1.1 This specification covers cold-weather admixture systems to be added to hydraulic-cement concrete when the temperature of the concrete immediately after placement will be as low as 23.0 F [-5.0 C].

1.2 This specification stipulates tests of the cold-weather admixture system with suitable materials as described in or with materials proposed for specific work (See ). Unless otherwise requested by the purchaser, tests shall be made using suitable concreting materials as described in .

Whenever practicable, tests should be made using the concreting materials, the mixture proportions, and batching sequence proposed for the specific work (See ) because the time of setting, compressive strength gain, and other properties may vary.

1.3 This specification provides three levels of testing.

1.3.1 Level 1During the initial approval stage, proof of compliance with the performance requirements defined in demonstrates that the cold-weather admixture system meets the requirements of this specification. Uniformity and equivalence tests (See Section ) shall be carried out to provide results against which later comparisons can be made.

1.3.2 Level 2Limited retesting is described in , , and . Proof of compliance with the requirements of demonstrates conformity of the admixture system with the requirements of this specification.

1.3.3 Level 3For acceptance of a lot or for measuring uniformity within or between lots, when specified by the purchaser, uniformity and equivalence tests (See Section ) shall be used.

1.4 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes, which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test methods portion, Sections , of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. WARNING-Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.