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Frequently Asked Questions
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Search other resources on the ACI website for answers to technical questions
Question: How is the selection of mixture proportions affected by the materials to be used and the placing...
Question: Materials used to produce portland cement
Question: Definition of concrete, hydraulic cement, mortar, and grout
Question: How can it be determined that an admixture will serve its intended purpose?
Question: Improving the abrasion resistance of concrete
Question: What methods of capping are recommended for compression specimens?
Question: Material Requirements for Mass Concrete
Question: Embedded metals other than reinforcing steel
Question: Benefits of using slag cement
Question: What is a pozzolan?
Question: Using and handling pozzolans
Question: Importance of using pozzolans in hydraulic and environmental structures
Question: The effect of pozzolans on water demand
Question: The effect of pozzolans on shrinkage
Question: What is a natural pozzolan?
Question: What is fly ash?
Question: Do all fly ashes behave in a similar way?
Question: What are blended cements?
Question: What are shrinkage-compensating expansive cement and concrete?
Question: What are high-density aggregates?
Question: Important requirements of a concrete aggregate
Question: What is an admixture?
Question: What is involved in the process of mixture proportioning?
Question: What water-cementitious material ratio should be used for a particular job when strength require...
Question: If time is not available for preliminary tests, how can the desired strengths be ensured?
Question: Mixture design and strength submittals
Question: What is calcium-aluminate cement?
Question: Can fresh concrete be used around aluminum framing or in aluminum molds??
Question: What is fiber-reinforced concrete?
Question: Using cube tests in lieu of cylinder tests
Question: Hardening of hydraulic cement
Question: Requirements for a successful concrete structure
Question: Requirements for durable concrete
Question: Definition of setting time
Question: The difference between setting and hardening
Question: Measurement of setting time
Question: Heat of hydration and the importance of controlling it
Question: Factors affecting permeability
Question: The making of portland cement
Question: The purpose of calcium sulfate (gypsum)
Question: Factors affecting cement properties
Question: Definition of “hot cement”
Question: Characteristics of cement that affect compressive strength
Question: What is slag cement or ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS)
Question: What does a pozzolan do in the concrete?
Question: Are pozzolans all alike?
Question: What is silica fume?
Question: What is aggregate?
Question: Requirements for storing and handling aggregate
Question: Why is combined aggregate grading used?
Question: Aggregate classification by density
Question: Advantages of low-density aggregate
Question: The effect of aggregate on concrete durability
Question: How can durable aggregates be ensured?
Question: Characteristics of aggregate affecting concrete strength
Question: The effect of surface texture and cleanness on concrete strength
Question: The effect of aggregate shape on concrete strength
Question: The effect of aggregate grading on concrete strength
Question: The effect of maximum size of aggregate on concrete strength
Question: The effect of aggregate strength on concrete strength
Question: What is an air-entraining admixture?
Question: What are water-reducing admixtures?
Question: What are set-controlling admixtures?
Question: Specialty admixtures
Question: Do different admixtures of a given type always perform the same?
Question: Would adding more cement serve the purpose of admixtures?
Question: Do some water-reducing admixtures induce bleeding?
Question: Protecting against excessive expansion due to alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR)
Question: Definition of controlled low-strength material (CLSM)
Question: The most important single factor affecting compressive strength
Question: What correction should be made for absorbed water and surface water carried by the aggregates?
Question: What allowance should be made for strengths where air-entrained concrete is to be used?
Question: How can the adequacy of mixing be determined?
Question: What methods are commonly used to ensure sufficient moisture for curing concrete?
Question: What methods are used for protecting concrete against low temperatures?
Question: What steps are taken in the repair of concrete structures?
Question: Are epoxy resins widely used in concrete construction and repair?
Question: When is the slump test useful in detecting changes in the concrete?
Question: Curling, shrinkage, and w/cm
Question: Consolidation of concrete—required or not?
Question: What is architectural concrete?
Question: Curing and curling of concrete slabs over vapor retarders
Question: Decorative concrete finishes
Question: How to Control Mass Concrete Temperature during Construction
Question: Water Curing Mass Concrete Structures
Question: Joint deterioration mechanism and prevention
Question: Chloride concentration in soil and exposure classes
Question: What does ACI recommend regarding water-cement (w/c) ratios or admixtures to improve workability...
Question: Why use fiber-reinforced concrete?
Question: How do fibers affect the workability of concrete? Do fibers require additional water for placement?
Question: Will the use of fibers impact the air content of the concrete?
Question: What is mass concrete?