosion evidence.

Test report

SIST EN 990:2003 requires a report that identifies the product, the test dates, the test method, the type of corrosion protection, the specimen appearance, and the corrosion results. The report also records the difference between exposed specimens and companion specimens and a description of the corrosion phenomena. This gives the buyer, manufacturer, or lab a traceable record of how the conclusion was reached.

What terms does SIST EN 990:2003 define?

SIST EN 990:2003 uses a small set of core terms that frame the test.

• Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) - a component material covered by the standard, used here for embedded reinforcement in prefabricated components.
• Lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure (LAC) - the other covered component type, also tested with embedded reinforcement.
• Corrosion protective system - the reinforcement coating or protection arrangement whose effectiveness is being checked.
• Companion specimens - unexposed specimens kept for comparison with the test specimens to separate test-caused corrosion from pre-existing corrosion.
• Exposure cycle - one repeated wetting-and-drying or temperature sequence used to stress the specimen.
• Current production control - routine testing used to monitor ongoing manufacture, not only initial qualification.

Who uses SIST EN 990:2003?

SIST EN 990:2003 is used by manufacturers of prefabricated AAC and LAC components, coating suppliers, and testing laboratories. Quality control teams use it to check whether a corrosion protective system remains effective in the actual manufacturing process. It is also relevant to buyers and specifiers who need to verify that a product complies with the corrosion protection requirements of the applicable product standard.

What changed in SIST EN 990:2003 from the previous edition?

SIST EN 990:2003 replaces SIST EN 990:2001. The underlying European Standard, EN 990:2002, supersedes EN 990:1995.

Which standards are used with SIST EN 990:2003?

SIST EN 990:2003 refers to two product standards that set the component context and the evaluation limits:

• prEN 12602 - the product standard for prefabricated reinforced components of autoclaved aerated concrete.
• prEN 1520:2002 - the product standard for prefabricated reinforced components of lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure.

These references matter because EN 990 does not stand alone: the corrosion test results are judged against the requirements of the relevant component standard.

What does the SIST EN 990:2003 document contain?

SIST EN 990:2003 contains apparatus descriptions for the cutting saw and for the equipment needed in each of the three test methods. It also contains specimen preparation rules, including size, cover, sealing, conditioning, and the use of companion specimens.

Clause 6 gives the short-term corrosion test procedures for methods 1 to 3, including the exposure cycles and the post-exposure inspection. Clause 7 gives the report items needed for traceable recording of the test outcome.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
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Test methods for verification of corrosion protection of reinforcement in autoclaved
aerated concrete and lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure
Prüfverfahren zur Überprüfung des Korrosionsschutzes der Bewehrung in
dampfgehärtetem Porenbeton und in haufwerksporigem Leichtbeton
Méthodes d'essai pour la vérification de la protection contre la corrosion des armatures
dans le béton cellulaire autoclavé et le béton de granulats légers a structure ouverte
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 990:2002
ICS:
91.100.30 Beton in betonski izdelki Concrete and concrete
products
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 990
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2002
ICS 91.100.30 Supersedes EN 990:1995
English version
Test methods for verification of corrosion protection of
reinforcement in autoclaved aerated concrete and lightweight
aggregate concrete with open structure
Méthodes d'essai pour la vérification de la protection contre Prüfverfahren zur Überprüfung des Korrosionsschutzes der
la corrosion des armatures dans le béton cellulaire Bewehrung in dampfgehärtetem Porenbeton und in
autoclavé et le béton de granulats légers à structure haufwerksporigem Leichtbeton
ouverte
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 July 2002.
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 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 Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2002 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 990:2002 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
page
Foreword.3
1 Scope .3
2 Normative references .3
3 Principle.4
4 Apparatus .4
5 Test specimens .4
5.1 General.4
5.2 Sealing of the end faces and conditioning of the test specimens.5
6 Corrosion tests.5
6.1 Short-term test with alternate wetting with sodium chloride solution and drying in air (method
1) .5
6.1.1 Exposure cycles.5
6.1.2 Examination of steel surface and evaluation of results .6
6.2 Short-term test with alternate wetting with water and drying in warm air (method 2) .6
6.2.1 Exposure cycles.6
6.2.2 Examination of the steel surface and evaluation of results .6
6.3 Short-term test with alternating temperature (method 3) .6
6.3.1 Exposure cycles.6
6.3.2 Examination of the steel surface and evaluation of results .6
7 Test report .7
Foreword
This document (EN 990:2002) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN /TC 177 "Prefabricated reinforced
components of autoclaved aerated concrete or light-weight aggregate concrete with open structure", 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 March 2003, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by
March 2003.
This document supersedes EN 990:1995.
In order to meet the performance requirements as laid down in the product standards for prefabricated reinforced
components of autoclaved aerated concrete or for prefabricated reinforced components of lightweight aggregate
concrete with open structure a number of standardised test methods are necessary.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies the test methods for verification of the effectiveness of the corrosion protection of
reinforcing steel embedded in components of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) according to prEN 12602 or in
components of lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure (LAC) according to prEN 1520.
Tests according to this European Standard are not required for LAC-components if corrosion protection is achieved
by embedding the reinforcing bars completely in a zone of concrete with closed structure according to prEN
1520:2002, 5.8.3.3.
Three different methods of short-term tests (methods 1 to 3) are provided.
The test methods can be used to examine the fundamental suitability of a corrosion protective system in combination
with a defined manufacturing process for the production of reinforced components. They can also be used for current
production control.
NOTE The specification of three different short-term test methods is based on historical reasons and established procedures
rather than on technical needs.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).
prEN 1520:2002, Prefabricated reinforced components of lightweight aggregate concrete with open structure.
prEN 12602, Prefabricated reinforced components of autoclaved aerated concrete.
3 Principle
Test specimens consisting of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) or lightweight aggregate concrete with open
structure (LAC) with embedded reinforcing bars are cut from prefabricated reinforced components or manufactured
separately. The test specimens are exposed to a defined corrosive environment for a specified series of exposure
cycles. Immediately after the end of the corrosive exposure the concrete and the protective coating are removed
from the embedded bars. The steel surface is examined visually for corrosion and the area of the corroded surface
is determined and compared with the limits according to the relevant product standard prEN 1520 or prEN 12602.
4 Apparatus
a) Saw
A saw for cutting test specimens from reinforced components without excessive heating or vibrations.
b) Equipment for short-term test with alternate wetting wit
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