DENSITY OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT

(ASTM C 188)

Significance:
The value of specific gravity of cement of cement is used in the design and control of
concrete mixtures.

Apparatus:
1. Le Chatelier flask
2. Kerosene (free of water)
3. Balance and weights

Procedure:
1. Fill the Le Chatelier flask with kerosene to a point on the stem between 0-1ml mark.
2. Immerse the flask in water bath of constant temperature, maintain at ambient
temperature, for a sufficient time before making any reading.
3. Take initial reading, record.
4. Introduce into the flask the cement sample, about 64 grams. Take care to avoid
splashing and see that cement does not adhere to the inside of the flask above the
liquid.
5. Remove air bubbles by gently rolling the flask in inclined position with stopper or
gently whirling it in a horizontal circle.
6. Immerse the flask in water bath of constant temperature for a sufficient amount of
time, then take final reading, and record.

Calculation:
Calculate Specific Gravity.
P = 64 / (Final Reading – Initial Reading)
P = g / cm3

Example:

A. Mass of sample, g = 64.0

B. Initial volume, ml = 0.2
C. Final Volume, ml = 21.1

Specific Gravity = A / (C-B) = 64 / (21.1 – 0.2) = 3.06