Sources: ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa.; CP staff
ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates’ latest standard, C1797, Specification for Ground Calcium Carbonate and Aggregate Mineral Fillers for Use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete, addresses limestone and similar materials exhibiting potential to improve mix characteristics and hardened structure performance.
“Limestone and fillers can help optimize concrete mix designs in terms of workability and finishing by improving packing density,” says C09 member and Euclid Chemical National Technical Service Manager Caroline Talbot. “Notably, this will reduce the amount of cementitious product needed for concrete production, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative.” Testing has also indicated that the presence of ground limestone enhances cement and fly ash hydration, she adds.
C1797-cited materials have been used around the world for years. The new standard positions producers to use them without negatively affecting fresh or hardened concrete properties—leading to cost savings and environmental sustainability. The document can be obtained from ASTM Customer Relations, 877/909-ASTM; www.astm.org.