ASTM C989/C989M-24

Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars

ABSTRACT
This specification covers three strength grades of finely ground granulated blast-furnace slag (Grades 80, 100, and 120) for use as a cementitious material in concrete and mortars. The slag shall contain no additions and shall conform to the sulfide sulfur and sulfate chemical composition requirement. Physical properties of the slag shall be in accordance with the requirements for fineness as determined by air permeability and air content, slag activity index, and compressive strength.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers slag cement for use as a cementitious material in concrete and mortar.  
Note 1: The material described in this specification may be used to produce a blended cement meeting the requirements of Specification C595/C595M or as a separate ingredient in concrete or mortar mixtures. The material may also be useful in a variety of special grouts and mortars, and when used with an appropriate activator, as the principal cementitious material in some applications.
Note 2: Information on technical aspects of the use of the material described in this specification is contained in Appendix X1, Appendix X2, and Appendix X3. More detailed information on that subject is contained in ACI 233R.2  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables) shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.  
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2024
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.27 - Slag Cement

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C989/C989M-22 - Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1012/C1012M-24 - Standard Test Method for Length Change of Hydraulic-Cement Mortars Exposed to a Sulfate Solution
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1038/C1038M-24 - Standard Test Method for Expansion of Hydraulic Cementitious Material Mortar Bars Stored in Water
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24a - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C204-23 - Standard Test Methods for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by Air-Permeability Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2023
• Refers: ASTM C109/C109M-21 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50 mm] Cube Specimens)
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2021
• Refers: ASTM C1038/C1038M-19 - Standard Test Method for Expansion of Hydraulic Cement Mortar Bars Stored in Water
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C670-15 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM C1433M-22 - Standard Specification for Precast Reinforced Concrete Monolithic Box Sections for Culverts, Storm Drains, and Sewers (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM C478/C478M-22 - Standard Specification for Circular Precast Reinforced Concrete Manhole Sections
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM C1804-20 - Standard Specification for Spun Cast Prestressed Concrete Bases for Tapered Steel Lighting Poles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM C1778-23 - Standard Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM C1567-23 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Combinations of Cementitious Materials and Aggregate (Accelerated Mortar-Bar Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM C654M-19 - Standard Specification for Porous Concrete Pipe (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024

Overview

ASTM C989/C989M-24: Standard Specification for Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars is an essential international standard published by ASTM. This specification encompasses three strength grades of finely ground granulated blast-furnace slag (Grades 80, 100, and 120) for use as a cementitious material in concrete and mortars. The primary goal of this standard is to outline requirements for physical and chemical properties, ensuring consistent quality and performance in construction applications. The slag cement covered by this standard is widely used to enhance durability, strength, and sustainability in concrete structures.

Key Topics

Grades of Slag Cement

• Three performance grades: Grade 80, Grade 100, and Grade 120.
• Classification is based on the slag activity index, which determines hydraulic activity with portland cement.

Physical Requirements

• Fineness, evaluated by air permeability and sieve retention.
• Air content of slag mortar.
• Slag activity index measured by compressive strength at 7 and 28 days.

Chemical Composition

• Strict limits on sulfide sulfur and sulfate content.
• Prohibition of additions, except for limited calcium sulfate or processing additions verified for performance.

Sampling and Testing

• Guidelines for random sampling to verify compliance.
• Prescribed test methods for fineness, compressive strength, chemical analysis, and more.
• Precision statements to ensure reliable and repeatable test results.

Certification and Marking

• Manufacturer’s certification to demonstrate compliance.
• Requirements for package marking and shipping documentation to maintain traceability and product identity.

Applications

Slag Cement in Construction

• Used as a partial replacement for portland cement in concrete and mortar mixtures, boosting sustainability and performance.
• Enhances sulfate resistance in concrete, making it suitable for environments exposed to sulfates, such as marine structures and wastewater treatment plants.
• Provides mitigation of alkali-silica reaction (ASR), reducing risk of cracking and deterioration in concrete with reactive aggregates.
• Applicable in the production of blended hydraulic cements (per ASTM C595/C595M) and in special grouts and mortars.
• Widely used in infrastructure projects including bridges, highways, and buildings aiming for higher durability and longer service life.

