Concrete

New ASTM standard to improve concrete production

Published

9 years ago

October 23, 2016

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A new ASTM International standard will help with efforts to enhance the cement content in concrete while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions during production.
The new specification (C1797, Specification for Ground Calcium Carbonate and Aggregate Mineral Fillers for Use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete) was developed by ASTM International’s committee on concrete and concrete aggregates (C09).
ASTM member Caroline Talbot notes that the new standard covers the use of ground calcium carbonate (a type of limestone) and aggregate mineral fillers used in concrete.
"Limestone and fillers can help optimise concrete mix design in terms of workability and finishing by improving packing density," says Talbot, National Technical Service Manager, Euclid Chemical. "Notably, this will reduce the amount of cementitious product needed for concrete production, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative."
Better packing density improves both plastic and hardened properties, including shrinkage, according to Talbot. In addition, there are indications that the presence of ground limestone enhances the hydration of cement and fly ash.
The new standard will be useful to anyone who produces, or otherwise works with, concretes, as well as other materials. Materials covered by the standard have been used around the world for years; C1797 will allow these companies to show that their materials can be used in concrete without negatively affecting fresh or hardened properties, leading to cost savings and environmental sustainability.

Concrete

Star Cement launches ‘Star Smart Building Solutions’

Published

1 week ago

June 17, 2025

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Star Cement has launched ‘Star Smart Building Solutions,’ a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable construction practices, as per a recent news report. This venture introduces a range of eco-friendly products, including tile adhesives, tile cleaners and grouts, designed to enhance durability and reduce environmental impact. The company plans to expand this portfolio with additional value-added products in the near future. By focusing on sustainable materials and innovative building solutions, Star Cement aims to contribute to environmentally responsible construction and meet the evolving needs of modern infrastructure development.

Image source:https://www.starcement.co.in/

Concrete

Nuvoco Vistas reports record quarterly EBITDA

Published

1 week ago

June 17, 2025

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Nuvoco Vistas reported its highest-ever quarterly consolidated EBITDA of Rs.556 crore in Q4 FY25, with annual EBITDA at Rs.1,391 crore. Cement sales reached 19.4 MMT in FY25, with Q4 contributing 5.7 MMT. Revenue rose 4 per cent YoY to Rs.3,042 crore in Q4. Net debt reduced by Rs.390 crore to Rs.3,640 crore. The company received NCLT approval for acquiring Vadraj Cement, targeting 31 MMTPA capacity by FY27. Key marketing initiatives, expanding RMX and MBM businesses, and a focus on sustainability (457 kg CO2/tonne) drove performance. Nuvoco remains focused on premiumisation, operational efficiency, and market expansion.

Image source:nuvoco.com

Concrete

UltraTech Cement increases capacity by 1.4Mt/yr

Published

1 week ago

June 17, 2025

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UltraTech Cement has expanded its production capacity by 1.4 million tonnes per annum (Mt/yr) through a combination of debottlenecking efforts and operational efficiency upgrades across several of its plants. The enhancements include an addition of 0.6Mt/yr in grinding capacity at the Nagpur facility in Maharashtra and a combined 0.8Mt/yr at the Panipat and Jhajjar units in Haryana. With these upgrades, the company’s total domestic grey cement capacity has risen to 184.8Mt/yr, while its global capacity now stands at 190.2Mt/yr.