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Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, the American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise for individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete.
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Home > Tools > Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is calcium-aluminate cement and where is it used? A. Calcium-aluminate cements are hydraulic cements obtained by pulverizing a solidified melt or clinker that consists predominantly of hydraulic calcium aluminates formed from proportioned mixtures of aluminous and calcareous materials. They are generally divided into three groups based on the alumina and iron oxide contents (Low Purity, Intermediate Purity and High Purity). The cements of higher alumina content are suitable for higher-temperature applications. Calcium-aluminate cements are primarily used for high heat refractory applications. Other uses include moderate acid-resistant applications, high-early-strength and quick-setting mixtures, and as part of the expansive component in some shrinkage-compensating cements. These cements are typically designed to gain strength much faster than ordinary portland cements and predominately consist of calcium aluminate that can produce large amounts of heat during the first 24 hours. The cement phase ratios (CA or CA2) are proportioned according to the intended application performance characteristics. For more information on CAC refer to ACI 225R. References: ACI 225R-19; ACI 223R-10 Topics in Concrete: Cementitious Material; Concrete Fundamentals; Materials
Q. What is calcium-aluminate cement and where is it used?
A. Calcium-aluminate cements are hydraulic cements obtained by pulverizing a solidified melt or clinker that consists predominantly of hydraulic calcium aluminates formed from proportioned mixtures of aluminous and calcareous materials. They are generally divided into three groups based on the alumina and iron oxide contents (Low Purity, Intermediate Purity and High Purity). The cements of higher alumina content are suitable for higher-temperature applications.
Calcium-aluminate cements are primarily used for high heat refractory applications. Other uses include moderate acid-resistant applications, high-early-strength and quick-setting mixtures, and as part of the expansive component in some shrinkage-compensating cements. These cements are typically designed to gain strength much faster than ordinary portland cements and predominately consist of calcium aluminate that can produce large amounts of heat during the first 24 hours. The cement phase ratios (CA or CA2) are proportioned according to the intended application performance characteristics. For more information on CAC refer to ACI 225R.
References: ACI 225R-19; ACI 223R-10
Topics in Concrete: Cementitious Material; Concrete Fundamentals; Materials
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