Astm C188
Astm C188
Procedure:
Step 1: Determine the density of cement on the material as received, unless otherwise specified.
If the density determination on a loss-free sample is required, first ignite the sample as described in the
test for loss on ignition in section 16.1 on Portland Cement of Test Methods C 114.
Step 2: Fill the flask (Note 2) with either of the liquids specified in 3.2 to a point on the stem
between the 0 and the 1-mL mark. Dry the inside of the flask above the level of the liquid, if necessary,
after pouring. Record the first reading after the flask has been immersed in the water bath (Note 3) in
accordance with 4.4.
NOTE 2—It is advisable to use a rubber pad on the table top when filling or rolling the flask.
NOTE 3—Before the cement has been added to the flask, a loose-fitting, lead-ring weight around the
stem of the flask will be helpful in holding the flask in an upright position in the water bath, or the flask
may be held in the water bath by a buret clamp.
Step 3: Introduce a quantity of cement, weighed to the nearest 0.05 g, (about 64 g for portland
cement) in small increments at the same temperature as the liquid (Note 2). Take care to avoid splashing
and see that the cement does not adhere to the inside of the flask above the liquid.Avibrating apparatus
may be used to accelerate the introduction of the cement into the flask and to prevent the cement from
sticking to the neck. After all the cement has been introduced, place the stopper in the flask and roll the
flask in an inclined position (Note 2), or gently whirl it in a horizontal circle, so as to free the cement from
air until no further air bubbles rise to the surface of the liquid. If a proper amount of cement has been
added, the level of the liquid will be in its final position at some point of the upper series of graduations.
Take the final reading after the flask has been immersed in the water bath in accordance with 4.4.
Step 4: Immerse the flask in a constant-temperature water bath for sufficient periods of time in
order to avoid flask temperature variations greater than 0.2°C between the initial and the final readings.
Formula:
ρ
( cmg )= mv
3
Where:
m = mass of cement, g
3
v = discplaced volume, cm
Summarization of the procedures:
ASTM C188 will be used to determine the density present in the hydraulic cement. This standard
will be substantial in terms of identifying the appropriate design and control of the concrete mixtures.
The density of the cement will be needed to identify first, before proceeding into filling of the
appropriate liquids in the Le Chatelier Flask. The cement with a mass of 0.5 grams will be added into the
flask, while being agitated to avoid the attachment of the cement to the neck of the apparatus. When all
of the bubbles present in the mixture has risen to the surface, the flask will be bathed to a constant
temperature of water for a period of time, to produce an initial and final reading which will serve as the
displaced volume, that will be use for the calculation of density of the hydraulic cement.