Calcium aluminate cements are used for many special applications in the construction, civil engineering and refractory industries because of their ability to gain strength rapidly and to withstand aggressive environments and high temperatures. Research into their properties and behaviour in many countries is presented in this book, which includes papers from an International Symposium held in London, A special feature is a major review paper by Lafarge Special Cements presenting the current state of knowledge on the materials. Other papers deal with clinker, hydration, admixtures, calorimetry, durability, blended systems and other aspects. The book is dedicated to the late Henry Midgley whose research into calcium aluminate cements at the Building Research Establishment made an important contribution to the understanding of their behaviour.

The special properties of calcium aluminate cements make them of value in the construction, mining and refractory industries. This book brings together new international research information on their performance. As well as a state-of-the-art review, it includes reports on studies of: mineralogy, hydration and microstructure; rheology of pastes, mortars and grouts; admixtures and blended; systems durability of high alumina cement concrete.