Designation: C 989 – 99

Standard Specification for

Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag for Use in Concrete
and Mortars1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 989; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete

1.1 This specification covers three strength grades of finely Aggregates3
ground granulated blast-furnace slag for use as a cementitious C 150 Specification for Portland Cement2,3
material in concrete and mortar. C 185 Test Method for Air Content of Hydraulic Cement
Mortar2
NOTE 1—The material described in this specification may be used for C 188 Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cement2
blending with portland cement to produce a cement meeting the require-
ments of Specification C 595 or as a separate ingredient in concrete or
C 204 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by
mortar mixtures. The material may also be useful in a variety of special Air Permeability Apparatus2
grouts and mortars, and when used with an appropriate activator, as the C 430 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by
principal cementitious material in some applications. the 45-µm (No. 325) Sieve2
NOTE 2—Information on technical aspects of the use of the material C 441 Test Method for Effectiveness of Mineral Admixtures
described in this specification is contained in Appendix X1, Appendix X2, or Ground Blast-Furnace Slag in Preventing Excessive
and Appendix X3. More detailed information on that subject is contained Expansion of Concrete Due to the Alkali-Silica Reaction3
in ACI Report 233. 1R.
C 452 Test Method for Potential Expansion of Portland
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as Cement Mortars Exposed to Sulfate2
standard. C 465 Specification for Processing Additions for Use in the
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the Manufacture of Hydraulic Cements2
test methods described in this specification. This standard does C 595/C 595M Specification for Blended Hydraulic Ce-
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, ments2
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this C 1012 Test Method for Length Change of Hydraulic-
standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices Cement Mortars Exposed to a Sulfate Solution2
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior D 3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction
to use. Materials4
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes 2.2 American Concrete Institute Reports:
that provide explanatory information. These notes and foot- 226.1R Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag as a Cemen-
notes (excluding those in tables) shall not be considered as titious Constituent in Concrete5
requirements of this standard.
3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents 3.1 Definition:
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3.1.1 blast-furnace slag—the nonmetallic product, consist-
C 109/C 109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of ing essentially of silicates and aluminosilicates of calcium and
Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or 50-mm Cube other bases that is developed in a molten condition simulta-
Specimens)2 neously with iron in a blast furnace (see Terminology C 125).
C 114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Cement2 3.2.1 granulated blast-furnace slag—the glassy granular
material formed when molten blast-furnace slag is rapidly
chilled as by immersion in water (see Terminology C 125),
1
with or without compositional adjustments made while the
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and Concrete Aggregatesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C09.27on Ground Slag .
Current edition approved July 10, 1999. Published August 1999. Originally 3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
published as C 989 – 82. Last previous edition C 989 – 97b. 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03.
2 5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01. Available from American Concrete Institute, P.O. Box 19150, Detroit, MI
48219.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 C 989
blast-furnace slag is molten. TABLE 2 Chemical Requirements
3.2.2 slag—granulated blast-furnace slag, as defined and Sulfide sulfur (S), max, % 2.5
described in 3.1.1 and 3.2.1, and ground to cement fineness Sulfate ion reported as SO3, max, % 4.0

