Cement Selection Guide

This guide will assist you in selecting the appropriate cement testing equipment for your specific needs. Accurate cement testing is vital for ensuring the quality and performance of concrete and other cement-based materials. Here’s a breakdown of common cement properties and the equipment used to test them:

·         Fineness:

o    Tests: Sieve Analysis, Air Permeability (Blaine Test)

o    Equipment: Sieves (various sizes, typically #100, #200, #325), Sieve Shaker, Blaine Air Permeability Apparatus

o    Considerations: Sieve mesh sizes, shaker type, Blaine apparatus calibration, standards compliance (ASTM C204, EN 196-6).

·         Consistency:

o    Test: Vicat Test

o    Equipment: Vicat Apparatus (with various needles and plungers)

o    Considerations: Needle and plunger dimensions, standards compliance (ASTM C187, EN 196-3).

·         Setting Time:

o    Test: Vicat Test, Gillmore Needles

o    Equipment: Vicat Apparatus, Gillmore Needles

o    Considerations: Needle dimensions and weights, standards compliance (ASTM C191, EN 196-3).

·         Soundness (Expansion):

o    Test: Le Chatelier Test, Autoclave Expansion Test

o    Equipment: Le Chatelier Flasks, Autoclave

o    Considerations: Flask dimensions, autoclave pressure and temperature control, standards compliance (ASTM C151, EN 196-3).

·         Compressive Strength:

o    Test: Compressive Strength Test (of cement mortar or concrete)

o    Equipment: Compression Testing Machine, Mortar Mixer, Standard Molds (cubes or prisms)

o    Considerations: Machine capacity, loading rate control, mold dimensions, standards compliance (ASTM C109, EN 196-1).

·         Heat of Hydration:

o    Test: Heat of Hydration Test (Calorimetry)

o    Equipment: Calorimeter (various types, including conduction calorimeters and isothermal calorimeters)

o    Considerations: Calorimeter type, temperature measurement accuracy, data acquisition capabilities, standards compliance (ASTM C186).

Mortar Mixers: For preparing cement mortar specimens for testing.

Mixing Bowls and Utensils: For handling and mixing cement and other materials.

Curing Cabinets/Rooms: For maintaining controlled temperature and humidity for curing cement specimens.

Drying Ovens: For drying samples to a constant weight.

Balances and Scales: For accurate weighing of materials.

Water Baths: For maintaining constant temperatures during certain tests.