SPECIFIC GRAVITY

Specific gravity is normally used in mixture proportioning calculations. The specific gravity
of portland cement is generally around 3.15 while the specific gravity of portland-blast-furnace-
slag and portland-pozzolan cements may have specific gravities near 2.90 (PCA, 1988[1]).

Standard Test Methods

 AASHTO T 133 and ASTM C 188: Density of Hydraulic Cement

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.

The 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.
FINENESS

Fineness, or particle size of portland cementaffects hydration rate and thus the rate of strength
gain. The smaller the particle size, the greater the surface area-to-volume ratio, and thus, the
more area available for water-cement interaction per unit volume. The effects of greater
fineness on strength are generally seen during the first seven days (PCA, 1988[1]).

Standard Test Methods

 AASHTO T 98 and ASTM C 115: Fineness of Portland Cement by the Turbidimeter.

 AASHTO T 128 and ASTM C 184: Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 150-mm (No. 100)
and 75-mm (No. 200) Sieves
 AASHTO T 153 and ASTM C 204: Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by
Air PermeabilityApparatus
 AASHTO T 192 and ASTM C 430: Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 45-mm (No. 325)
Sieve

LOSS ON IGNITION

Loss on ignition is calculated by heating up a cement sample to 900 – 1000°C (1650 – 1830°F)
until a constant weight is obtained. The weight loss of the sample due to heating is then
determined. A high loss on ignition can indicate prehydration and carbonation, which may be
caused by improper and prolonged storage or adulteration during transport or transfer (PCA,
1988[1]).

Standard Test Methods

 AASHTO T 105 and ASTM C 114: Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

The most common strength test, compressive strength, is carried out on a 50 mm (2-
inch) cement mortar test specimen. The test specimen is subjected to a compressive load
(usually from a hydraulic machine) until failure. This loading sequence must take no less than 20
seconds and no more than 80 seconds.

Standard Test Methods

 AASHTO T 106 and ASTM C 109: Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars
(Using 50-mm or 2-in. Cube Specimens)
 ASTM C 349: Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using Portions of
Prisms Broken in Flexure)