March 30, 2023

CE 38 – Testing of Materials
LABORATORY REPORT
ACTIVITY NO. 4

BSCE-2Ax
Th 10:00 AM – 01:00 PM

GROUP 2Ax

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Contents
I. Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
II. Procedure.........................................................................................................................................3
III. Test Result.......................................................................................................................................4
IV. Discussion of result..........................................................................................................................4
V. Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................5
Appendices…………………………………………………………………………………………….5
References................................................................................................................................................6
Documentation.........................................................................................................................................6

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I. INTRODUCTION

The fineness of cement is an important factor that can affect its strength and other
properties, and is therefore a crucial aspect to consider in the manufacturing and testing of
cement. In this laboratory report, we will be discussing the testing method used to determine
the fineness of cement, as well as the results and analysis of our testing.
The fineness of cement is typically determined by measuring the particle size distribution
of the cement powder. This can be done using a variety of methods, including sieving,
sedimentation, and air permeability tests.
The results of our testing will be compared to the specifications for cement fineness as
outlined in relevant standards and guidelines, such as ASTM C204 and EN 196-6. This will
allow us to determine if the cement sample meets the required fineness criteria for its
intended use. Overall, understanding and accurately measuring the fineness of cement is
essential for ensuring the quality and performance of concrete mixtures, as well as for
meeting industry standards and regulations.

II. PROCEDURE

1.) Clean the apparatus with brush and air compressor.

2.) Take cement sample pass it with sieve #20.
3.) Weight the container.
4.) Take 50g of cement sample.
5.) Put the 50g cement sample to sieve #200. Cover with lid.
6.) Shake for 4 mins.
7.) Weight the residue.
8.) Repeat once again for test sample #2.
9.) Calculate the %fineness.

Materials and tools that were used:

 Scoop
 Container
 Air compressor
 Sieve (#20 and #200)
 Digital Scale
 Brush
 Cement sample
 Container

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 III. TEST RESULTS

Description Test #1 Test #2

1 Original wt. of 50g 50g
sample, grams
2 Weight of residue 32g 34g
(cement retained on
sieve no.200), grams
3 % weight of residue 32 34
x 100=64 % x 100=6 8 %
50 50
4 % Fineness 50−32 50−34
x 100=36 % x 100=32 %
50 50
5 Average Value of % 64+68
weight of residue
=66 %
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6 Average value of % 36+32
fineness
=34 %
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The weight of the sample was 60g but deducted 10g due to the weight of the container.

IV. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

In order to obtain accurate and precise results when testing the fineness of cement, it is
important to carefully control the weight of the test samples. In this particular experiment, both
test samples were weighed at exactly 50g to ensure that the measurements were as precise
as possible. Following this, the first test sample was sieved for a period of 4 minutes and its
weight was recorded as 32g, while the weight of the second test sample was found to be 34g
after a similar sieving period. By calculating the weight percentage residue for each sample, it
was determined that the residue was 64% for the first test sample and 68% for the second
test sample. To obtain a more representative value for the fineness of the cement, the
average value of both test samples was calculated by adding both values together and
dividing by two, resulting in an average value of 66%. The same method was used to obtain
the fineness percentage of the cement, and the average value for both test samples was
found to be 34%.
There are several limitations to consider when testing the fineness of cement using the air
permeability method or any other method. Some of these limitations include:
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 o Sample size: The size of the cement sample used for testing can affect the
accuracy and reliability of the results. If the sample is too small, it may not be
representative of the overall cement batch, while if it is too large, it may be difficult
to obtain accurate measurements. Therefore, it is important to carefully control the
sample size and ensure that it is appropriate for the testing method being used.

o Moisture content: The moisture content of the cement sample can also affect the
accuracy of the results. If the sample is too dry or too wet, it may not flow properly
or may have a different specific surface area than the cement in its intended state.
Therefore, it is important to carefully control the moisture content of the sample
during testing.

o Testing conditions: The testing conditions, such as temperature and humidity, can
also affect the accuracy and reproducibility of the results. It is important to carefully
control these conditions and ensure that they are consistent between testing runs.

o Operator skill: The air permeability method and other methods for measuring
cement fineness require careful attention to detail and proper technique to obtain
accurate and reproducible results. Therefore, it is important to have trained and
experienced operators perform the testing.

o Limitations of the testing method: Each testing method for cement fineness has its
own limitations, such as the range of particle sizes that can be measured or the
accuracy of the results. It is important to understand these limitations and ensure
that the testing method being used is appropriate for the intended application.

By understanding these limitations and carefully controlling the testing conditions, it is

possible to obtain accurate and reliable measurements of cement fineness using the air
permeability method or other testing methods.

V. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the test sample method is a widely used and standardized method for
determining the fineness of cement, but it has some limitations. Our laboratory experiment
revealed that the test results may not accurately represent the true fineness of the cement
due to errors in sampling, weighing, and sieving. Additionally, the test sample method only
measures the size distribution of the particles and does not provide information on the shape,
density, or surface area of the cement particles, which can also affect the properties of the
cement.

However, despite these limitations, the test sample method remains a useful tool for
evaluating the fineness of cement in practical applications. By following standardized
procedures and careful sample preparation, the test sample method can provide a
reasonable estimate of the fineness of cement. Furthermore, the test sample method can be
easily and readily implemented in most laboratories with the necessary equipment.

Overall, our laboratory experiment has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness
and reliability of the test sample method for determining the fineness of cement. Further
research is needed to explore alternative methods for determining the fineness of cement that
may address some of the limitations of the test sample method.
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 APPENDICES

Weighing the test samples after Weighing test sample #1 residueWeighing test sample #2 residue
passing through sieve #20

DOCUMENTATION

REFERENCES

Mehta, P. K., & Monteiro, P. J. M. (2013). Concrete: microstructure, properties, and materials
(3rd ed.). McGraw Hill.

ASTM C204-18. Standard test methods for fineness of hydraulic cement by air-permeability
apparatus.

Neville, A. M. (2011). Properties of concrete (5th ed.). Pearson.