4.1 Supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) covered under existing ASTM specifications are fly ash, slag cement, raw and calcined natural pozzolans including calcined clays, silica fume, and ground-glass pozzolan. The use of these materials, and limits established in existing specifications, are based on data obtained from research programs, field testing, and long term performance monitoring. Performance of SCM in specific concrete mixtures is commonly verified through preconstruction testing. This guide provides an approach to assessing the properties of materials that are not covered under existing specifications, and for assessing the performance of those materials in concrete.

4.2 If an ASCM does not yet have a significant record of performance in concrete, a comprehensive evaluation based on this Guide should be undertaken, and it should be recognized that this ASCM might be introduced for a specific project or into a limited marketplace to initially demonstrate its performance. The user should bear in mind the intended end use of the ASCM and use appropriate test methods to establish its suitability. An ASCM that demonstrates good performance through a comprehensive evaluation as outlined in this guide could then be considered to have access to broader markets and could be considered for inclusion in an ASTM standard for SCM. For this reason, the test program to demonstrate acceptable performance should include concrete mixtures with a range of characteristics specific to the ASCM’s intended use.

4.3 In the absence of long-term durability or acceptable field performance, prospective users are advised to apply appropriate risk management and engineering practice in the use of an ASCM.

1.1 This guide is intended to provide a technical approach to the evaluation of alternative supplementary cementitious materials such as pozzolans and hydraulic materials that fall outside the scope of Specifications C618, C989/C989M, C1240, and C1866/C1866M. This guide provides the initial steps for a comprehensive evaluation of an ASCM that provides due diligence for its specific intended uses in concrete; however, it does not evaluate conformance to all possible performance criteria for all types of concrete mixtures.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 Performing the tests or meeting the test limits in this guide should not imply that the material tested meets the requirements of Specifications C618, C989/C989M, C1240, and C1866/C1866M. These materials should not be represented as such and each specific source is to be evaluated separately.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.