Cement

Portland Type I

Portland Type I General purpose portland cement meets ASTM C-150. Its uses include pavements, sidewalks, reinforced concrete buildings, bridges, railway structures, tanks reservoirs, culverts water pipe and masonry units

Portland Type I-A

Portland cement that incorporates air-entraining agents. This (air-entraining) cement produces concrete with improved resistance to freeze-thaw action and to scaling caused by chemicals applied for snow and ice removal. Meets ASTM C-150.

Portland Type I/II

A convertible portland cement that meets ASTM C-150 for either Type I or Type II requirements. This cement can be used interchangeably for general construction or where sulfate attack is a concern.

Portland Type II

Offers moderation of heat of hydration and sulfate resistance, and meets ASTM C-150. Type II generates less heat than Type I and is used in structures where sulfate attack is of concern. Applications include drainage structures, piers, large retaining walls, mass dams, mat foundations and anywhere that sulfate concentration in ground waters are higher than normal.

Portland Type III

Provides higher strength at earlier stages in the curing (high early) process. It is used when forms are to be removed as soon as possible or when the structure must be put into service quickly. In cold weather, its use permits a reduced controlled curing period and it complies with ASTM C-150.

Masonry Type N

For normal masonry construction, manufactured to meet ASTM C-91 and ASTM C-270 “Mortar for Unit Masonry”. Masonry cement is an intimate blend of portland and finely ground limestone which enhances water retention, workability, board life and durability.

Masonry Type S

Similar to Type N but more than double the strength.

Masonry Type M

Similar to Type N but more than three times the strength.

1. Cold weather practices should start when temperatures are consistently below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Use air entraining cement. It’s less likely to be harmed by freezing.

3. Don’t place concrete on frozen subgrade.

4. If frost is only a few inches deep, cover the grade with insulating blankets or straw, for 2 to 3 days before pouring concrete.

5. Take advantage of an accelerator in the mix. Calcium chloride is usually the cheapest, but be sure the specification allows for it.

6. A non corrosive accelerator may be required. Such as high early strength cement, non-chloride admixtures, or additional cement (about 100 pounds per cubic yard).

7. Concrete must not freeze for 2 to 3 days, or before attaining a strength of at least 500 psi.

8. Curing should be at a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or more, for continued strength gain.

9. Outdoor flatwork in freezing temperatures is risky, even when covered with blankets or straw.

10. Humidity is low in heated enclosures. Apply immediate curing aids to prevent surface drying when pouring concrete within heated areas.

11. Vent heaters to the outside of heated enclosures. Carbon dioxide on fresh concrete causes dusting.

"As reprinted from The American Association for Concrete Construction"

Cement

Cold Weather Precautions

Portland Cement Type I

Portland Cement Type I-A

Portland Cement Type I/II

Portland Cement Type II