MALAYSIAN

STANDARD

MS 522: PART 1:2003

PORTLAND CEMENT
(ORDINARY AND RAPID-HARDENING) :
PART 1: SPECIFICATION
(SECOND REVISION)

ICS: 91.100.10
Descriptors: cement, portland, ordinary, rapid hardening, requirements, test methods

Copyright 2003
DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS MALAYSIA

DEVELOPMENT OF MALAYSIAN STANDARDS

The Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM) is the national standardisation and
accreditation body.

The main function of the Department is to foster and promote standards,

standardisation and accreditation as a means of advancing the national economy,
promoting industrial efficiency and development, benefiting the health and safety of
the public, protecting the consumers, facilitating domestic and international trade and
furthering international cooperation in relation to standards and standardisation.

Malaysian Standards are developed through consensus by committees which

comprise of balanced representation of producers, users, consumers and others with
relevant interests, as may be appropriate to the subject in hand. To the greatest
extent possible, Malaysian Standards are aligned to or are adoption of international
standards. Approval of a standard as a Malaysian Standard is governed by the
Standards of Malaysia Act 1996 (Act 549). Malaysian Standards are reviewed
periodically. The use of Malaysian Standards is voluntary except in so far as they are
made mandatory by regulatory authorities by means of regulations, local by-laws or
any other similar ways.

The Department of Standards appoints SIRIM Berhad as the agent to develop

Malaysian Standards. The Department also appoints SIRIM Berhad as the agent for
distribution and sale of Malaysian Standards.
For further information on Malaysian Standards, please contact:
Department of Standards Malaysia
Level 1 & 2, Block C4, Parcel C
Federal Government Administrative Centre
62502 Putrajaya
MALAYSIA

OR

SIRIM Berhad
(Company No. 367474 - V)
1, Persiaran Dato Menteri
P.O. Box 7035, Section 2
40911 Shah Alam
Selangor D.E.

Tel: 60 3 88858000
Fax: 60 3 88885060

Tel: 60 3 5544 6000

Fax: 60 3 5510 8095

http://www.dsm.gov.my

http://www.sirim.my

E-mail: central@dsm.gov.my

MS 522: PART 1:2003

CONTENTS
Page

Committee representation ..........................................................................

iii

Foreword .......................................................................................................

iv

Scope

Referenced documents ..

Composition and manufacture of Portland cement

Chemical requirements

Physical requirements

Storage .

Sampling ...

Compliance ...

Manufacturers certificate ...

10

Packaging and delivery ..

11

Marking ..

12

Product certification ....

A1

Typical sampling tube..

12

A2

Typical sampling ladle

13

A3

Certificate of sampling .

14

Determination of the percentage (by mass of total cement) of the oxide .

in cement..

Maximum total sulphur expressed as SO3 (%) .

Figures

Tables
1

MS 522: PART 1:2003

CONTENTS (continued)
Page
Appendices

Methods of sampling

Determination of chloride content ..

15

Product guidance .

18

ii

MS 522: PART 1:2003

Committee representation
The Building and Civil Engineering Industry Standards Committee (ISC D) under whose supervision this Malaysian
Standard was developed, comprises representatives from the following organisations:
Associations of Consulting Engineers Malaysia
Chartered Institute of Building Malaysia
Construction Industry Development Board, Malaysia
Department of Standards Malaysia
Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia
Masters Builders Association Malaysia
Jabatan Perumahan Negara
Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia
Malaysian Timber Industry Board
Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Suruhanjaya Tenaga Malaysia

The Technical Committee on Cement and Concrete which developed this Standard was managed by the Cement
and Concrete Association of Malaysia in its capacity as an authorised Standards-Writing Organisation and comprised
the following organisations:
Associated Pan Malaysia Cement Sdn Bhd
Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia
Cement & Concrete Association of Malaysia (Secretariat)
Cement Industries of Malaysia Bhd
Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia
CMS Cement Sdn Bhd
IKRAM QA Services Sdn Bhd
Master Builders Association Malaysia
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
Negeri Sembilan Cement Industries Sdn Bhd
Pahang Cement Sdn Bhd
Perak-Hanjoong Simen Sdn Bhd
SIRIM Berhad
SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd
Tasek Corporation Bhd
The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
University Malaya
University Teknologi Malaysia

iii

MS 522: PART 1:2003

FOREWORD
This Malaysian Standard was developed by the Technical Committee on Cement under the
authority of the Building and Civil Engineering Industry Standards Committee. Development of
this standard was carried out by the Cement and Concrete Association of Malaysia which is
the Standards Writing Organisation appointed by SIRIM Berhad to develop standards for
cement.
This standard is the second revision of MS 522: Part 1, Specification for Portland Cement
(Ordinary and Rapid-Hardening): Part 1: Standard Specification. It has also incorporated all
the amendments approved in 1992.
Major changes featured in the second revision are as follows:
a)