with or without additions meeting the requirements of the

section on additions.
sample represents more than 115 Mg (125 tons) (Note 3). If
4. Classification samples are taken from rail cars or trucks, take at least two
4.1 Slag is classified by performance in the slag activity test separate 2-kg (5-lb) portions and thoroughly mix them to
in three grades: Grade 80, Grade 100, and Grade 120 (see Table obtain a test sample (Note 4). Sample by removing approxi-
1). mately a 300-mm (12-in.) layer of slag. Make a hole before
obtaining a sample to avoid dust collector material that has
5. Ordering Information discharged into the delivery unit after the predominant slag
5.1 The purchaser shall specify the grade slag desired and flow has ceased. Sample at a rate of ten samples per month or
the optional chemical or physical data to be reported. one sample for each 2300 Mg (2500 tons) of shipments,
whichever is more frequent.
6. Additions
NOTE 3—Standard statistical procedures are recommended for ensuring
6.1 The slag covered by this specification shall contain no
that samples are selected by a random procedure; see Practice D 3665.
additions except as follows: These procedures can be used to select the days within a month or within
6.1.1 When used, calcium sulfate shall be added in the a week that samples will be taken. The delivery unit or time of day then
amounts such that the limits in Table 2 for sulfur trioxide are should be chosen randomly.
not exceeded. NOTE 4—The quantity of sample specified is more than adequate for the
6.1.2 When processing additions are used in the manufac- testing required. A 2-kg (5-lb) portion should be retained in a sealed
ture of the slag, the maximum amount used shall comply with container for retesting if that is considered necessary to verify compliance.
the requirements of Specification C 465 when tested using a 10. Test Methods
50-50 blend by mass and the portland cement.
10.1 Slag-Activity Tests with Portland Cement:
7. Chemical Composition 10.1.1 Slag activity shall be evaluated by determining the
7.1 Slag shall conform to the chemical requirements pre- compressive strength of both portland-cement mortars and
scribed in Table 2. corresponding mortars made with the same mass of 50-50 mass
combinations of slag and portland cement. Appendix X1
8. Physical Properties discusses the effects of cement, temperature, and amount of
8.1 Slag shall conform to the physical requirements of Table slag used on performance with portland cement.
1. 10.1.2 Reference Cement—The portland cement used in the
slag activity tests shall comply with the requirements of
9. Sampling Specification C 150 and with the alkali and strength limits
9.1 The following sampling and testing procedures shall be shown in Table 3. Sufficient cement shall be reserved to avoid
used by the purchaser to verify compliance with this specifi- changing reference cement more often than every two months.
cation. 10.1.3 Preparation of Specimens—Prepare mortars in ac-
9.2 Take random grab samples either from a delivery unit or cordance with Test Method C 109, except that sufficient water
at some point in the loading or unloading process so that no shall be used in each batch to produce a flow of 1106 5 %. The
proportions shall be as follows:
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements Reference Cement Mortar:
Item 500 g portland cement
Fineness:
1375 g graded standard sand
Slag-Reference Cement Mortar:
amount retained when wet screened on a 45-µm (No. 325) 20 250 g portland cement
sieve, max %
Specific surface by air permeability, Method C 204 shall be ... 250 g slag
determined and reported although no limits are required. 1375 g graded standard sand
Air Content of Slag Mortar, max % 12 10.1.3.1 Mix a reference cement batch each day that a
Average of slag-reference cement batch is mixed until at least five batches
Last Five Any Individual
Consecutive Sample have been mixed with the reference cement. Thereafter, refer-
Samples ence cement batches need not be mixed more often than once
Slag Activity Index, min, % a week whenever slag is being produced or shipped.
7-Day Index
Grade 80 ... ...
Grade 100 75 70 TABLE 3 Alkali and Strength Limits of Reference Cement for
Grade 120 95 90
Slag Activity Tests
28-Day Index
Grade 80 75 70 Total Alkalies (Na2O + 0.658 K2O) min % 0.60
Grade 100 95 90 max % 0.90
Grade 120 115 110 Compressive Strength, MPa, min, 28 days 35 (5000 psi)

2
 C 989
10.1.4 Test Ages—Determine the compressive strength of 10.5 Sulfate Ion in Slag Reported as SO3—Determine as
mortar specimens at 7 and 28 days age in accordance with Test sulfur trioxide in accordance with Test Methods C 114, except
Method C 109. the sample need not be completely decomposed by acid.
10.1.5 Calculation—Calculate the slag activity index to the 10.6 Sulfide Sulfur in the Slag—Determine in accordance
nearest percent for both 7 days and 28 days as follows: with Test Methods C 114.
Slag activity index, % 5 ~SP/P! 3 100 (1) 10.7 Chloride Content of Slag—Determine in accordance
with Test Methods C 114.
10.8 Air Content of Slag Mortar—Determine in accordance
SP = average compressive strength of slag-reference ce- with Test Method C 185, except use 350 g of slag instead of
ment mortar cubes at designated ages, MPa (psi), and cement in the standard mortar batch. Calculate using the
P = average compressive strength of reference cement appropriate density of the slag.
mortar cubes at designated age, MPa (psi).
The reference cement-mortar strength used to calculate a 11. Rejection and Rehearing
slag activity index shall, when a reference cement mortar is 11.1 The purchaser has the right to reject material that fails
mixed on the same day as a slag-reference cement mortar, be to conform to the requirements of this specification. Rejection
the result for that batch. Otherwise, the average of tests of the shall be reported to the producer or supplier promptly and in
five most recent reference cement-mortar batches shall be used. writing. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of the tests,
10.1.6 Report—The report should include the following: the producer or supplier is not prohibited from making a claim
10.1.6.1 Slag activity index, %, for retesting.
10.1.6.2 Compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, of slag-
reference cement mortar, 12. Certification
10.1.6.3 Compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, of portland 12.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, the
cement mortar, purchaser shall be furnished certification that samples repre-
10.1.6.4 Total alkalies of the reference cement senting each lot have been tested as directed in this specifica-
(Na2O + 0.658 K2O), tion and the specified requirements have been met. When
10.1.6.5 Fineness of reference cement, and specified in the purchase order or contract, a report of the test
10.1.6.6 Potential compound composition of the reference results shall be furnished.
portland cement. 12.2 When specified in the purchase order or contract, test
10.1.7 Precision—The following precision statements are data shall be furnished on the chloride ion content of the slag.
applicable when the slag activity index with portland cement is
based on results of tests of two cubes from single batches of 13. Manufacturer’s Statement
reference cement and 50-50 slag-reference cement mortars 13.1 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall
mixed on the same day. They are applicable to the slag activity state in writing the nature, amount, and identity of any
index determined at 7 or 28 days. processing or other additions made to the slag.
10.1.7.1 The single-laboratory coefficient of variation has
been found to be 4.1 %. Therefore, the slag activity indices of 14. Package Marking and Shipping Information
properly conducted tests based on single batches of mortar 14.1 When the ground slag is delivered in packages, the
mixed on the same day should not differ by more than 11.6 % classification of slag, the name and brand of the manufacturer,
of their average. and the weight of the slag contained therein shall be plainly
10.1.7.2 The multilaboratory coefficient of variation has marked on each package. Similar information shall be provided
been found to be 5.7 %. Therefore, the slag activity indices of in the shipping invoices accompanying the shipment of pack-
properly conducted tests of single batches by different labora- aged or bulk slag. All packages shall be in good condition at
tories should not differ by more than 16.1 %. the time of inspection.
10.2 Slag Density—Determine in accordance with Test
Method C 188. 15. Storage
10.3 Amount of Slag Retained on a 45-µm (No. 325) 15.1 The slag shall be stored to permit easy access for
Sieve—Determine in accordance with Test Method C 430. proper inspection and identification of each shipment and in a
10.4 Slag Fineness by Air Permeability—Determine in suitable weather-tight building that will protect the slag from
accordance with Test Method C 204. dampness and minimize quality deterioration.

