Slag Cement For Use in Concrete and Mortars
Slag Cement For Use in Concrete and Mortars
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D3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction Ma- TABLE 2 Chemical Requirements
terials Sulfide sulfur (S), max, % 2.5
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test 8. Physical Properties
method, refer to Terminology C125. 8.1 Slag cement shall conform to the physical requirements
of Table 1.
4. Classification
4.1 Slag cement is classified by performance in the slag 9. Sampling
activity test in three grades: Grade 80, Grade 100, and Grade 9.1 The following sampling and testing procedures shall be
120 (see Table 1). used by the purchaser to verify compliance with this specifi-
cation.
5. Ordering Information NOTE 3—Sulfur in granulated blast-furnace slag is present predomi-
nantly as sulfide sulfur. In most cases, instrumental analyses, such as x-ray
5.1 The purchaser shall specify the grade of slag cement fluorescence, cannot differentiate sulfide sulfur from sulfate. Determine
desired and the optional chemical or physical data to be and report the sulfide sulfur content separately, and do not include it in the
reported. SO3 calculations.
9.2 Take random grab samples either from a delivery unit or
6. Additions at some point in the loading or unloading process so that no
6.1 Slag cement covered by this specification shall contain sample represents more than 115 Mg [125 tons] (Note 4). If
no additions except as follows: samples are taken from rail cars or trucks, take at least two
6.1.1 It is permissible to add calcium sulfate to slag cement separate 2-kg [5-lb] portions and thoroughly mix them to
provided it has been demonstrated by Test Method C1038/ obtain a test sample (Note 5). Sample by removing approxi-
C1038M that a test mixture will not develop expansion in mately a 300-mm [12-in.] layer of slag cement. Make a hole
water exceeding 0.020 % at 14 days. In the test mixture, 50 % before obtaining a sample to avoid dust collector material that
of the mass of portland cement shall be replaced by an equal has discharged into the delivery unit after the predominant slag
mass of slag cement. The portland cement used in the test cement flow has ceased. Sample at a rate of one sample per
mixture shall meet the requirements of Specification C150/ month or one sample for each 2300 Mg [2500 tons] of
C150M. When the manufacturer supplies cement under this shipments, whichever is more frequent.
provision, upon request, supporting data shall be supplied to NOTE 4—Standard statistical procedures are recommended for ensuring
the purchaser. that samples are selected by a random procedure; see Practice D3665.
6.1.2 When processing additions are used in the manufac- These procedures can be used to select the days within a month or within
ture of slag cement, the maximum amount used shall comply a week that samples will be taken. The delivery unit or time of day then
with the requirements of Specification C465 when tested using should be chosen randomly.
NOTE 5—The quantity of sample specified is more than adequate for the
a blend that is 50 % slag cement and 50 % portland cement by testing required. A 2-kg [5-lb] portion should be retained in a sealed
mass. container for retesting if that is considered necessary to verify compliance.
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TABLE 3 Alkali and Strength Limits of Reference Portland mortar, be the result for that batch. Otherwise, the average of
Cement for Slag Activity Tests tests of the five most recent reference cement-mortar batches
Total Alkalies (Na2O + 0.658 K2O) min % 0.60 shall be used.
max % 0.90
Compressive Strength, MPa, min, 28 daysA 35 [5000 psi]
10.1.6 Report—The report should include the following:
A
The minimum strength limit is based solely on the strength of the Test Method
10.1.6.1 Slag activity index, %,
C109/C109M mortar cubes, as required in Specification C150/C150M, regardless 10.1.6.2 Compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, of slag
of the strength of the flow-controlled Specification C989 mortar cubes. cement-reference cement mortar,
10.1.6.3 Compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, of portland
cement mortar,
10.1.6.4 Total alkalies of the reference cement
chemical and physical requirements for a C150, Type I or Type (Na2O + 0.658 K2O),
II, including the additional limits in Table 3, is permitted to be 10.1.6.5 Fineness of reference cement, and
used. Sufficient cement shall be reserved to avoid changing 10.1.6.6 Potential compound composition of the reference
reference cement more often than every two months. After the portland cement.
initial testing to determine compliance with the compressive 10.1.7 Precision—The following precision statements are
strength requirement of Table 3, the reference cement shall be applicable when the slag activity index with portland cement is
re-qualified at least every six months. based on results of tests of two cubes from single batches of
NOTE 7—Different reference cements may produce different Slag reference cement and 50-50 slag cement-reference cement
Activity Index results. Reference portland cement meeting the require- mortars mixed on the same day. They are applicable to the slag
ments of 10.1.2 is available from CCRL.5 activity index determined at 7 or 28 days.
