POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Sta Mesa, Manila

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING

LABORATORY WORKS
“Cement Fineness by the #200 (0.075mm) Sieves”

Submitted by:
Group 2

Cadayona. Dennise Jamaika

Gallero, Oscar Jr
Mahinay, Colyn Claire
Parungao, John Benedict
Santos, Adrian
Visquera, Adriane T.
 LABORATORY NO. 2
Cement Fineness by the #200 (0.075mm) Sieves

Date of Experiment: December 7, 2019

SIGNIFICANCE
This method covers determination of the fineness of hydraulic cement by means
of the no. 200 (75-μm) sieves. One of the important physical properties of cement is its
fineness. Fineness affects the rate of hydration: the finer the cement, the faster strength
development takes place. The effects of greater fineness on strength are particularly
noticeable during the first 7 days. Also, as fineness increases, the amount of water required
for a constant slump concrete decreases, to the limits reached by the higher ranges of
fineness in high-early-strength cement. Greater fineness not only improves the strength but
also water tightness, workability, appearance and durability of concrete.

APPARATUS
1. Sieves, no. 200, woven wire cloth (2in height x 8in diameter)
2. Analytical balance
3. Brush – 1 or 1 ½ in
4. Weights – for calibration of the Analytical balance

PROCEDURE
50 grams of sample cement was placed on a clean, dry 75 µm (No. 200) sieve with
pan attached. The cement was then sieved for 4 minutes until most of the fine materials
has passed through. Afterwards, the cement was sieved again without the cover for 10
minutes. Then, 1-minute test was done through holding the sieve in a slightly inclined
position with the pan and the cover attached. The sieved was moved alternately in the
plane of inclination while gently striking the side for about 150 times/min. After every 25
strokes, the sieve was turn about 1/6 rev. Finally, the residue was weighed.

DATA ANALYSIS
The fineness of cement was calculated by getting the weight of the cement before
and after sieving using 75 µm (No. 200) sieve. For the calculation of percent fineness, the
following formula was used.
𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑒 (𝑔) 𝑋 100
Percent Fineness = 100 − 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Table 1. Percent Fineness of Cement
Before Sieving After Sieving Percent Fineness
4063 g 4058 g 0.12306 %

Table 1 shows the pre, post-sieving weight, and the fineness of the cement tested.
From the calculated percent fineness of the cement tested, it can be concluded that the
cement used is fine, thus promotes better strength, water tightness, workability,
appearance and durability of concrete when used.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Sieving the cement must be done carefully. It is advised to stir the

aggregates after shaking the sieves for an adequate amount of time to allow the
smaller particles pass through the openings and also to remove any trapped
aggregates within the sieve openings. Furthermore, it is recommended to conduct
several trials of sieving the sample cement.
DOCUMENTATION