Shrinkage Limited Cement

Shrinkage Limited Cement is a key component in reducing drying shrinkage in bridges

Ideal in commercial buildings where low shrinkage is required to control cracking

Used in underpasses and flyovers.

Shrinkage Limited Cement

Shrinkage Limited Cement is a Portland cement designed for use in applications where there is a desire to minimise concrete drying shrinkage.
Lower concrete drying shrinkage minimises the potential for drying shrinkage cracks, improving the aesthetics and the structural integrity of concrete. The level of consistency and versatility of Shrinkage Limited Cement makes it an ideal choice in virtually all forms of construction applications where strict drying shrinkage specifications exist. Shrinkage Limited Cement exceeds the requirements specified in Australian Standard AS 3972 for Type SL cement.

Benefits of Shrinkage Limited Cement

Assists in minimising drying shrinkage of concrete High level of consistency and versatility Compatible with most admixtures and supplementary cementitous materials

Product applications
Shrinkage Limited Cement should be specified when the performance of a structure would benefit from reduced concrete drying shrinkage, with examples being: Concrete pavements Suspended and on-ground slabs Bridges and overpasses Pre and post-tension concrete elements

Shrinkage Limited Cement is designed for use in applications where there is a desire to reduce concrete drying shrinkage.
The use of SL Cement does not guarantee low shrinkage or crack free concrete. Concrete drying shrinkage is heavily influenced by many factors such as aggregate type, water cement ratio, admixtures, environmental conditions, etc. Further advice should be sought on this issue.

Mix Design
The proportioning of constituent materials in a concrete mix is a complex matter which can be influenced by many factors, therefore we recommend that trials be conducted to ascertain optimum cement contents for specific classes of concrete. We also refer you to AS1379 The specification and manufacture of concrete and AS3600 Concrete structures for further guidance.

Cement Properties
The following table details the relevant specified requirements of AS3972 and the indicative valves achieved by Type SL Cement.
Property AS3972 Limits Indicative Type SL

Concrete Properties
Compressive Strength Development
Compressive strength development of Portland cement is affected by a number of factors such as water cement ratio, admixtures, curing and environmental conditions. The following graph depicts indicative compressive strength development for Type SL Cement.
100

Setting Time Soundness SO3 ISO Mortar Compressive Strength Shrinkage (mortar)

Min Max Max Max 3 Day (min) 7 Day (min) 28 Day (min) max

45min 6 hrs 5 mm 3.50% 35 MPa 45 MPa 750S

60-150 min 2.0 - 3.5 hrs < 3mm < 2.9% 30-39 MPa

% of 28 day compressive strength

43-52 MPa 54-62 MPa 500 - 700S

80

60

All testing conducted in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard test methods, at a registered NATA laboratory.

40

20

Compatibilities
Type SL Cement is compatible with: Admixtures that comply with AS 1478 Chemical Admixtures for Concrete. Fly ashes complying with AS 3582.1 Supplementary Cementitious Materials for Use with Portland cement: Fly ash. Ground granulated blast furnace slags complying with AS3582.2 - Supplementary cementitious materials for use with Portland cement: Slag - ground granulated Iron blast-furnace. Amorphous silica complying with AS3582.3 - Supplementary cementitious materials for use with Portland cement: Amorphous silica. Other cements complying with AS3972 - Portland and blended cements. Caution: Shrinkage limited cement must not be mixed with high alumina cement as it may result in uncontrollable expansion and setting times.

3 Days

7 Days Maturity

28 Days

Effect of Excess Water Addition on Concrete Compressive Strength

24 MPa

20 MPa

Lo
16 MPa

ss

of

Str en

gt

12 MPa

8 MPa

4MPa

Design Water

+10 L/m3

+20 L/m3

+30 L/m3

Water

Workability
When using Type SL Cement the amount of water required to achieve a specified level of concrete workability will be comparable to concrete produced with a Type GP cement.

Curing
A minimum curing period of seven days is recommended for all exposure classifications. Concrete should be maintained in a continually moist condition wherever practicable. Water sprays, wet sand or moisture retaining techniques, such as clear polyethylene sheets or curing compounds are recommended. Curing should begin upon the completion of surface finishing or in accordance with manufacturers instructions where proprietary curing compounds are used. For normal class concrete, curing can produce a compressive strength up to 100% greater than concrete not subjected to curing. Water application or moisture retaining curing is more effective for lower grades of concrete. Curing will also beneficially affect other concrete properties including: Reduction in the potential for plastic cracking. Improvements in surface quality, durability and impermeability. Improvement in abrasion resistance. Reduction in the carbonation rate.

For further information

Please contact Cement Australias Customer Support Services:
Tel: 1300 236 368 Fax: 1800 236 329 Email: 1300cement@cemaust.com.au

Storage, Handling and Safety

The 'shelf life' of Portland cement products is dependent on the storage conditions. It is recommended that Portland cement products be re-tested prior to use if the age of the cement exceeds three months. Portland cement products are highly alkaline materials and are significantly affected by exposure to water. Full Safety, Storage, Handling and Disposal information is available in the specific product Material Safety Data Sheet available on www.cemaust.com.au

Product Disclaimer
The information contained in this sheet is for general guidance only and should not be relied upon in specific instances. Cement performance results quoted are indicative as cement performance can be heavily influenced be a wide range of factors beyond our control. Users should rely on professional advice according to their particular circumstances. To the extent permissible by law Cement Australia will not be liable for any losses due to reliance on the information in this sheet or for losses due to the misuse of its products.

Cement Australia Pty Limited

ABN 99 001 085 561

12 Station Avenue Darra Queensland 4076 Tel: 1300 CEMENT (1300 236 368) www.cementaustralia.com.au

CA0626 SLC Revision 2 18/03/2011