Incorporation of prism mortar test as the 3rd method for compressive strength
testing.

b)

Withdrawal of Clause 8 on Cost of Testing as it was not relevant to the standard

development.

c)

Introduction of new clauses 10,11 and 12 on Marking, Packaging and Delivery and
Product Certification respectively.

d)

The title has been amended from Specification for Portland Cement (Ordinary and
Rapid-Hardening): Part 1: Standard Specification to Portland Cement (Ordinary and
Rapid-Hardening): Part 1: Specification.

This revised standard will cancel and replace MS 522: Part 1:1989.
MS 522 consists of the following parts under the general title, Portland Cement (Ordinary and
Rapid-Hardening).
a)

Part 1: Specification

b)

Part 2: Physical test

c)

Part 3: Chemical analysis

d)

Part 4: Spectrophotometric analysis

Compliance with a Malaysian Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal
obligations.

iv

MS 522: PART 1:2003

PORTLAND CEMENT
(ORDINARY AND RAPID-HARDENING)
PART 1: SPECIFICATION
(SECOND REVISION)
1.

Scope

This standard covers the manufacture, chemical and physical requirements, storage,
sampling and marking of the following types of Portland cement:
a)

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC); and

b)

Rapid-hardening Portland cement (RHPC).

2.

Referenced documents

The following referenced documents contain provisions which, through reference in these
texts, constitute provision of this standard. For dated references, where there are subsequent
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to
agreements based on this standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying
the most recent editions of the referenced documents. For undated references, the latest
edition of the publication referred to applies.
MS 522 : Part 2 : 1989, Specification for Portland Cement (Ordinary and Rapid- Hardening) :
Part 2 : Physical Tests (First revision)
MS 522 : Part 3 : 1989, Specification for Portland Cement (Ordinary and Rapid- Hardening) :
Part 3 : Chemical Analysis (First revision)
MS 522 : Part 4 : 1989, Specification for Portland Cement (Ordinary and Rapid- Hardening) :
Part 4 : Spectrophotometric analysis (First revision)
MS 975 : 1985, Specification for processing addition for use in the manufacture of hydraulic
cement
MS ISO 679 : 2001,

Methods of testing cement Determination of strength

BS EN 12878 : 1999, Pigments for colouring of building materials based on cement and/or
lime specification and method of test.

3.

Composition and manufacture of Portland cement

3.1
The cement, whether ordinary or rapid-hardening, shall be obtained by pulverizing
clinker, consisting mostly of calcium silicates obtained by heating to partial fusion a
predetermined and homogeneous mixture of materials containing principally lime (CaO) and
silica (SiO2) with a smaller proportion of alumina (Al2O3) and iron oxide (Fe2O3).
3.2

The cement shall contain no additions except as provided for below.

1

MS 522: PART 1:2003

a)

Water or gypsum or anhydrite, or other derivatives for calcium sulphate, or any

combination of these substances; the amount of addition to be such that the limit
shown for sulphuric anhydride and loss on ignition shall not be exceeded.

b)

Metallic iron from the grinding process which shall not be regarded as an addition.

c)

Grinding aids in a proportion by mass that shall not exceed 1.0 %.

NOTE. These grinding aids should not promote corrosion of the reinforcement or impair the properties of the cement
or of the mortar or concrete made from the cement.

d)

For Ordinary Portland Cement, the clinker may be mixed and pulverized with any one
or some of the following minor additional constituent:
i)

granulated blast-furnace slag;

ii)

pozzolanic siliceous materials;

iii)

pulverized fuel ash; and

iv)

limestone.

The total amount of such material shall not be more than 5 % of the cement.
e)

Any other additions that shall comply with MS 975.

3.3
However, coloured Portland cements shall be deemed to comply with the
requirements of this standard provided that:
a)

the pigments comply with the requirements of BS EN 12878;

b)

the chemical composition of the Portland cement constituent complies with Clause 4
of this standard; and

c)

the cement as a whole complies with the requirements of this Standard with the
exception of Clause 4.

4.

Chemical requirements

The cement shall comply with the following chemical requirements.

