SCM stands for what in concrete technology?

• A. Supplementary Cementitious Material
• B. Slag Cementitious Material
• C. Semi Cementitious Material
• D. Supplementary Cement Moisture

Answer: (A)

SCM stands for Supplementary Cementitious Material. In concrete technology, these are materials added to cement that contribute cementitious properties alongside Portland cement, often reacting with calcium hydroxide to form additional binding phases. This improves the microstructure, increases durability, reduces heat of hydration, and can lower cement content by partially replacing it. Common examples include fly ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag, silica fume, metakaolin, and natural pozzolans. The other options aren’t the standard term used to describe these materials, and one even refers to moisture rather than a cementitious substance.