10.1.3 Preparation of Specimens—Prepare mortars in accor- 10.1.7.1 The single-laboratory coefficient of variation has
dance with Test Method C109/C109M, except that sufficient been found to be 4.1 %. Therefore, the slag activity indices of
water shall be used in each batch to produce a flow of 1106 properly conducted tests based on single batches of mortar
5 %. The proportions of dry ingredients shall be as follows: mixed on the same day should not differ by more than 11.6 %
Reference Cement Mortar: of their average.
500 g portland cement 10.1.7.2 The multilaboratory coefficient of variation has
1375 g graded standard sand been found to be 5.7 %. Therefore, the slag activity indices of
Slag Cement-Reference Cement Mortar: properly conducted tests of single batches by different labora-
250 g portland cement tories should not differ by more than 16.1 %.
250 g slag cement 10.2 Slag Cement Density—Determine in accordance with
1375 g graded standard sand Test Method C188.
10.1.3.1 Mix a reference cement batch each day that a slag
cement-reference cement batch is mixed until at least five 10.3 Amount of Slag Cement Retained on a 45-µm (No. 325)
batches have been mixed with the reference cement. Sieve—Determine in accordance with Test Method C430.
Thereafter, reference cement batches need not be mixed more 10.4 Slag Cement Fineness by Air Permeability—Determine
often than once a week whenever slag cement is being in accordance with Test Methods C204.
produced or shipped. 10.5 Sulfate Ion in Slag Cement Reported as SO3—
10.1.4 Test Ages—Determine the compressive strength of Determine as sulfur trioxide in accordance with Test Methods
mortar specimens at 7 and 28 days age in accordance with Test C114, except the sample need not be completely decomposed
Method C109/C109M. by acid.
10.1.5 Calculation—Calculate the slag activity index to the
nearest percent for both 7 days and 28 days as follows: 10.6 Sulfide Sulfur in Slag Cement—Determine in accor-
dance with Test Methods C114.
Slag activity index, % 5 ~ SP/P ! 3 100 (1)
10.7 Chloride Content of Slag—Determine in accordance
where: with Test Methods C114.
SP = average compressive strength of slag cement-reference
10.8 Air Content of Slag Cement Mortar—Determine in
cement mortar cubes at designated ages, MPa [psi], and
accordance with Test Method C185, except use 350 g of slag
P = average compressive strength of reference cement
cement in the standard mortar batch. Calculate using the
mortar cubes at designated age, MPa [psi].
appropriate density of the slag cement.
The reference cement-mortar strength used to calculate a
slag activity index shall, when a reference cement mortar is 11. Rejection and Rehearing
mixed on the same day as a slag cement-reference cement 11.1 The purchaser has the right to reject material that fails
to conform to the requirements of this specification. Rejection
5
shall be reported to the producer or supplier promptly and in
The sole source of commercially available reference portland cement known to
the committee at this time is CCRL, 4441 Buckeystown Pike, Suite C; Frederick, writing. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of the tests,
Maryland 21704; www.CCRL.us. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please the producer or supplier is not prohibited from making a claim
provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will for retesting.
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1
which you may attend. NOTE 8—In the event of a Slag Activity Index dispute, the purchaser
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should request a sample of the producer’s reference cement for retest. 14. Package Marking and Shipping Information
12. Certification 14.1 When the slag cement is delivered in packages, the
classification of the slag cement, the name and brand of the
12.1 Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order,
manufacturer, and the mass of the slag cement contained
a manufacturer’s report shall be furnished at the time of
therein shall be plainly marked on each package. Similar
shipment stating the results of tests made on samples of the
information shall be provided in the shipping invoices accom-
material taken during production or transfer and certifying that
panying the shipment of packaged or bulk slag cement. All
the slag cement conforms to applicable requirements of this
packages shall be in good condition at the time of inspection.
specification.
