Standardization News

A new ASTM International practice provides a standard for preparing a mixture of cement paste that will simulate the shearing experienced by the cement paste in concrete. The new standard, C1738, Practice for High-Shear Mixing of Hydraulic Cement Pastes, was developed by Subcommittee C01.22 on Workability, part of ASTM International Committee C01 on Cement.

According to Chiara Ferraris, physicist, National Institute of Standards and Technology and chairman of C01.22, the proper mixing of cement paste, as described in C1738, is essential for various proposed test methods currently under development by C01.22. Primary users of C1738 will be operators conducting measurement using fresh (before setting) cement paste.

Ferraris also notes that C01.22 welcomes participation in its standards development work. Proposed standards currently being developed by C01.22 include WK17836, Guide for Rheological Properties of Hydraulic Cementitious Paste Using a Rotational Rheometer, and WK27311, Test Method for Measurement of Cement Paste Consistency Using a Mini-Slump Cone.

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CONTACT Technical Information: Chiara Ferraris, National Institute of Standards and Technology • Gaithersburg, Md. • Phone: 301-975-6711 O ASTM Staff: Scott Orthey • Phone: 610-832-9730 O Upcoming Meeting: Dec. 7-9 • December Committee Week • Tampa, Fla.