SCM (Supplementary Cementitious Materials) Testing

What are Supplementary Cementitious Materials?

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are materials that are added to concrete to improve its properties. They are typically used in combination with Portland cement, but they can also be used alone. SCMs can be divided into two categories: 

• Pozzolanic materials react with calcium hydroxide in the presence of water to form a cementitious compound. This compound is called C-S-H, and it is the main binding agent in concrete. Pozzolanic materials include fly ash, blast furnace slag, and silica fume.
• Latent hydraulic materials do not react with calcium hydroxide, but they do react with water to form a gel. This gel can fill the voids in the concrete and improve its strength and durability. Latent hydraulic materials include metakaolin and natural pozzolans.

SCMs can improve the properties of concrete in a number of ways, including:

• Increased strength: SCMs can increase the compressive strength of concrete by up to 20%.
• Improved durability: SCMs can improve the resistance of concrete to cracking, spalling, and corrosion.
• Reduced permeability: SCMs can reduce the permeability of concrete, which makes it more resistant to water and other fluids.
• Reduced cost: SCMs can reduce the cost of concrete by up to 20%.

SCMs are a sustainable alternative to Portland cement. They are made from by-products of other industries, such as fly ash from power plants and blast furnace slag from steel mills. This means that they do not require the mining of raw materials or the use of fossil fuels.

What is Supplementary Cementitious Materials Testing?

Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) testing is a process of evaluating the properties of SCMs to ensure that they are of high quality and will perform as expected when used in concrete. There are a number of different tests that can be used to evaluate SCMs, but the most common tests are:

• Physical properties: These tests measure the physical properties of SCMs, such as particle size, specific gravity, and chemical composition.
• Chemical properties: These tests measure the chemical properties of SCMs, such as pozzolanic activity and potential for alkali-silica reaction.
• Performance tests: These tests measure the performance of SCMs in concrete, such as compressive strength, tensile strength, and durability.

The specific tests that are performed on SCMs will vary depending on the intended use of the SCM. For example, SCMs that will be used to make high-performance concrete will need to be tested for their physical and chemical properties, as well as their performance in concrete.

SCMs testing is an important part of ensuring the quality and safety of SCMs. By performing these tests, manufacturers can help to ensure that their SCMs meet the required standards and that it is safe and effective for use in concrete.

Here are some of the benefits of SCMs testing:

• Improved quality: SCMs testing can help to identify and correct any defects in the SCM before it is used in concrete. This can help to improve the overall quality and durability of the concrete.
• Increased safety: SCMs testing can help to ensure that the SCM is safe to use in concrete. This can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Reduced costs: SCMs testing can help to identify and correct any problems with the SCM early on. This can help to reduce the cost of repairs and replacements.

We provide an extended range of tests for supplementary cementitious materials:

• fly ash testing
• slag cement testing
• silica fume testing
• pozzolan testing

Supplementary Cementitious Materials Standards

Specifications and test plans for supplementary cementitious materials:

• ASTM C618 – coal fly ash and raw or calcined natural pozzolans for use in concrete: Specification / Test Plan
• ASTM C989 – Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• ASTM C1240 – Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures
• ASTM C1697 – Blended Supplementary Cementitious Materials
• ASTM C1707 – Pozzolanic Hydraulic Lime for Structural Purposes
• ASTM C1709 – Alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials (ASCM)
• ASTM C1866 – Ground-Glass Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
• ASTM D5370 – Spec for Pozzolanic Blended Materials in Construction Applications

Test methods for supplementary cementitious materials:

• ASTM C311 – Testing Fly Ash or Natural Pozzolans for Use in Portland-Cement Concrete
• AASHTO M302 – Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• AASHTO M307 – Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures
• ACI PRC-232.2-18 – Report on the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete
• Complete Listing

More Information on Supplementary Cementitious Materials Testing

Please contact us for technical details and pricing.

You can view our complete listing of accredited standards and more information on testing services.