12.2 When specified in the purchase order or contract, test 15. Storage
data shall be furnished on the chloride ion content of the slag 15.1 The slag cement shall be stored to permit easy access
cement. for proper inspection and identification of each shipment and in
NOTE 9—Guidance on preparing the manufacturer’s report is provided
in Appendix X4. a suitable weather-tight building that will protect the slag
cement from dampness and minimize quality deterioration.
13. Manufacturer’s Statement
13.1 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall 16. Keywords
state in writing the nature, amount, and identity of any 16.1 blast furnace slag; granulated blast furnace slag; slag
processing or other additions made to the slag cement. activity index; slag cement
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1.1 When slag cement is used in concrete with portland the particular cement used. The results of the slag activity test
cement, the levels and rate of strength development will do not provide quantitative predictions of strength performance
depend importantly on the properties of the slag cement, the in concrete. Performance in concrete will depend on a large
properties of the portland cement, the relative and total number of factors including the properties and proportions of
amounts of slag cement and portland cement, and the concrete the slag cement, the portland cement, and other concrete
curing temperatures. ingredients, concrete temperatures, and curing conditions; and
other conditions.
X1.2 The reference cement used to test slag activity in this
specification must have a minimum 28-day strength of 35 MPa X1.3 Concrete strengths at 1, 3, and even 7 days may tend
[5000 psi] and an alkali equivalent between 0.6 and 0.9 %. to be lower using slag cement-portland cement combinations,
Performance of the slag cement with other portland cements particularly at low temperatures or at high slag cement per-
may be significantly different. The slag-activity test also can be centages. Concrete proportions will need to be established
used to evaluate relative hydraulic activity of different slag considering the importance of early strengths, the curing
cements with a specific cement or of different shipments of the temperatures involved and the properties of the slag cement,
same slag cement. Such comparisons will be improved if all the portland cement, and other concrete materials. Generally a
tests are made with a single sample of cement. To properly higher numerical grade of slag cement can be used in larger
classify a slag cement, the reference portland cement must amounts and will provide improved early strength perfor-
conform to the limits on strength and alkali content. Even mance; however, tests must be made using job materials under
within these limits, performance will depend to some extent on job conditions.
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X2.1 General—Concrete manufactured with high percent- ages. Data from studies of laboratory exposure of mortars to
ages of slag cement is generally considered to have greater sodium and magnesium sulfate solutions provide the following
resistance to attack by sulfates than do portland cements, based general conclusions.
largely upon comparisons of these mixtures with similar X2.3.1 The combinations of slag cement and portland
mixtures containing ordinary (Type I) portlands. These high cement, in which the slag cement content was greater than 60
volume slag cement mixtures (containing 60 % or more slag) to 65 %, had high sulfate resistance, always better than the
are widely used for sulfate and sea-water resistant concretes portland cement alone, irrespective of the Al2O3 content of the
throughout the world. slag cement. The improvement in sulfate resistance was
X2.2 Sulfate Resistance of Portland Cements—The sulfate greatest for the portland cements with the higher C3A contents.
resistance of concrete is dependent upon a number of factors, X2.3.2 The low alumina (11 %) slag cement tested in-
including mortar permeability and the type and concentration creased the sulfate resistance independently of the C3A content
of the sulfate solutions involved. Others, directly related to the of the portland cement. To obtain adequate sulfate resistance,
cement characteristics, include calcium hydroxide concentra- higher slag cement percentages were necessary with the higher
tion and the tricalcium aluminate (C3A) content. Specification C3A portland cements.
