of us do not know why we are calculating this value?

Specific Gravity of Cement

In this post, we will explain you about,

What is Specific Gravity?

Why are we calculating this value for cement?

Significance of specific gravity of cement

Experiment to determine this value

What is Specific Gravity of Cement?

Definition Specific Gravity is just a comparison between the weight of a
volume of a particular material to the weight of the same volume of water at
a specified temperature.

In Simple It is a value to calculate whether the material is able to sink or

float on water. Every material has some specific gravity. The value is
normally in digits like 0.1 100. If the value is less than 1, then the material
will float on water. If the value is greater than 1, then the material will sink.
3.15g/cc means the cement is 3.15 times heavier than the water of the same
volume.

Why are we calculating this value for cement?

Normally aggregates are derived from stockpiles, which may be exposed to
various conditions.

If the cement has exposed to extreme moisture content then, the specific
gravity of cement will differ because of the moisture content present in the
pores.

Every material has solid particles and pores which may contain water in it.

Normally our nominal mix design is based on the value of specific gravity of
cement as 3.15. The value will change over time if the cement is exposed to
various weather conditions. So it is essential to determine the specific gravity
of cement before using it.
This is why we are insisted on avoiding old stock cement, which may be
affected by the external moisture content.
Significance of specific gravity of cement
As already said, the cement may contain lots of moisture content if it is
exposed to various conditions and humidity.

We all know that water cement ratio is an important factor. It is directly

proportional to workability and the strength of a bonding. If the cement has
already more moisture in it then, the value of water cement ratio will actually
affect the workability and strength rather than increasing it.
If the specific gravity of cement is greater than 3.19 then, the cement is
either not minced finely as per the industry standard or it has more moisture
content which will affect the mix and bonding. This is why you find lots of
chunks while mixing old stock cement for concrete.

How to calculate cement specific gravity?

Using Le Chatelier Flask method, we can determine this value. This is an
experiment conducted at the site level.

Object:
To find specific gravity of cement value

Required Materials & Apparatus:

Ordinary Portland Cement

Kerosene

Le-Chatelier Flask capacity of 250 ml or Specific Gravity Bottle /

Pycnometer (100 ml)

Weighing balance with 0.1 gm accurate

Why are we using Kerosene instead of water?

To calculate specific gravity for any material, we have to use water. But
water reacts with cement and forms calcium oxide. So that we are using
Kerosene. It doesnt react with cement. This is why we are using 0.79 g/cc
(specific gravity of kerosene) in our calculation (specific gravity of water
1g/cc)

Test Procedure:
1. The Flask should be free from the liquid that means it should be fully dry.
Weigh the empty flask(W1)

2. Fill the cement on the bottle up to half of the flask (about 50gm) and
weigh with its stopper (W2)

3. Add Kerosene to the cement up to the top of the bottle. Mix well to
remove the air bubbles in it. Weigh the flask with cement and kerosene
(W3)

4. Empty the flask. Fill the bottle with kerosene up to the top and weigh the
flask (W4)

Calculation:

Specific Gravity,
Specific gravity of kerosene is 0.79 g/cc
Note:
The error value will be acceptable 0.01.
The practical will be done within 30 C temperature.