AASHTO M240
Full Name
AASHTO M240 – Standard Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cement
Scope
AASHTO M240 is a standard specification that outlines the requirements for blended hydraulic cements used in construction. Blended cements are produced by combining portland cement clinker with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash, slag, silica fume, or natural pozzolans. These SCMs enhance the properties of the cement and offer various benefits, including improved durability, reduced permeability, and lower environmental impact.
Key aspects of AASHTO M240:
- Types of blended cements: the standard covers several types of blended cements, each with different proportions and combinations of SCMs. These types include:
- Type IS – portland blast-furnace slag cement
- Type IP – portland-pozzolan cement
- Type IL – portland-limestone cement
- Type IT – ternary blended cement.
- Performance requirements: AASHTO M240 specifies the performance requirements for each type of blended cement, including compressive strength, setting time, fineness, soundness, and other relevant properties.
- Testing methods: the standard outlines standardized test procedures for evaluating the properties of blended cements, ensuring consistency and reliability in quality control.
Significance of AASHTO M240:
- Sustainability: blended cements contribute to sustainable construction practices by utilizing industrial byproducts (SCMs) that would otherwise go to waste. This reduces the demand for virgin materials and lowers the carbon footprint of concrete production.
- Enhanced durability: the addition of SCMs can significantly improve the durability of concrete, making it more resistant to chemical attack, sulfate attack, and alkali-silica reaction (ASR).
- Versatility: blended cements offer a wide range of options for tailoring concrete properties to specific project requirements, such as early strength gain, low heat of hydration, or improved workability.
AASHTO M240 Accredited Laboratory
Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the AASHTO M240 standard.
Our laboratory offers comprehensive testing services for blended hydraulic cements based on AASHTO M240 and other relevant standards. Our experienced technicians conduct a variety of tests to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of your cements, ensuring that they meet the specified requirements and contribute to the success of your construction projects.
Contact us for more information.
Resources
Keywords
blended hydraulic cement; portland cement; supplementary cementitious material; slag; fly ash; pozzolan; silica fume; compressive strength; setting time; fineness; soundness; durability