Analysis of the ASTM Round-Robin Test on Particle Size Distribution of Portland Cement: Phase 2.
Analysis of the ASTM Round-Robin Test on Particle Size
Distribution of Portland Cement: Phase 2.
(1057 K)
Ferraris, C. F.; Hackley, V. A.; Aviles, A. I.;
Buchanan, C. E., Jr.
NISTIR 6931; 64 p. December 2002.
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Order number: PB2003-101574
Keywords:
cements; laser diffraction; particle size distribution;
particle size; size distribution; reference material;
lasers
Abstract:
A distribution of sizes or particle size distribution
(PSD) is an essential property of cement powder. The
only standard method to measure the PSD of cement,
namely ASTM C115 is limited in scope; this standard only
describes a method for determining "fineness" with a
lower size detection limit of 7.5 m. As there is no
standard procedure covering the whole range of cement
PSD, the implementation of different measurement methods
varies widely within the industry. A first report was
prepared to examine the method used in the cement
industry. The high variability of the data led to the
necessity for further research. ASTM committee C01.25.01
sponsored a second round-robin test to measure the PSD
of cement. The aim of the current report is to analyze
the data generated during that test and to summarize the
various approaches available to measure the PSD of
cement. The analysis of the data is conducted in two
parts. In the first part, an attempt is made to
establish a reference distribution using a standard
cement powder (SRM 114p), improving the results already
obtained from the first round-robin. This is followed up
by examination of the parameters and methodology used by
the participants in order to initiate discussion on
developing a standard test method for cement PSD to be
submitted for ASTM consideration. The report provides
all raw data collected during the round-robin tests, and
the results of a statistical analysis of the collected
data.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899