C150/C150M provides limits on the C3A for sulfate-resistant X2.3.3 The high alumina (18 %) slag cement tested, ad-
cements. Specification C150/C150M Type V requirements versely affected the sulfate resistance of portland cements
provide for a limit on the tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF) when blended in low percentages (50 % or less). Some tests
plus twice the C3A. The Specification C150/C150M table of indicated rapid decreases in resistance for cements in the 8 and
Optional Physical Requirements includes a maximum limit on 11 % C3A ranges with slag cement percentages as low as 20 %
expansion of Type V cement in mortar bars when tested by Test or less in the blends.
Method C452. When this option is selected, the standard limits
on tricalcium aluminate and on tetracalcium aluminoferrite X2.3.4 Tests on slag cement (7 to 8 % alumina) in Ontario
plus twice the tricalcium aluminate do not apply. Test Method (3) have shown that a 50:50 combination by mass with Type I
C1012/C1012M can be used to measure the effects of exposure portland cement (having up to about 12 % C3A) is equivalent
to external sulfate environments on mortar or concrete. in sulfate resistance to the Type V cement used in that study.
X2.3 Effect of Slag Cement on Sulfate Resistance—The use X2.4 Tests for Sulfate Resistance—When the relative sulfate
of slag cement will decrease the C3A content of the cementing resistance of a specific portland cement-slag cement combina-
materials and decrease the permeability and calcium hydroxide tion is desired, tests should be conducted in accordance with
content of the mortar or concrete. Tests have shown that the Test Method C1012/C1012M (4). Studies by Subcommittee
alumina content of the slag cement also influences sulfate C01.29 on sulfate resistance using Test Method C1012/
resistance (1, 2),6 and that high alumina content can have a C1012M, as reported by Patzias (5), recommended the follow-
detrimental influence at low slag cement-replacement percent- ing limits for expansion of portland cement and slag cement
combinations at six months of exposure:
6
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of Moderate sulfate resistance — 0.10 % max
this standard. High sulfate resistance — 0.05 % max
X3. EFFECTIVENESS OF SLAG CEMENT IN PREVENTING EXCESSIVE EXPANSION OF CONCRETE DUE TO ALKALI
SILICA REACTION
X3.1 General—When properly proportioned in concrete to the alkalinity of the solution, the reactivity of the aggregate,
mixtures, slag cement has been shown to prevent excessive and the availability of water, which fuels the reaction.
expansion due to alkali-aggregate reaction.
X3.3 Mitigating AAR with Slag Cement—Slag cement miti-
X3.2 ASR in Concrete—Alkali silica reaction occurs in gates ASR by reducing the total alkalis in the system and by
concrete when certain siliceous aggregates are placed in a consuming alkalis in the hydration reaction, making them
highly alkaline environment and, in the presence of water, form unavailable for the alkali aggregate reaction. The percentage of
an expansive gel. When this gel forms, tensile stresses develop slag cement required to mitigate alkali silica reaction is
in the concrete around the expanding gel which can cause the dependent on the reactivity of the aggregate and the alkali
concrete to crack. The extent of the reaction is directly related loading of the concrete. For concretes containing very reactive
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aggregates or for concretes with a high alkali loading, higher commonly require testing in accordance with the job mixture
percentages of slag cement may be required to insure mitiga- requirements of this test method and limit the average expan-
tion. sion of mortar bars at 14 days to 0.020 % or less.
Test Method C1293—The test method evaluates combina-
X3.4 Test Methods for AAR—There are several test methods tions of aggregate with slag for potential alkali-silica reaction
that have been used to determine the effectiveness of slag expansion using concrete prisms. The test method is acceler-
cement in preventing deleterious expansion in concrete mix- ated by using an elevated alkali content and Test Method C227
tures containing potentially reactive aggregates. However, exposure conditions. The appendix to Test Method C1293
there is no general agreement on the relation between the provides guidance on interpretation of the results. When
results of these tests and the amount of expansion to be evaluating the effectiveness of various slag cement replace-
expected or tolerated in service. Therefore, evaluation of the ment levels in mitigating ASR, those mixtures with expansions
suitability of slag replacement level for successful mitigation equal to or greater than 0.04 % at two years are considered
of ASR should be based upon judgment, interpretation of test potentially deleteriously reactive. This test method is consid-
data, and results of examinations of concrete structures con- ered to be the most reliable procedure among ASTM Test
taining the same aggregates and similar cementitious materials Methods for the evaluation of aggregates for alkali-silica
having similar levels of alkalies. Results of the tests referred to reaction.
in this appendix may assist in making the evaluation.
