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The AASHTO M 85 and ASTM C 150 specifications for portland cement have largely similar provisions, though the few deviations that do exist are sometimes problematic for cement producers who supply cements into markets served by both specifications. These differences include fineness and tricalcium silicate content limits in AASHTO M 85, intended to limit heat of hydration and cracking potential of concrete. This literature review is intended to provide guidance on the practical effects of changes in fineness and C3S content on the properties, particularly heat of hydration and cracking potential, of portland cement concretes.
A significant amount of contradiction was found in the results reported from one research project to another, much of which comes from the wide ranges of fineness or C3S tested in any particular study. Large increases in fineness or C3S content does indeed result in a large increase in heat of hydration, shrinkage, etc. However, increases within the ranges applicable to this study do not appear to have any significant detrimental effects on concrete strength or durability. This report is also found on DVD021.
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