Title: Atlantic Region Cements: Past, Present, and Future

Author(s): C. A. Eddy

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 65

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 309-326

Keywords: concrete durability; harbor structures; high-alumina cements; history; marine atmospheres; portland cement compound composition; portland cements; sea water.

DOI: 10.14359/6360

Date: 8/1/1980

Abstract:
From the historical records of the operations of the Canada Cement Company, now known as Canada Cement Lafarge Limited, changes in Normal Portland cement composition over the past 75 years are reviewed. Reference is made to the effect on cement composition of improved production technology, and establishment of definite limits i n chemical composition from the standpoint of quality and economy of production. The development of special cements to deal with specific field problems is discussed and essential differences in chemical composition are illustrated. Early attempts to solve the problems of concrete failure in a marine environment by altering the composition of related cements leads to a brief description of a test project conducted in the port of Saint John, New Brunswick, in which several types of cement were used in a pier installation and examined after a ten year period for comparison performance. Major harbour installations, located at Halifax, Nova Scotia, are identified, to illustrate the importance of good concreting techniques in minimizing the effect, of high C3A Normal Portland cement. The effect on cement composition of conformity to environmental requirements is mentioned and the author concludes with a comment on future developments in cement composition arising from the activities of the Canadian Standards Association.