Cement

CEMBlend contains a controlled blend of Portland cement and ground granulated blastfurnace slag. It is recommended as a sustainable alternative to Portland cement for most applications including civil engineering, building, ready-mixed concrete and concrete products.

The properties and workability of CEMBlend concrete compared with Portland cement concrete at the same cement content and workability are:

• Similar in 28 day compressive strength.
• Improved workability retention.
• Reduced effective alkali content. Recommended for use with high reactivity aggregates including
  recycled aggregates.
• Improved sulfate resistance, CEMBlend is classified by BS 8500 as CEM III/A+SR.
• Extra care is required with curing concrete in order to realise the full potential strength and longterm durability of the concrete.
• Reduced heat of hydration.
• Slightly lighter in colour. Freshly exposed concrete may exhibit a slight blue-green tinge, this is not uncommon and will fade and disappear with exposure to the atmosphere leaving the lighter colour associated with CEMBlend concrete. The original discolouration will not recur.

CEMBlend is available in bulk from selected locations. Details of availability can be obtained from the contacts listed overleaf.

• Concrete containing CEMBlend must be specified and used correctly for best performance.
• CEMBlend should not be mixed with additions or other cement types.
• The cement content must be correct for the intended application (see BS 8500) and the water:cement ratio as low as possible consistent with satisfactory placing, thorough compaction and effective curing. Trial mixes are always recommended.
• The final finish quality of this material will depend upon the operative having the required skills and a familiarisation with the materials and its application methods.
• Lafarge Cement UK cannot be held responsible where workmanship has not been carried out in accordance with good practice.
• CEMBlend is manufactured from natural products, and slight shade variations may occur. CEMBlend will also have shade variations from differing manufacturing centres.

Further information or specification advice on CEMBlend and the full range of Lafarge cements can be obtained through the contacts listed.

Contact between cement powder and body fluids (eg. sweat and eye fluids) may cause irritation, dermatitis or burns. Cement is classed as an irritant under the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations.

For further information, including control of soluble hexavalent chromium, refer to the Lafarge Cement Health and Safety Information Sheet for Portland-slag products.