Benefits

• Improved durability and resistance to chemical attack.
• Reduced permeability, leading to better long-term performance.
• Lower carbon footprint compared to traditional cement, supporting green building initiatives.
• Potential for cost savings through partial replacement of portland cement.

Related Standards

Other Relevant ASTM Standards

• ASTM C595/C595M - Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements.
• ASTM C150/C150M - Specification for Portland Cement.
• ASTM C109/C109M - Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars.
• ASTM C114 - Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement.
• ASTM C204 - Test Methods for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by Air-Permeability Apparatus.
• ASTM C430 - Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by Sieve.
• ASTM C185 - Test Method for Air Content of Hydraulic Cement Mortar.
• ACI 233R - Guide to the Use of Slag Cement in Concrete and Mortar, published by the American Concrete Institute.

Keywords: slag cement, ASTM C989, concrete, mortars, granulated blast-furnace slag, cementitious materials, strength grades, sulfate resistance, sustainability, alkali-silica reaction, construction materials standard, blended cement.

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Adopting ASTM C989/C989M-24 ensures that slag cement used in concrete and mortar meets stringent quality standards, optimizing structural performance and lifespan while advancing sustainable construction practices.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C989/C989M − 24
Standard Specification for
Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C989/C989M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This specification covers slag cement for use as a
cementitious material in concrete and mortar.
2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 1—The material described in this specification may be used to 3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
produce a blended cement meeting the requirements of Specification
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
C595/C595M or as a separate ingredient in concrete or mortar mixtures.
Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube
The material may also be useful in a variety of special grouts and mortars,
and when used with an appropriate activator, as the principal cementitious Specimens)
material in some applications.
C114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic
NOTE 2—Information on technical aspects of the use of the material
Cement
described in this specification is contained in Appendix X1, Appendix X2,
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
and Appendix X3. More detailed information on that subject is contained
gregates
in ACI 233R.
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
C185 Test Method for Air Content of Hydraulic Cement
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
Mortar
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
C188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
C204 Test Methods for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by
used independently of the other, and values from the two
Air-Permeability Apparatus
systems shall not be combined.
C430 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
45-μm (No. 325) Sieve
that provide explanatory information. These notes and foot-
C465 Specification for Processing Additions for Use in the
notes (excluding those in tables) shall not be considered as
Manufacture of Hydraulic Cements
requirements of this standard.
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
test methods described in this specification. This standard does for Test Methods for Construction Materials
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, C1012/C1012M Test Method for Length Change of
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this Hydraulic-Cement Mortars Exposed to a Sulfate Solution
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ- C1038/C1038M Test Method for Expansion of Hydraulic
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory Cement Mortar Bars Stored in Water
limitations prior to use. C1437 Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- C1778 Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the D3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction Ma-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- terials
3. Terminology
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
specification, refer to Terminology C125.
C09.27 on Slag Cement.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as C989/C989M – 22.
DOI: 10.1520/C0989_C0989M-24. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ACI 233R Guide to the Use of Slag Cement in Concrete and Mortar. Available contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington Hills, MI Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
48333-9094, http://www.concrete.org. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C989/C989M − 24
TABLE 2 Chemical Requirements
4. Classification
Sulfide sulfur (S), max, % 2.5
4.1 Slag cement is classified by performance in the slag
activity test in three grades: Grade 80, Grade 100, and Grade
