ASTM C311/C311M-18 PDF Download

The ASTM C311/C311M-18 standard provides procedures for sampling and testing fly ash and raw or calcined pozzolans to evaluate their suitability for use in concrete. These test methods are used to generate data for comparison with the requirements specified in either ASTM Specification C618 or C1697. It is important to note that these tests are conducted in a laboratory setting and do not simulate actual job conditions.

The standard includes various test methods, such as the Strength Activity Index test, which is used to determine if the fly ash or natural pozzolan contributes to acceptable levels of strength development when combined with hydraulic cement in mortar. However, the results of this test may not directly correlate with the strength contribution in concrete. The Chemical Tests section involves determining the chemical composition of the material, including the presence and limits of specific components. While these chemical tests do not predict the performance of the fly ash or natural pozzolan in concrete, they help describe the composition and uniformity of the material.

The standard also provides an orderly sequence for the procedures, starting with sampling in Section 7, followed by various chemical analysis tests, including moisture content, loss on ignition, determination of oxides, available alkali, and ammonia. Physical tests are then conducted to measure density, fineness, drying shrinkage, soundness, air-entrainment, strength activity index with portland cement, water requirement, and effectiveness in controlling alkali-silica reactions and contributing to sulfate resistance.

It is important to note that the sieve sizes used in the standard are identified by their standard designations in ASTM Specification E11, and the alternative designations given in parentheses are for reference only and do not represent different standard sieve sizes. It is also worth mentioning that the standard references notes and footnotes, which provide additional explanatory information, but they should not be considered as requirements of the standard, except for those in tables.