BS 7979:2016

What is BS 7979 - Limestone fines for use with Portland cement about?

BS 7979 is the British standard on cement and lime used in building construction that improves both the environmental footprint and potentially the basic performance of concrete. 

BS 7979 specifies requirements for the production, chemical composition and mechanical and physical properties of limestone fines for use in combination with CEM I Portland cement strength class 42.5 or higher conforming to BS EN 197-1 as a component of concrete, mortar or grout.

BS 7979 also specifies requirements for marking, provision of information, sampling and testing for acceptance at delivery, and conformity criteria for the manufacturer’s auto-control system.

Guidance on the use of limestone fines is given in BS 7979.

Who is BS 7979 - Limestone fines for use with Portland cement for?

BS 7979 on cement and limestone is useful for:

• Builders
• Manufacturers of Portland cement and limestone
• Manufacturers of concrete, mortar and grout
• Personnel of manufacturer’s auto-control system

Why should you use BS 7979 - Limestone fines for use with Portland cement?

Limestone fines is a fine powder obtained from the processing of limestone with an appropriate particle size distribution that can improve the physical properties (such as workability) and reduce bleeding of the concrete.

BS 7979 provides the preparation of limestone fines giving the measure of chemical composition and moisture content.

BS 7979 determines the compressive strength and physical properties of limestone fines with CEM I Portland cement.

BS 7979 specifies marking of limestone fines on the bag or the delivery note as well as sampling and testing for acceptance inspection at delivery.

Overall, BS 7979 guides you through the usage of limestone fines in combination with Portland cement to improve concrete sustainability with no negative impacts on your structure’s constructability, performance and durability.

As a result, the concrete and cement industry come up with a way to enhance the performance and manufacturing efficiency of cement used in building construction, hence enhancing the environmental performance of concrete.