120 (see Table 1).
9. Sampling
5. Ordering Information
9.1 The following sampling and testing procedures shall be
used by the purchaser to verify compliance with this specifi-
5.1 The purchaser shall specify the grade of slag cement
desired and the optional chemical or physical data to be cation (Note 4).
reported.
NOTE 4—The sampling procedure is not intended for the purpose of
process control.
6. Additions
9.2 Take random grab samples either from a delivery unit or
6.1 Slag cement covered by this specification shall contain
at some point in the loading or unloading process so that no
no additions except as follows:
sample represents more than 115 Mg [125 tons] (Note 5). If
6.1.1 It is permissible to add calcium sulfate to slag cement
samples are taken from rail cars or trucks, take at least two
provided it has been demonstrated by Test Method C1038/
separate 2 kg [5 lb] portions and thoroughly mix them to obtain
C1038M that a test mixture will not develop expansion in
a test sample (Note 6). Sample by removing approximately a
water exceeding 0.020 % at 14 days. In the test mixture, 50 %
300 mm [12 in.] layer of slag cement. Make a hole before
of the mass of portland or portland-limestone cement shall be
obtaining a sample to avoid dust collector material that has
replaced by an equal mass of slag cement. The cement used in
discharged into the delivery unit after the predominant slag
the test mixture shall meet the requirements of Specification
cement flow has ceased. Sample at a rate of one sample per
C150/C150M Type I or Type II or Specification C595/C595M
month or one sample for each 2300 Mg [2500 tons] of
Type IL. When the manufacturer supplies cement under this
shipments, whichever is more frequent.
provision, upon request, supporting data shall be supplied to
NOTE 5—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 6—The quantity of sample specified is more than adequate for the
a blend that is 50 % slag cement and 50 % portland or
testing required. A 2 kg [5 lb] portion should be retained in a sealed
portland-limestone cement by mass.
container for retesting if that is considered necessary to verify compliance.
7. Chemical Composition
10. Test Methods
7.1 Slag cement shall conform to the chemical requirements
10.1 Slag-Activity Tests with Reference Cement:
prescribed in Table 2 (see Note 3).
10.1.1 Slag activity shall be evaluated by determining the
NOTE 3—Sulfur in granulated blast-furnace slag is present predomi-
compressive strength of reference cement mortars and the
nantly as sulfide sulfur. In most cases, instrumental analyses, such as x-ray
corresponding mortars made with the same mass of a blend that
fluorescence, cannot differentiate sulfide sulfur from sulfate. Determine
and report the sulfide sulfur content separately, and do not include it in the is 50 % slag cement and 50 % reference cement by mass.
SO calculations.
NOTE 7—Appendix X1 discusses the effects of cement, temperature,
and amount of slag cement used on performance with portland or blended
8. Physical Properties
cement.
8.1 Slag cement shall conform to the physical requirements
10.1.2 Reference Cement—The cement used in the slag
of Table 1.
activity tests shall be the common reference cement supplied
by CCRL that complies with the standard chemical and
physical requirements of Specification C150/C150M, Type I or
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements
Type II, or Specification C595/C595M Type IL, and with the
Item
additional requirements of total alkali content and compressive
Fineness:
Amount retained when wet screened on a 45-μm (No. 325) 20 strength limits as shown in Table 3. Alternatively, a portland
sieve, max %
cement source meeting the standard chemical and physical
Specific surface by air permeability, Test Methods C204 shall .
requirements for a SpecificationC150/C150M, Type I or Type
be determined and reported although no limits are required.
Air Content of Slag Mortar, max % 12 II, or SpecificationC595/C595M Type IL, including the addi-
Average of Last Five Any Individual tional limits in Table 3, is permitted to be used. Sufficient
Consecutive Samples Sample
cement shall be reserved to avoid changing reference cement
A
Slag Activity Index
28-Day Index, min %
Grade 80 75 70
The sole source of commercially available reference cement known to the
Grade 100 95 90
committee at this time is CCRL, 4441 Buckeystown Pike, Suite C; Frederick,
Grade 120 115 110
Maryland 21704; www.CCRL.us. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please
A
provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will
7-Day Slag Activity Index shall be determined on Grades 100 and 120, and
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,
reported for informational purposes.
which you may attend.
C989/C989M − 24
TABLE 3 Alkali and Strength Limits of Reference Cement for Slag
10.1.6 Report—The report should include the following:
Activity Tests
10.1.6.1 Slag activity index, %,
Total Alkalies (Na O + 0.658 K O) min % 0.60
2 2 10.1.6.2 Compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, of slag
max % 0.90
cement-reference cement mortar,
A
Compressive Strength, MPa, min, 28 days 35 [5000 psi]
