ASTM C1608-17 PDF Download

ASTM C1608-17 is a standard test method that measures the chemical shrinkage of hydraulic cement paste. This shrinkage occurs as the cementitious materials undergo hydration, resulting in a volume change. The measurement of chemical shrinkage provides valuable information about the initial hydration rate of cementitious materials and can be used to understand properties such as early-age strength development, heat release, and crack resistance.

The test method is based on the one developed by Geiker and involves two procedures: Procedure A (volumetric method) and Procedure B (density method). Procedure A measures the internal volume change of the cement paste, while Procedure B determines the density of the paste. Both procedures provide a quantitative measure of chemical shrinkage.

It is important to note that this test method only measures the internal (absolute) volume change due to hydration and does not account for bulk volume changes (autogenous shrinkage) or cracking potential in concrete produced with the evaluated cement. The results obtained from this test are relevant for understanding the hydration behavior of cements.