Measurement of Particle Size Distribution in Portland Cement Powder: Analysis of ASTM Round Robin Studies.
Measurement of Particle Size Distribution in Portland
Cement Powder: Analysis of ASTM Round Robin Studies.
(201 K)
Ferraris, C. F.; Hackley, V. A.; Aviles, A. I.
Cement, Concrete and Aggregates, Vol. 26, No. 2, 1-11,
2004.
Keywords:
cements; particle size distribution; round robin; laser
diffraction; cement powder; data analysis; methodology
Abstract:
A distribution of particle sizes or particle size
distribution (PSD) is a fundamental characteristic of
cement powder. Accurate PSDs are required in
computational efforts to model the hydration process and
it is an important practical issue for the cement
industry. Presently, the only available standard method
for measuring the PSD of cement, namely ASTM C115, is
limited in scope, with a lower size detection limit of
7.5 mm. Since there are no standard procedures that
adequately cover the broad particle size range
associated with portland cement powder, the
implementation of different measurement techniques
varies widely within the industry. Two ASTM-sponsored
round robin tests were performed to (1) ascertain the
techniques and methods currently used in the cement
industry and (2) develop and refine a standard method or
methods. The results have been incorporated into a best
practice method based on the technique of laser
diffraction. The aim of the current paper is to
summarize the findings based on the data generated
during the round robins and to summarize the various
approaches available to measure the PSD of cement. A
summary of the statistical analysis of the test results
is described.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899