The responsibility for demonstration of conformity of concrete supplied in accordance with the Standard for concrete, BS EN 206, is placed upon the concrete supplier. It is strongly recommended in BS 8500-1 that the producer holds product conformity certification, e.g. QSRMC or BSI to provide an independent audit on conformity.

Specifiers of concrete should therefore have a high degree of confidence in the material’s conformity.

It is not unusual for consistence tests (slump or flow) to be carried out regularly, as this is important in the practical placeability of the concrete delivered. For assessing air entrainment, the number of tests may be less regular.

The Concrete Advice document is aimed at contractors and consultants and should be read in conjunction with BS 8500-1. It explains how to specify identity testing for fresh concrete properties, consistence, air content and density, and how to assess the results.