3
 C 989
APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. CONTRIBUTION OF SLAG TO CONCRETE STRENGTH

X1.1 When slag is used in concrete with portland cement, percentages developed in the slag activity test do not provide
the levels and rate of strength development will depend quantitative predictions of strength performance in concrete.
importantly on the properties of the slag, the properties of the Performance in concrete will depend on a large number of
portland cement, the relative and total amounts of slag and factors including the properties and proportions of the slag, the
cement, and the concrete curing temperatures. portland cement, and other concrete ingredients, concrete
temperatures, and curing conditions; and other conditions.
X1.2 The reference cement used to test slag activity in this
specification must have a minimum 28-day strength of 35 MPa
(5000 psi) and an alkali content between 0.6 and 0.9 %. X1.3 Concrete strengths at 1, 3, and even 7 days may tend
Performance of the slag with other portland cements may be to be lower using slag-cement combinations, particularly at
significantly different. The slag-activity test also can be used to low temperatures or at high slag percentages. Concrete propor-
evaluate relative hydraulicity of different slags with a specific tions will need to be established considering the importance of
cement or of different shipments of the same slag. Such early strengths, the curing temperatures involved and the
comparisons will be improved if all tests are made with a single properties of the slag, the portland cement, and other concrete
sample of cement. To properly classify a slag, the reference materials. Generally a higher numerical grade of slag can be
portland cement must conform to the limits on strength and used in larger amounts and will provide improved early
alkali content. Even within these limits performance will strength performance; however, tests must be made using job
depend to some extent on the particular cement used. The materials under job conditions.

