Construction Materials-CVLE 321

Lab test #7
Density and
specific gravity

Construction Materials CVLE 321 –

7/18/2019
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Lab test #7 - Density and specific gravity

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Introduction
Determination of density is usually done by Le-Chatelier flask
method. The Le-Chatelier flask is filled to a designated gradation
with kerosene fluid, and a preweighed amount of cement is placed
in the flask. The subsequent height rise of kerosene is noted to
calculate the cement density.

Lab test #7 - Density and specific gravity

The cement density divided by the density of water yields the specific

Construction Materials CVLE 321 –

gravity.

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Procedure
i. Weigh out about 64 g of cement to the nearest 0.05 g.

ii. Fill the Le-Chatelier flask with either of the the specified
liquids (kerosene,free of water, or naptha having a density

Lab test #7 - Density and specific gravity

greater than 0.73g/mL at room temp) until the 0 mL to 1 mL

Construction Materials CVLE 321 –

reading is reached. If necessary use an eye dropper to get
thelevel of solution to reach the necessary initial level. Make
sure the neck of the flask is dry of any liquid.

iii. Mark down the initial level of fluid in the flask to the
nearest 0.5 mL. The flask is required to be immersed in a
constant temperature water bath for a sufficient interval before
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making the initial and final readings.
Procedure

7/18/2019
iv. Slowly pour in the cement making sure to minimize the
amount lost as dust. Use the metal rod to push any cement that
might cling to the sides of the flask down.

v. Close the flask with a stopper and tilt the flask. Slowly rotate
the flask until all air bubbles are eliminated.

Lab test #7 - Density and specific gravity

Construction Materials CVLE 321 –
vi. Allow a minute for the cement to settle and note the final
level of the fluid in the flask to the nearest 0.5 mL.

vii. Difference between the first & the final readings represent
the volume of liquid displaced by the mass of cement used in
the test.
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viii. calculate density of cement as mass of cement divided by
displaced volume.
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Procedure

The biggest sources of error in this experiment are the loss of

cement as dust during the pouring into the flask, the lack of
temperature control of the liquid ,and not cleaning and drying

Lab test #7 - Density and specific gravity

the flask completely in between trials.

Construction Materials CVLE 321 –

The loss of cement during the pouring would cause the specific
gravity to be calculated higher than the actual value. The
density of water and the density of cement is temperature
dependent and needs to be reported along with a temperature
reading.
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