A new ASTM International practice provides a standard for preparing a mixture of cement paste that will simulate the shearing experienced by the cement paste in concrete. The new standard, ASTM C1738, Practice for High-Shear Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes, was developed by Subcommittee C01.22 on Workability, part of ASTM International Committee C01 on Cement.

According to Chiara Ferraris, physicist, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and chairman of C01.22, the proper mixing of cement paste, as described in ASTM C1738, is essential for various proposed test methods currently under development by C01.22. Primary users of ASTM C1738 will be operators conducting measurement using fresh (before setting) cement paste.

Ferraris also notes that C01.22 welcomes participation in its standards development work. Proposed standards currently being developed by C01.22 include ASTM WK17836, Guide for Rheological Properties of Hydraulic Cementitious Paste Using a Rotational Rheometer, and ASTM WK27311, Test Method for Measurement of Cement Paste Consistency Using a Mini-Slump Cone.    

To purchase ASTM International standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact/).

ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

ASTM Committee C01 Next Meeting: Dec. 7-9, 2011, December Committee Week, Tampa, Fla.
Technical Contact: Chiara Ferraris, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Md., Phone: 301-975-6711; chiara.ferraris@nist.gov
ASTM Staff Contact: Scott Orthey, Phone: 610-832-9730; sorthey@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #8976