X2. SULFATE RESISTANCE

X2.1 General—Slag cements are generally considered to of the slag also influences sulfate resistance,6,7 and that high
have greater resistance to attack by sulfates than do portland alumina content can have a detrimental influence at low
cements, based largely upon comparisons of high slag-content slag-replacement percentages. The data from these studies of
portland blast-furnace slag cements with ordinary (Type I) laboratory exposure of mortars to sodium and magnesium
portlands. These cements (containing 60 % or more slag) are sulfate solutions provide the following general conclusions.
widely used for sulfate and sea-water resistant concretes X2.3.1 The combinations of slag and portland cement, in
throughout the world. which the slag content was greater than 60 to 65 %, had high
sulfate resistance, always better than the portland cement
X2.2 Sulfate Resistance of Portland Cements—The sulfate alone, irrespective of the Al2O3 content of the slag. The
resistance of concrete is dependent upon a number of factors, improvement in sulfate resistance was greatest for the cements
including mortar permeability and the type and concentration with the higher C3A contents.
of the sulfate solutions involved. Others, directly related to the X2.3.2 The low alumina (11 %) slag tested increased the
cement characteristics, include calcium hydroxide concentra- sulfate resistance independently of the C3A content of the
tion and the tricalcium aluminate (C3A) content. Specification cement. To obtain adequate sulfate resistance, higher slag
C 150 provides limits on the C3A for sulfate-resistant cements. percentages were necessary with the higher C3A cements.
Specification C 150 Type V requirements provide for a limit on X2.3.3 The high alumina (18 %) slag tested, adversely
the tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF) plus twice the C3A. affected the sulfate resistance of portland cements when
The C150 table of Optional Physical Requirements includes a blended in low percentages (50 % or less). Some tests indicated
maximum limit on expansion of Type V cement in mortar bars rapid decreases in resistance for cements in the 8 and 11 %
when tested by Test Method C 452. When this option is C3A ranges with slag percentages as low as 20 % or less in the
selected, the standard limits on tricalcium aluminate and on blends.
tetracalcium aluminoferrite plus twice the tricalcium aluminate X2.3.4 Tests on slag (7 to 8 % alumina) in Ontario8 have
do not apply. Test Method C 1012 can be used to measure the shown that a 50:50 combination by mass with Type I portland
effects of exposure to external sulfate environments on mortar
or concrete. 6
Locher, F. W., “The Problems of the Sulfate Resistance of Slag Cements,”
Zement-Kalk-Gips, No. 9, September, 1966.
X2.3 Effect of Slag on Sulfate Resistance—The use of slag 7
Van Aardt, J. H. P. and Visser, S., “The Behavior of Mixtures of Milled
will decrease the C3A content of the cementing materials and Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag and Portland Cement in Sulfate Solutions,” Bulletin
47, National Building Research Institute, South Africa, 1967.
decrease the permeability and calcium hydroxide content of the 8
Chojnacki, B., “Sulfate Resistance of Blended (Slag) Cement,” Report EM-52,
mortar or concrete. Tests have shown that the alumina content Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ontario, Canada 1981.

4
 C 989
cement (having up to about 12 % C3A) is equivalent in sulfate resistance using Test Method C 1012, as reported by Patzias 10,
resistance to the Type V cement used in that study. recommended the following limits for expansion of portland
cement and ground slag combinations at six months of expo-
X2.4 Tests for Sulfate Resistance—When the relative sure:
sulfate resistance of a specific cement-slag combination is
Moderate sulfate resistance — 0.10 % max
desired, tests should be conducted in accordance with Test
High sulfate resistance — 0.05 % max
Method C 1012.9 Studies by Subcommittee C01.29 on sulfate

10
Patzias, T., “The Development of ASTM Method C 1012 with Recommended
9
Hooton, R. D. and Emery, J. J., “Sulfate Resistance of a Canadian Slag Acceptance Limits for Sulfate Resistance of Hydraulic Cements”, Cement, Con-
Cement”, ACI Materials Journal, Vol 87, No. 6, November-December 1990. crete, and Aggregates, Vol 13, No. 1, ASTM, 1991.

X3. EFFECTIVENESS OF SLAG IN PREVENTING EXCESSIVE EXPANSION OF CONCRETE DUE TO ALKALI-

AGGREGATE REACTION

X3.1 Tests for effectiveness of slag in preventing excessive X3.3 When the job cement and proportions of cement to
expansion due to alkali-aggregate reaction are not considered slag are known, test mortars should be proportioned in accor-
necessary unless the slag is to be used: (a) with a high-alkali dance with the job mixture requirements of Test Method C 441,
portland cement (Na2O + 0.658 K20 $ 0.6 %) or the concrete and the average expansion of mortar bars at 14 days should not
contains added water-soluble alkalies (added as an activator to exceed 0.020 %.
improve early strength); and (b) with an aggregate that is
regarded as deleteriously reactive with alkalies. X3.4 When the job cement and proportions of slag to
X3.2 It should be expected that the effectiveness of the slag cement are not known, tests can be made for the reduction in
will depend upon the amount used and the reactivity of the slag mortar expansion in accordance with Test Method C 441. To be
itself. Data suggest that slags used as 40 % or more of the considered effective the slag must reduce 14-day expansions of
cementitious material will generally prevent excessive expan- mixtures made with the required high-alkali cement by 75 %.
sion with cements having alkali contents up to 1.0 %; however, The slag should be considered effective only when the ratio of
definitive data are not available, and tests must be made in slag to cement equals or exceeds that found effective in the
accordance with Test Method C 441. tests.

The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection
with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should make your
views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above address or at
610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website (www.astm.org).