WORKING WITH CALCIUM ALUMINATE CEMENT CONCRETE.

Calcium aluminate cement, also called aluminous or high alumina cement, is used to produce concrete that hardens very rapidly yet has normal setting time. It resists attack from many dilute acids, is highly resistant to sulfates, and is suitable for high-temperature use. The predominant compound in calcium aluminate cement is monocalcium aluminate (CaO multiplied by (times) Al//2O//3). The monocalcium aluminate hardens much faster than the calcium silicates found in portland cement, although initial setting time of concrete made with calcium aluminate cement is 2 to 4 hours. When 6 hours have elapsed, a compressive strength of 3000 psi can be achieved. Within 24 hours, calcium aluminate cement concrete can reach the 28-day strength of a similar portland cement concrete mixture.