10.1.6.3 Compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, of reference
A
The minimum strength limit is based solely on the strength of the Test Method
cement mortar,
C109/C109M mortar cubes, as required in Specification C150/C150M, regardless
of the strength of the flow-controlled Specification C989/C989M mortar cubes.
10.1.6.4 Total equivalent alkalies of the reference cement
(Na O + 0.658 K O),
2 2
10.1.6.5 Reference cement type (Type I, II, or IL(X), where
more often than every two months. After the initial testing to
X is the target limestone content).
determine compliance with the compressive strength require- 10.1.7 Precision—The single and multilaboratory state-
ment of Table 3, the reference cement shall be re-qualified at
ments are based on slag activity index tests using one slag
least every six months.
cement, in duplicate, at 7 and 28 days after fabrication of
samples. The same slag cement and CCRL reference cement
NOTE 8—Different reference cements may produce different Slag
were used at each of 22 laboratories (Note 9).
Activity Index results. Reference cement meeting the requirements of
10.1.2 is available from CCRL.
NOTE 9—The precision of this test method was determined from an
10.1.3 Preparation of Specimens—Prepare mortars in accor- interlaboratory study (ILS) under the jurisdiction of ASTM Subcommittee
C09.27. The ILS program was conducted in 2015. Practice C670 was
dance with Test Method C109/C109M, except that sufficient
followed for the design and analysis of the data. The details are given in
water shall be used in each batch to produce mortar at a flow
RR:C09-1048.
of 105 to 115 % as defined in Test Method C1437. The
10.1.7.1 The single-laboratory standard deviation has been
proportions of dry ingredients shall be as follows:
found to be 1.65 % at 7 days and 2.62 % at 28 days. Therefore,
Reference Cement Mortar:
the slag activity indices of properly conducted tests based on
500 g reference cement
single batches of mortar mixed on the same day would not be
1375 g graded standard sand
expected to differ by more than 4.6 % at 7 days and 7.3 % at
Slag Cement-Reference Cement Mortar:
28 days in more than one case in 20.
250 g reference cement
10.1.7.2 The multilaboratory standard deviation has been
250 g slag cement
found to be 6.88 % at 7 days and 4.78 % at 28 days Therefore,
1375 g graded standard sand
the slag activity indices of properly conducted tests of single
10.1.3.1 Mix a reference cement batch each day that a slag
batches by different laboratories would not be expected to
cement-reference cement batch is mixed until at least five
differ by more than 19.3 % at 7 days and 13.4 % at 28 days in
batches have been mixed with the reference cement.
more than one case in 20.
Thereafter, reference cement batches need not be mixed more
often than once a week whenever slag cement is being
10.2 Slag Cement Density and Specific Gravity—Determine
produced or shipped.
in accordance with Test Method C188.
10.1.4 Test Ages—Determine the compressive strength of
10.3 Amount of Slag Cement Retained on a 45-μm (No. 325)
mortar specimens at 7 and 28 days age in accordance with Test
Sieve—Determine in accordance with Test Method C430.
Method C109/C109M.
10.4 Slag Cement Fineness by Air Permeability—Determine
10.1.5 Calculation—Calculate the slag activity index to the
in accordance with Test Methods C204.
nearest percent for both 7 days and 28 days as follows:
NOTE 10—In Test Methods C204, the a
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C989/C989M − 22 C989/C989M − 24
Standard Specification for
Slag Cement for Use in Concrete and Mortars
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C989/C989M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers slag cement for use as a cementitious material in concrete and mortar.
NOTE 1—The material described in this specification may be used for blending with portland cement to produce a blended cement meeting the
requirements of Specification C595/C595M or as a separate ingredient in concrete or mortar mixtures. The material may also be useful in a variety of
special grouts and mortars, and when used with an appropriate activator, as the principal cementitious material in some applications.
NOTE 2—Information on technical aspects of the use of the material described in this specification is contained in Appendix X1, Appendix X2, and
Appendix X3. More detailed information on that subject is contained in ACI 233R.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
inch-pound units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system may not beare not necessarily exact equivalents;
therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combiningother, and
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Values are stated in only SI units when inch-pound
units are not used in practice.shall not be combined.
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables) shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods described in this specification. This standard does not
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior
to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.27 on
Slag Cement.
Current edition approved July 1, 2022Feb. 1, 2024. Published August 2022March 2024. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20182022 as
