Laboratory Exercise No.

8
SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT

INTRODUCTION
Specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of cement to the weight of
an equal volume of water. Specific gravity of cement is normally used in mixture
proportioning of concrete. It is also used to determine if the cement is being
adulterated. The specific gravity of Portland cement is usually around 3.15. The
standard specific gravity test is based on specification of AASHTO T 133 and ASTM
C 188 for Density of Hydraulic Cement.

APPARATUS AND SUPPLY

1. Le Chatelier flask (Figure 8.1)
2. Analytical balance
3. Paint brush
4. Water bath
5. Thermometer
6. Kerosene, free of water

SAMPLE DESCRIPTION

Dry Portland cement, 64 grams, free of lumps

PROCEDURE

1. Fill the Le Chatelier flask with kerosene up to a level between the zero and 1-ml
mark.
2. Place the flask in the water bath and allow sufficient time for the kerosene
temperature to adjust to water temperature before making initial reading.
3. Take the initial ml reading at the stem of the flask.
4. Carefully put the 64-g cement sample inside the flask. Make it sure that all cement
particles are immersed in the kerosene. Put the flask’s cover or stopper.
5. With the flask in titling position, gently roll it with occasional swirling to facilitate
removal of air bubbles.
6. Set the flask aside for 12 hours until the kerosene becomes clear.
7. Return the flask in the water bath and allow sufficient time for the kerosene
temperature to adjust to water temperature. Make it sure that the temperature in
the initial reading is the same as that in the final reading.
8. Take the final ml reading.
CALCULATION

1. Calculation of density of Portland cement

M
ρC =
Rf Ri

where:

ρc = density of Portland cement, g/ml

M = mass of the Portland cement, g
Ri = initial ml reading, ml
Rf = final ml reading, ml

2. Calculation of specific gravity of Portland cement

ρc
G =
ρw

where:

G = specific gravity of Portland cement

ρc = density of Portland cement, g/ml
ρw = density of water, g/ml

Figure 8.1 Le Chatelier Flask

2
FINAL DATA SHEET

Trial Numbers

Descriptions 1 2 3 4

Mass of cement, g

Initial reading, ml

Final reading, ml

Volume of cement, ml

Density of cement, g/ml

Specific gravity of cement

Average specific gravity

3
 Name: Date Performed:

Course/Year: Instructor:

Laboratory Exercise No. 8

SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT

PRELIMINARY DATA SHEET

Trial Numbers

Descriptions 1 2 3 4

Mass of cement, g

Initial reading, ml

Final reading, ml

Volume of cement, ml

Density of cement, g/ml

Specific gravity of cement

Average specific gravity

GROUP No. _________

Group Leader: __________________

Group Members: Signature:
1. _____________________ ____________
2. _____________________ ____________
3. _____________________ ____________
4. _____________________ ____________
5. _____________________ ____________
Approved by:
_____________________
(Instructor)