The Pontifical and Royal

University of Santo Tomas

The Catholic University of the Philippines
Faculty of Engineering

Department of Civil Engineering | CE 225L: Testing of Materials

EXPERIMENT NO. 2
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF CEMENT

INTRODUCTION:
Concrete, one of the most-widely used construction materials, is composed of cement or binder,
aggregates and water. Each component should be tested for its suitability as concrete material. The most
commonly used binder is the Portland cement.

OBJECTIVE:
This experiment aims to determine the specific gravity of Portland cement, which can be used in the
design of concrete.

SPECIMEN:
2 sets of 64 grams of Portland cement

APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES:

1 Le Chatelier Flask
1 Liter of water-free kerosene
1 Long stem thermometer
1 Water-bath apparatus
1 Funnel
1 Beaker
1 Spatula
1 Pan
Balance

PROCEDURE: Figure 2.1 –

Le Chatelier Flask
1. Avoid direct contact with cement because it may cause irritation.
2. Prepare 2 sets of 64 grams Portland cement. Be sure that the cement is free of lumps. Set aside.
3. Dry thoroughly then weigh the Le Chatelier flask.
4. Fill the flask with water-free kerosene between 0- and 1-ml marks.
5. Take the temperature of the kerosene. It should be 23±2°C. If not, water-bath the flask with kerosene until
the temperature drops to 23±2°C. Note that the volume of kerosene will change as the temperature
changes. Make the necessary volume adjustment of the kerosene maintaining the desired flask reading of
0- to 1 ml. Record the initial flask reading; then, weigh.
6. Introduce the 64-gram cement into the flask with water-free kerosene. Cover the flask with a stopper or
by means of your palm and turn it upside down until all the cement is mixed with the kerosene.
7. Remove the stopper. Tilt the flask by holding it on the neck and roll it until there are no bubbles trapped in
the solution.
8. Water-bath the solution until the temperature is 23±2°C. Record the final flask reading; then, weigh.
9. Compute the specific gravity of cement.
 Eq 1 Mc = Mt - Ma
Eq 2 ρ cement = Mc / V

where:
Mc = mass of cement used, g
Mt = mass of flask containing liquid and cement, g
Ma = mass of flask with the liquid to the first set of graduation, g
ρ = density of cement, g/cm3
V = displaced volume of liquid, cm3

CLEANING PROCEDURE:
1. After obtaining the necessary data, shake the flask and pour the contents into a pail or any designated
container. Remove the remaining cement inside the flask by using kerosene. If there is no more cement
inside the flask wash it with soap and water. DO NOT THROW THE SOLUTION INTO THE SINK FOR IT MAY
CAUSE CLOGGING OF DRAINAGE. Be careful in handling the flask because it is very fragile, especially the
neck part.
2. Dry the flask thoroughly before returning it.

CE 225L: Testing of Materials | Experiment No. 2: Specific Gravity of Cement