ASTM C115-96a(2003)

Standard Test Method for Fineness of Portland Cement by the Turbidimeter

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The purpose of this test method is to determine whether or not the hydraulic cement under test meets the Wagner turbidimetric fineness requirements of the applicable hydraulic cement specification for which the test is being made. Fineness of the cement component is only one of the many characteristics that influence the strength capabilities of concrete.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determination of the fineness of portland cement as represented by a calculated measure of specific surface, expressed as square centimetres of total surface area per gram, or square metres of total surface area per kilogram, of cement, using the Wagner turbidimeter.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to regarded as the standard. The inch-pound equivalents may be approximate.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Jul-2003
• ICS: 91.100.10 - Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar
• Technical Committee: C01 - Cement
• Drafting Committee: C01.25 - Fineness

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C115-96a - Standard Test Method for Fineness of Portland Cement by the Turbidimeter
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003
• Replaced By: ASTM C115-10 - Standard Test Method for Fineness of Portland Cement by the Turbidimeter
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2010

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: C115 – 96a (Reapproved 2003)
Standard Test Method for
1
Fineness of Portland Cement by the Turbidimeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C115; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope of the cement component is only one of the many character-
istics that influence the strength capabilities of concrete.
1.1 This test method covers determination of the fineness of
portland cement as represented by a calculated measure of
4. Apparatus
specific surface, expressed as square centimetres of total
4.1 Nature of Apparatus—TheWagnerturbidimeterconsists
surfaceareapergram,orsquaremetresoftotalsurfaceareaper
2 essentially of a source of light maintained at constant intensity
kilogram, of cement, using the Wagner turbidimeter.
and adjusted so that approximately parallel rays of light pass
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
through a suspension of the cement to be tested and impinge
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
upon the sensitive plate of a photoelectric cell. The current
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
generated in the cell is measured by means of a microammeter
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
and the indicated reading is a measure of the turbidity of the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
suspension. General considerations indicate that turbidity is in
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to regarded as the
turn a measure of the surface area of the suspended sample of
standard. The inch-pound equivalents may be approximate.
cement. The apparatus shall consist specifically of the parts
2. Referenced Documents described in 4.2-4.7 and shall be constructed in accordance
3
with the detailed design and dimensional requirements shown
2.1 ASTM Standards:
in Fig. 1 and Table 1, except that the case may be either of
C114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic
wood or of metal.
Cement
4.2 Turbidimeter, mounted in a suitable wood or metal case
C430 TestMethodforFinenessofHydraulicCementbythe
including the following features:
45-µm (No. 325) Sieve
4.2.1 Source of Light—The source of light (Fig. 1) shall
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
consist of a concentrated-filament electric lamp of between 3
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
and 6 cd operated by a source of constant emf. The lamp shall
3. Significance and Use be mounted rigidly in the socket. A clean, bright parabolic
metallic reflector shall be rigidly mounted behind the lamp,
3.1 The purpose of this test method is to determine whether
focused so that approximately parallel rays of light will pass
or not the hydraulic cement under test meets the Wagner
through the sedimentation tank and impinge upon the photo-
turbidimetric fineness requirements of the applicable hydraulic
electric cell. The light intensity shall be regulated by two
cementspecificationforwhichthetestisbeingmade.Fineness
rheostats of approximately 6 and 30 V, respectively, and they
shall possess such characteristics that uniform changes in light
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ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC01onCement intensitymaybeobtainedoverthefullrangeofresistance.The
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C01.25 on Fineness.
rheostats shall be mounted in parallel with each other and in
Current edition approved July 10, 2003. Published September 2003. Originally
series with the lamp.
approved in 1934. Last previous edition approved in 1996 as C115–96a. DOI:
4.2.2 Heat-Absorbing Device—The light shall pass through
10.1520/C0115-96AR03.
2
This turbidimeter was developed by L. A. Wagner, Research Associate of the
a suitable heat absorbing device before entering the sedimen-
Cement Reference Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology,
tation tank in order that radiant heat from the beam shall be
Washington, DC. A description of the apparatus and the original mathematical
absorbed, the device being either (1) a water cell or (2)a
derivationsofformulasusedaregiveninthepaper:Wagner,L.A.,“ARapidMethod
specialheat-absorbingglassfilter.Thewatercellshallbemade
for the Determination of the Specific Surface of Portland Cement,” Proceedings,
ASTM, ASTEA, Vol 33, Part II, 1933, p. 553.
from 76-mm (3-in.) outside diameter seamless brass tubing,
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
1
3-mm ( ⁄8-in.) thick wall, 102-mm (4 in.) in length with glass
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
windows sealed in the ends. The cell s
...