Current developments and future needs in standards for cementitious materials

Globally, test methods and requirements in portland cement specifications are very similar and, while suitable as manufacturing standards, in many respects they do not address the needs of the concrete producer. Cement is only one ingredient in the cement paste matrix that binds concrete, and all paste matrix components (such as pozzolans, slags, ground limestone and chemical admixtures), influence concrete performance. Recent developments in standards for cementitious materials are reviewed. In addition, new types of binders are being developed and used for making concrete, and current test methods cited in specifications are not often directly suitable for use in their evaluation. Thus, modified or completely new test methods may be needed. Due to limited experience with field performance, new specifications for novel materials also need to address more than the limits on setting time and strength development found in current cement standards. Issues related to developing new standards are discussed.