C989/C989M – 18a. DOI: 10.1520/C0989_C0989M-22.22. DOI: 10.1520/C0989_C0989M-24.
ACI 233R Guide to the Use of Slag Cement in Concrete and Mortar. Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington Hills, MI
48333-9094, http://www.concrete.org.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C989/C989M − 24
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 50 mm [2 in.] Cube Specimens)
C114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C150/C150M Specification for Portland Cement
C185 Test Method for Air Content of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
C188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement
C204 Test Methods for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by Air-Permeability Apparatus
C430 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 45-μm (No. 325) Sieve
C465 Specification for Processing Additions for Use in the Manufacture of Hydraulic Cements
C595/C595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
C1012/C1012M Test Method for Length Change of Hydraulic-Cement Mortars Exposed to a Sulfate Solution
C1038/C1038M Test Method for Expansion of Hydraulic Cement Mortar Bars Stored in Water
C1437 Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
C1778 Guide for Reducing the Risk of Deleterious Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete
D3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction Materials
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer to Terminology C125.
4. Classification
4.1 Slag cement is classified by performance in the slag activity test in three grades: Grade 80, Grade 100, and Grade 120 (see
Table 1).
5. Ordering Information
5.1 The purchaser shall specify the grade of slag cement desired and the optional chemical or physical data to be reported.
6. Additions
6.1 Slag cement covered by this specification shall contain no additions except as follows:
6.1.1 It is permissible to add calcium sulfate to slag cement provided it has been demonstrated by Test Method C1038/C1038M
that a test mixture will not develop expansion in water exceeding 0.020 % at 14 days. In the test mixture, 50 % of the mass of
portland or portland-limestone cement shall be replaced by an equal mass of slag cement. The portland cement used in the test
mixture shall meet the requirements of Specification C150/C150M. Type I or Type II or Specification C595/C595M Type IL. When
the manufacturer supplies cement under this provision, upon request, supporting data shall be supplied to the purchaser.
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements
Item
Fineness:
Amount retained when wet screened on a 45-μm (No. 325) 20
sieve, max %
Specific surface by air permeability, Test Methods C204 shall .
be determined and reported although no limits are required.
Air Content of Slag Mortar, max % 12
Average of Last Five Any Individual
Consecutive Samples Sample
A
Slag Activity Index
28-Day Index, min %
Grade 80 75 70
Grade 100 95 90
Grade 120 115 110
A
7-Day Slag Activity Index shall be determined on Grades 100 and 120, and
reported for informational purposes.
C989/C989M − 24
TABLE 2 Chemical Requirements
Sulfide sulfur (S), max, % 2.5
6.1.2 When processing additions are used in the manufacture of slag cement, the maximum amount used shall comply with the
requirements of Specification C465 when tested using a blend that is 50 % slag cement and 50 % portland or portland-limestone
cement by mass.
7. Chemical Composition
7.1 Slag cement shall conform to the chemical requirements prescribed in Table 2 (see Note 3).
NOTE 3—Sulfur in granulated blast-furnace slag is present predominantly as sulfide sulfur. In most cases, instrumental analyses, such as x-ray
fluorescence, cannot differentiate sulfide sulfur from sulfate. Determine and report the sulfide sulfur content separately, and do not include it in the SO
calculations.
8. Physical Properties
8.1 Slag cement shall conform to the physical requirements of Table 1.
9. Sampling
9.1 The following sampling and testing procedures shall be used by the purchaser to verify compliance with this specification
(Note 4).
NOTE 4—The sampling procedure is not intended for the purpose of process control.
9.2 Take random grab samples either from a delivery unit or at some point in the loading or unloading process so that no sample
represents more than 115 Mg [125 tons] (Note 5). If samples are taken from rail cars or trucks, take at least two separate 2 kg [5 lb]
portions and thoroughly mix them to obtain a test sample (Note 6). Sample by removing approximately a 300 mm [12 in.] layer
of slag cement. Make a hole before obtaining a sample to avoid dust collector material that has discharged into the delivery unit
after the predominant slag cement flow has ceased. Sample at a rate of one sample per month or one sample for each 2300 Mg
[2500 tons] of shipments, whichever is more frequent.
NOTE 5—Standard statistical procedures are recommended for ensuring that samples are selected by a random procedure; see Practice D3665. These
procedures can be used to select the days within a month or within a week that samples will be taken. The delivery unit or time of day then should be
