Experiment 1: Fineness of Cement

Results and Analysis

Cement 1 Cement 2
Weight of sample (g) 145 g 145 g
Weight of residue (g) 25 g 13 g
Fineness percentage (%) 82.76 91.03
Average Fineness Percentage (%) 86.895

From the data gathered, it was determined that the fineness percentage of the first and
second trials were 82.76% and 91.03%, respectively, with an average of 86.895%. According to
the ASTM C 184-83, the fineness should not be less than 78%, and with an average of
86.985%, the sample passed the requirements of the fineness test.

A factor affecting the experiment results is the strength used in sieving the cement
sample. For the first trial, the sieving was less aggressive since the group members were
figuring out ways to sieve the sample without the cement spilling outside the sieve pan. While
on the second trial, the group had a better grasp of how they should sieve, causing them to
sieve more aggressively, resulting in a higher fineness percentage.

Discussion

Cement is one of the most essential and used construction materials. Its primary
purpose is to bind the aggregates within the concrete mix. In the experiment, the task was to
determine the fineness of cement (Portland Cement). Fineness is the measure of the particle
size of the cement. The finer the cement is, the better the area-to-volume ratio it will have,
resulting in the use of less water, high strength, and high heat generation.

The fineness of cement is determined via the method Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by
No.100, or No.200 Sieve (ASTM C 184-83) was used:

1. A 145 g sample of cement was placed on a No.200 sieve.

2. Lumps of cement were broken down using the fingers.
3. The sample was sieved until there was barely any cement left in the sieve.
4. The residue was then weighted using a digital balance.

With the weight of residue and sample obtained, the fineness percent is computed.

Significance of the Experiment

As stated previously, the fineness of cement is the measure of the particle size of
cement. Cement’s fineness affects its hydration rate, strength, and heat generation. The finer
the particles are, the better the surface-area-to-volume ratio will be, causing the use of less
water. If too much water is added, it will result in a weak concrete mixture, and it will also have
excess water above the cement (Bleeding). If too little water is added, it will weaken the cement
mixture (Dry Shrinkage).

Conclusion and Application

The experiment achieved its objective of determining the fineness of cement by using
the ASTM C 184-83 method. The necessary data is needed to determine the fineness
percentage of cement to determine if the cement is suitable to be used in construction.

The experiment can be conducted to determine if the batch of cement received is of

good quality. Using good quality cement will affect the strength of the concrete mix. Knowing
that cement will be used on load in load-bearing structures such as bridges, buildings, and
houses, ensuring the quality of cement will result in a more robust and safer structure.

Fineness testing can also be used with cement that has been left in stock for a while.
This experiment can help the engineers determine if the cement can still be used or
disregarded. Even though cement is a low-cost material, the construction of a building has a
budget, and going over budget is not always an option.