Quality of concrete

European standard NF EN 206/CN defines the tasks of the specifier, producer and user of concrete. With their roles perfectly defined, each of them seeks to develop the tools they need to meet the essential requirements imposed by the European Community, as well as their own requirements. The specifier (project manager) will be responsible for specifying the concrete to be used, the producer (concrete manufacturer) will be responsible for concrete conformity and production control, while the user (contractor) will be responsible for placing the material in the structure. Each party is responsible for transmitting its requirements to the next link in the chain, and the final compilation of these requirements results in the specification. In addition, this "concrete" standard specifies the general requirements applicable to concrete constituents, the rheological characteristics of fresh concrete, the mechanical and durability characteristics of hardened concrete, the mix design and its suitability for use, and the conditions for assessing conformity. The purpose of this text is to clarify all these requirements in the light of practical site conditions.