Test Method C1567—This test method can be used to
Test Method C441/C441M—This test method evaluates evaluate specific combinations of aggregate and cementitious
cementitious materials in mortar bars as in Test Method C227 materials composed of hydraulic cement and slag cement under
using highly-reactive borosilicate glass as the aggregate. In storage conditions described in Test Method C1260. Since the
evaluating the results of this test, it should be recognized that mortar specimens are stored in 1N NaOH solution, the test may
borosilicate glass is more reactive than most construction underestimate the effectiveness of cementitious materials that
aggregates; therefore, the amount of a given pozzolan or rely to a significant degree on low alkali content for mitigation.
ground slag necessary to control expansion with a portland In general, expansions less than 0.10 % at 16 days are
cement of given alkali content may be higher than needed to considered to indicate effective control of potential ASR
avoid deleterious expansion with a particular construction related expansion of the aggregate by the specific combination
aggregate. Those who specify Test Method C441/C441M of cementitious materials.
X4.1 To provide uniformity for reporting the results of tests tested (or retested) or shipped.
performed on slag cements under this specification, as required
by Section 12 of Specification C989/C989M entitled X4.4 The sample Mill Test Report has been developed to
“Certification,” an example Mill Test Report is shown in Fig. reflect the chemical and physical requirements of this specifi-
X4.1. cation and recommends reporting all analyses and tests nor-
mally performed on slag cements meeting Specification C989/
X4.2 The identity information given should unambiguously
C989M. Purchaser reporting requirements should govern if
identify the cement production represented by the Mill Test
different from normal reporting by the manufacturer or from
Report and may vary depending upon the manufacturer’s
those recommended here.
designation and purchaser’s requirements.
X4.3 The Manufacturer’s Certification statement may vary X4.5 Slag cements may be shipped prior to later-age test
depending upon the manufacturer’s procurement order, or legal data being available. In such cases, the test value may be left
requirements, but should certify that the slag cement shipped is blank. Alternatively, the manufacturer can generally provide
represented by the certificate and that the cement conforms to estimates based on historical production data. The report
applicable requirements of the specification at the time it was should indicate if such estimates are provided.
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Plant: Example Slag Cement ASTM C989 Grade 100 December 7, 2009
CHEMICAL
A
Sulfate Sulfur (as SO3), % 2.7
A
Aluminum Oxide (as Al2O3) 10.5
PHYSICAL
Compressive StrengthB
A
7 Day (psi) 3669
A
28 Day (psi) 5695
Fineness
Blaine (m2/kg) 495 A
We certify that the above described slag cement, at the time of shipment, meets the chemical and physical requirements
of ASTM C989 – 09 or (other) _______ specification.
REFERENCES
(1) Locher, F. W., “The Problems of the Sulfate Resistance of Slag (4) Hooton, R. D., and Emery, J. J., “Sulfate Resistance of a Canadian
Cements,” Zement-Kalk-Gips, No. 9, September, 1966. Slag Cement,” ACI Materials Journal, Vol 87, No. 6, November–De-
(2) Van Aardt, J. H. P., and Visser, S., “The Behavior of Mixtures of cember 1990.
Milled Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag and Portland Cement in Sulfate (5) Patzias, T., “The Development of ASTM Method C1012/C1012M
Solutions,” Bulletin 47, National Building Research Institute, South with Recommended Acceptance Limits for Sulfate Resistance of
Africa, 1967. Hydraulic Cements,” Cement, Concrete, and Aggregates, Vol 13, No.
(3) Chojnacki, B., “Sulfate Resistance of Blended (Slag) Cement,” Report 1, ASTM, 1991.
EM-52, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ontario, Canada
1981.
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SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(C989/C989M – 13) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Aug. 1, 2014.)
Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(C989/C989M – 12a) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Dec. 15, 2013.)
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