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MANILA
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
EXPERIMENT NO. 2
TEST OF FINENESS OF CEMENT BY SIEVE METHOD
I. DISCUSSION
This method covers sieving technique for determination of fineness of cement by means
of the 0.074 mm (#200) sieve. Higher fineness of cement increases the rate of hydration of
cement, that is, the chemical reaction between water and cement. As a result of this greater
early strength and more rapid generation of heat is achieved. Although high strength is
desirable, the accompanying generation of het may weaken the concrete.
3. Perform sieving with a gentle horizontal circular motion to avoid spilling. Continue the
operation for at least 5 minutes. Avoid spilling the cement.
4. Cover the sieve.
5. Hold the covered sieve in one hand over the collecting pan. Remove the pan from the
sieve. Gently tap the side of the sieve using the handle of the bristle brush. By tapping the
side of the sieve, the cement particles adhering to the sieve will be dislodged.
6. Replace the sieve in the pan.
7. Carefully remove the cover. Return any cement particles caught in the cover.
8. Do steps 3 to 7 until almost all finer particles passed the sieve. Continue the sieving
operation until only less than 0.1% of the sample (or 0.05g) passes the sieve. To check if
less than 0.1% pass the sieve, do the following:
a.) Hold the sieve in one hand in slightly inclined position over a white clean and dry paper.
b.) Strike the side of the sieve with the palm of the other hand in an upward stroke at the
rate of 25 strokes per 10 seconds, for a total of 150 strokes in one minute. Rotate the sieve
about 60 degrees on its plane for every 10 seconds. Do this for one minute.
c.) Weigh the cement collected on the paper. If it is less than 0.05g then proceed to the next
step, otherwise continue the sieving operation.
9. Weigh the cement retained in the sieve.
V. CALCULATION
F.M. = 100 x R / W
Where:
F.M. =fineness modulus (%)
R = weight of the residue from sample retained on the sieve (g)
W =total weight of the cement sample (g)
VII. ILLUSTRATION:
VIII. DISCUSSION
This experiment is all about the fineness of cement. Fineness of cement is the degree to
which the cement is drawn to smaller and smaller particles. There are different methods used to
determine the fineness of cement. The experiment was conducted using the Sieving Method.
The finer the cement the higher the rate of hydration and the development of the strength.
This method is used to check the grained size of cement particles for construction of a
building or any structure by performing sieve test procedure.
IX. CONCLUSION
It can be therefore concluded that a cement samples fineness modulus can be attained
through sieve method. The weight of the residue from sample retrained on the sieve should not
exceed 10% of the total weight of the cement sample, and therefore satisfying the criteria. Or
simply by using sieve method the fineness modulus can be calculated
X. RECOMMENDATION
The proper and careful use of sieve is recommended together with the other
equipments.