BS PAS 8820:2016 specifies the performance requirements for alkali-activated cementitious material comprising aluminosilicate main constituents and an alkali activator. An AACM (including the activator) may contain Portland cement only at a content of less than 5% mass of binder solids, and may contain subsidiary constituents not exceeding 25% of the mass of the cementitious material. It also specifies a means of assessing concrete obtained through the use of such cementitious material for performance and durability, and sets requirements for the alkali-activating component and the aluminosilicate powder component of these concretes.

NOTE 1 The term "geopolymer" is not used in this PAS, but this does not exclude its use for descriptive purposes in conjunction with alkali-activated cementitious materials.

This PAS does not:

• set detailed requirements for the composition of the alkali-activated cementitious material;
• specifically address applications for such materials as renders, screeds, mortars or repair materials, although it does not exclude the possibility that such materials could be used for such purposes; or
• cover the use of any material classified as hazardous waste.

NOTE 2 Hazardous waste is defined in the Technical Guidance of the UK Environment Agency and includes radioactive materials.

This PAS is for use by manufacturers of alkali-activated cementitious material, producers of prefabricated concrete elements containing alkali-activated cementitious material and producers of concrete containing alkali-activated cementitious material which is to be precast, delivered ready-mixed, or mixed in situ. It is also of interest to designers and specifiers as it provides a means of assessing the suitability of AACM concrete mixtures for typical construction uses.

NOTE 3 Attention is drawn to The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 and The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.


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