chosen randomly.
NOTE 6—The quantity of sample specified is more than adequate for the testing required. A 2 kg [5 lb] portion should be retained in a sealed container
for retesting if that is considered necessary to verify compliance.
10. Test Methods
10.1 Slag-Activity Tests with PortlandReference Cement:
10.1.1 Slag activity shall be evaluated by determining the compressive strength of portland-cement reference cement mortars and
the corresponding mortars made with the same mass of a blend that is 50 % slag cement and 50 % portlandreference cement by
mass.
NOTE 7—Appendix X1 discusses the effects of cement, temperature, and amount of slag cement used on performance with portland or blended cement.
10.1.2 Reference Cement—The portland cement used in the slag activity tests shall be the common reference cement supplied by
CCRL that complies with the standard chemical and physical requirements of Specification C150/C150M, Type I or Type II, or
The sole source of commercially available reference portland cement known to the committee at this time is CCRL, 4441 Buckeystown Pike, Suite C; Frederick,
Maryland 21704; www.CCRL.us. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
C989/C989M − 24
Specification C595/C595M Type IL, and with the additional requirements of total alkali content and compressive strength limits
as shown in Table 3. Alternatively, a portland cement source meeting the standard chemical and physical requirements for a
C150,SpecificationC150/C150M, Type I or Type II, or SpecificationC595/C595M Type IL, including the additional limits in Table
3, is permitted to be used. Sufficient cement shall be reserved to avoid changing reference cement more often than every two
months. After the initial testing to determine compliance with the compressive strength requirement of Table 3, the reference
cement shall be re-qualified at least every six months.
NOTE 8—Different reference cements may produce different Slag Activity Index results. Reference portland cement meeting the requirements of 10.1.2
is available from CCRL.
10.1.3 Preparation of Specimens—Prepare mortars in accordance with Test Method C109/C109M, except that sufficient water
shall be used in each batch to produce mortar at a flow of 105 to 115 % as defined in Test Method C1437. The proportions of dry
ingredients shall be as follows:
Reference Cement Mortar:
500 g portlandreference cement
1375 g graded standard sand
Slag Cement-Reference Cement Mortar:
250 g portlandreference cement
250 g slag cement
1375 g graded standard sand
10.1.3.1 Mix a reference cement batch each day that a slag cement-reference cement batch is mixed until at least five batches have
been mixed with the reference cement. Thereafter, reference cement batches need not be mixed more often than once a week
whenever slag cement is being produced or shipped.
10.1.4 Test Ages—Determine the compressive strength of mortar specimens at 7 and 28 days age in accordance with Test Method
C109/C109M.
10.1.5 Calculation—Calculate the slag activity index to the nearest percent for both 7 days and 28 days as follows:
Slag activity index,%5 SP/P ×100 (1)
~ !
where:
SP = average compressive strength of slag cement-reference cement mortar cubes at designated ages, MPa [psi], and
P = average compressive strength of reference cement mortar cubes at designated age, MPa [psi].
The reference cement-mortar strength used to calculate a slag activity index shall, when a reference cement mortar is mixed on
the same day as a slag cement-reference cement mortar, be the result for that batch. Otherwise, the average of tests of the five most
recent reference cement-mortar batches shall be used.
10.1.6 Report—The report should include the following:
10.1.6.1 Slag activity index, %,
10.1.6.2 Compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, of slag cement-reference cement mortar,
TABLE 3 Alkali and Strength Limits of Reference Portland
Cement for Slag Activity Tests
Total Alkalies (Na O + 0.658 K O) min % 0.60
2 2
max % 0.90
A
Compressive Strength, MPa, min, 28 days 35 [5000 psi]
A
The minimum strength limit is based solely on the strength of the Test Method
C109/C109M mortar cubes, as required in Specification C150/C150M, regardless
of the strength of the flow-controlled Specification C989/C989M mortar cubes.
The sole source of commercially available reference portland cement known to the committee at this time is CCRL, 4441 Buckeystown Pike, Suite C; Frederick,
Maryland 21704; www.CCRL.us. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
C989/C989M − 24
10.1.6.3 Compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, of portlandreference cement mortar,
10.1.6.4 Total equivalent alkalies of the reference cement (Na O + 0.658 K O),
2 2
10.1.6.5 Reference portland cement type (Type I or Type II).I, II, or IL(X), where X is the target limestone content).
10.1.7 Precision—The single and multilaboratory statements are based on slag activity index tests using one slag cement, in
duplicate, at 7 and 28 days after fabrication of samples. The same slag cement and CCRL reference cement were used at each of
22 laboratories (Note 9).
NOTE 9—The preci
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