Journal Published Online: 07 September 2011
Volume 9, Issue 1

Comparison of ASTM C311 Strength Activity Index Testing versus Testing Based on Constant Volumetric Proportions

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

Currently, the (pozzolanic) strength activity indices of fly ashes and natural pozzolans are typically evaluated using the procedures outlined in ASTM C311 [“Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Fly Ash or Natural Pozzolans for Use in Portland-Cement Concrete,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2007]. In this test, the 7 and 28 d compressive strengths of mortar cubes with a 20 % mass replacement of cement by pozzolan are compared to those of a control without pozzolan, at constant flow conditions. In its current form, this procedure confounds two other properties of the pozzolan with its strength activity, namely its density and its water-reducing/increasing capabilities. In this study, the current C311 testing procedure is evaluated against an alternative in which the 20 % fly ash replacement for cement is performed on a volumetric basis and the volume fractions of water and sand are held constant, which should provide a true evaluation of the strength activity index of the pozzolan, free of these confounding influences. Class C and Class F fly ashes, a natural pozzolan, and a sugar cane ash are evaluated using both approaches, with some significant differences being noted. For a subset of the materials, the strength measurements are complemented by measurements of isothermal calorimetry on the mortars to an age of 7 d. For the constant volumetric proportions approach, a good correlation is exhibited between the cumulative heat release of the mortar at 7 d and the measured 7 d strength, suggesting the potential to evaluate 7 d pozzolanic activity via calorimetric measurements on much smaller specimens.

Author Information

Bentz, Dale
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, US
Durán-Herrera, Alejandro
Academic Group on Concrete Technology, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, MX
Galvez-Moreno, Daniel
Facultad de Ingeniería Mochis, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Los Mochis, MX
Pages: 7
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Stock #: JAI104138
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI104138