Opening Letter of RILEM TC CSA: Calcium sulfoaluminate-based cement and concrete – Critical review and open questions

Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA)-based cements represent a promising alternative to traditional Portland cement, offering benefits such as rapid strength development, low shrinkage, and reduced carbon footprint. Despite their commercial availability and proven performance, the adoption of CSA cements remains hindered by gaps in standardization and understanding. This RILEM Technical Committee (TC) CSA aims to review current knowledge, identify research needs, and address challenges related to clinkering, hydration mechanisms, durability, applications, nomenclature, standardization, and testing of CSA-based cements. The outcomes will further the understanding of manufacturing, technical performance, use, and specification of CSA-based cements, ultimately leading to broader acceptance in concrete construction.