Rapid hardening hydraulic cements are used in a variety of applications in which reduced cementitious contents are desired or early service is needed. Included among these applications are paving, construction, stucco, mortar and block. A newly approved ASTM International standard covering these cements, ASTM C1600/C1600M, Specification for Rapid Hardening Hydraulic Cement, has been developed by Subcommittee C01.13 on Special Cements, part of ASTM International Committee C01 on Cement.

“ASTM C1600 lists minimum requirements for compressive strength, setting time, shrinkage and soundness (autoclave expansion),” says Hicks. “Optional specifications for sulfate expansion, alkali silicate reactions with aggregates, heat of hydration and expansion in water are also listed.”

Hicks goes on to note that ASTM C1600 cements that require calcined clinker typically use much less heat and evolve less carbon dioxide than other forms of clinker production.

“Some C1600 cements are made principally from coal combustion products, thereby requiring no additional fuel use evolving no additional carbon dioxide,” says Hicks.

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