CSA cement belongs to a type of special cement in the fast curing cement series. Fast-curing cement is used in many applications that require rapid strength enhancement, such as bridge decks, airport runways, repairing roads, sidewalks, etc. In addition, CSA cement is sometimes used in shrinkage-compensating concrete by mixing with Portland cement, and as a controllable low-strength material, and for backfilling public trenches that can be excavated and filled. CSA cements have not been widely used in the manufacture of concrete countertops, but they should have huge advantages over Portland cement in terms of strength, speed and environmental protection.
1. The strength increases rapidly
The main advantage of CSA cement is that concrete made with CSA instead of Portland cement can usually reach a compressive strength of more than 5000 psi within 24 hours. For CSA cement, the strength of 28 days can be reached within 24 hours. This is the main reason why CSA cement is used instead of ordinary Portland cement in some applications. In situations where airport runways, bridge repairs, or damaged highways must be put back into service in a very short time, it is vital to gain strength quickly.
2. Low-carbon and environmental protection
Another key advantage is that CSA cement is also significantly more environmentally friendly. Portland cement is calcined in a kiln at a temperature of about 1500°C, while CSA cement only needs to be calcined at a temperature of about 1250°C. The resulting CSA clinker is softer than OPC clinker and requires less energy.
3. Relatively low alkalinity
The main mineral components in CSA cement are anhydrous calcium sulfoaluminate, dicalcium silicate and gypsum. The lime in CSA cement is cohesive and not free, so its alkali content is low. Ordinary Portland cement has a pH of about 13, which is 100 to 300 times higher than the alkalinity of CSA cement. Low alkalinity naturally minimizes the chance of alkali aggregation reactions, which is important when glass fiber products are used in concrete and the concrete is exposed to moisture.
