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Specific Gravity Test

This document outlines the procedure for determining the specific gravity (Gs) of cement using the Le Chatelier flask method, in accordance with Eurocode standards EN 196-6:2018 and EN 1097-6:2022. It details the necessary apparatus, step-by-step calibration and testing procedures, calculation methods, and reporting requirements. Safety considerations and the importance of maintaining precise conditions are also emphasized to ensure accurate results.

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Samit Brian
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8 views4 pages

Specific Gravity Test

This document outlines the procedure for determining the specific gravity (Gs) of cement using the Le Chatelier flask method, in accordance with Eurocode standards EN 196-6:2018 and EN 1097-6:2022. It details the necessary apparatus, step-by-step calibration and testing procedures, calculation methods, and reporting requirements. Safety considerations and the importance of maintaining precise conditions are also emphasized to ensure accurate results.

Uploaded by

Samit Brian
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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### **Procedure and Treatment of Results for Laboratory Test for Specific Gravity (Gs) of

Cement (Based on Eurocode Standards)**

#### **1. Objective**

To determine the **specific gravity (Gs)** of cement using the **Le Chatelier flask
method**, in accordance with **EN 196-6:2018** (*Methods of testing cement – Part 6:
Determination of fineness*) and **EN 1097-6:2022** (*Tests for mechanical and physical
properties of aggregates – Part 6: Determination of particle density and water absorption*).

---

### **2. Apparatus and Materials**

- **Le Chatelier flask** (calibrated to 250 mL, conforming to EN 196-6)

- **Kerosene (or naphtha)** (density ~0.79 g/cm³, free from water)

- **Thermometer** (precision ±0.5°C)

- **Balance** (accuracy ±0.01 g)

- **Water bath or constant-temperature room** (maintained at **20 ± 0.5°C**)

- **Vacuum pump or desiccator** (for removing entrapped air)

- **Dried cement sample** (oven-dried at **105 ± 5°C** to constant mass)

---

### **3. Procedure**

#### **3.1 Calibration of Le Chatelier Flask**

1. Fill the flask with **kerosene** up to the **0 mL mark**.

2. Record the temperature (**T₁**).

3. Weigh the flask + kerosene (**W₁**).

4. Add a known mass of distilled water (~50 g) and record the new level (**V mL**).
5. Calculate the flask’s volume per mL mark:

\[

\text{Volume per mL} = \frac{\text{Mass of water (g)}}{V \text{ (mL)}}

\]

#### **3.2 Determination of Cement Specific Gravity**

1. **Dry the cement sample** at **105 ± 5°C** for **1 hour**, then cool in a desiccator.

2. Weigh **64 g of cement (Wc)** (or an amount sufficient to displace the kerosene to the
next major mark).

3. Fill the flask with **kerosene up to the 0 mL mark**.

4. **Gently add the cement** into the flask in small increments to avoid air entrapment.

5. **Remove air bubbles** by:

- Gentle swirling

- Applying a **vacuum** (if necessary)

6. Record the **final kerosene level (Vf)**.

7. Measure the **temperature (T₂)**.

---

### **4. Treatment of Results**

#### **4.1 Calculation of Specific Gravity (Gs)**

\[

G_s = \frac{W_c}{(V_f - V_i) \times \rho_k}

\]

Where:

- \(W_c\) = Mass of cement (g)

- \(V_f\) = Final kerosene level (mL)


- \(V_i\) = Initial kerosene level (0 mL)

- \(\rho_k\) = Density of kerosene at test temperature (g/cm³, from standard tables)

**Temperature Correction:**

If the test temperature differs from **20°C**, apply a correction factor for kerosene density
(refer to EN 196-6).

#### **4.2 Repeatability and Reporting**

- Conduct **two tests**.

- If results differ by **> 0.03 g/cm³**, repeat the test.

- Report the **average Gs value** (rounded to **0.01 g/cm³**).

---

### **5. Reporting (EN 196-6 Compliance)**

The test report must include:

- Cement type and batch number.

- Test temperature and kerosene density used.

- Specific gravity (Gs) value.

- Any deviations from the standard procedure.

---

### **6. Safety & Precision Considerations**

- **Avoid moisture contamination** (use dry equipment).

- **Maintain constant temperature** (20 ± 0.5°C).

- **Calibrate the flask periodically** (per EN 196-6).


This procedure ensures compliance with **Eurocode (EN) standards** for determining
cement specific gravity, a critical parameter for mix design and quality control.

Would you like additional details on **alternative methods (pycnometer)** as per EN 1097-
6?

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