4.1

Lime saturation factor (LSF)

The lime saturation factor shall be not greater than 1.02 and not less than 0.66 when
calculated by the formula:

LSF =

(CaO) - 0.7 (SO )

3

2.8 (SiO ) + 1.2 (Al O ) + 0.65 (Fe O )

2

MS 522: PART 1:2003

where each symbol in parentheses refers to the percentage (by mass of total cement) of the
oxide, as determined by the one of the methods specified in the Table 1.
Table 1. Determination of the percentage (by mass of total cement) of the oxide
in cement

Methods

Constituents

4.2

MS 522: Part 3

MS 522: Part 4

SiO2

Clause 5

Clause 7.2

CaO

Clause 7

Clause 7.5

Al2O3

Clause 10

Clause 7.3

Fe2O3

Clause 9

Clause 7.3

SO3

Clause 13

Clause 7.6

Insoluble residue

The mass of insoluble residue, as determined by the method described under Clause 12 of
MS 522: Part 3 shall not exceed 1.5 % (m/m) for cement not containing a minor additional
constituent and 5.0 % (m/m) for cement containing a minor additional constituent.
4.3

Magnesium oxide

The mass of magnesium oxide as determined by the method described under Clause 8 of MS
522: Part 3 or Clause 7.4 of MS 522: Part 4, shall not exceed 5.0 %.
4.4

Sulphuric anhydride

The mass of total sulphur, expressed as SO3 and determined by the method described under
Clause 13 of MS 522 Part 3 or Clause 7.6 of MS 522: Part 4 shall not exceed the appropriate
value in Table 2.
Table 2. Maximum total sulphur expressed as SO3 (%)
Cement

When tricalcium aluminate

is 5 % or less

When tricalcium aluminate

is more than 5 %

OPC

2.5

3.0

RHPC

3.0

3.5

NOTE. The tricalcium aluminate content (C3A) is calculated by the formula:

C3A = 2.65 (Al2O3) 1.69 (Fe2O3)
where,
C = CaO
A = Al2O3

MS 522: PART 1:2003

Where each symbol in parentheses refers to the percentage (by mass of total cement) of the oxide, as determined by
the methods specified in Table 1, excluding any Al2O3 contained in the insoluble residue referred to in 4.2 of this
standard.

4.5

Loss on ignition

The loss on ignition, as determined by the method described under Clause 11 of MS 522:
Part 3 shall not exceed 4.0 % (m/m) for cement not containing a calcareous minor additional
constituent and 5 % (m/m) for cement containing a calcareous minor additional constituent.

4.6

Chloride

The chloride, as determined by the method described in Appendix B shall not exceed 0.1 %
(m/m).

5.

Physical requirements

5.1

Fineness

The cement shall be tested for fineness by the method described under Clause 1 or Clause 2
of MS 522: Part 2 and shall have the following values for specific surface:
a)

Ordinary Portland cement: minimum 225 m2/kg; and

b)

Rapid-hardening Portland cement: minimum 325 m2/kg

5.2

Soundness

The cement, when tested for soundness by the Le Chatelier method described under Clause
3 of MS 522: Part 2 shall have an expansion of not more than 10 mm. If the cement fails to
comply with this requirement, a further test shall be made in the manner described.
For this test, another portion of the same sample shall be used after it has been aerated by
being spread out to a depth of 75 5 mm at a relative humidity of 50 % to 80 % for a total
period of 7 days. The expansion of this aerated sub-sample shall not exceed 5 mm.
If the mass of magnesium oxide contained in the cement exceeds 5.0 %, the soundness of
the cement shall be determined by the autoclave expansion test described under Clause 4 of
MS 522: Part 2. In this case, the cement shall not have an expansion of more than 0.8 %.
5.3

Setting time

The setting times of cement paste of standard consistence as determined by the methods
described under MS 522: Part 2 shall be:
a)

Initial setting time:

not less than 45 min; and

b)

Final setting time:

not more than 10 hrs

MS 522: PART 1:2003

5.4

Compressive strength

The cement shall be tested for compressive strength by one of the methods specified in 5.4.1,
5.4.2 and 5.4.3.
5.4.1

Method 1

The average compressive strength of three mortar cubes, prepared, stored and tested as
described under Clause 7 of MS 522: Part 2 shall be:
5.4.1.1 Ordinary Portland cement
a)

at 3 days (72 1 hr):

not less than 23.0 N/mm2 ; and

b)

at 28 days:

higher than the compressive strength at 3 days and not

less than 41.0 N/mm2

5.4.1.2 Rapid-hardening Portland cement

a)

at 3 days (72 1 hr):

not less than 29.0 N/mm2 ; and

b)

at 28 days:

higher than the compressive strength at 3 days and not less

than 46.0 N/mm2

5.4.2

Method 2

The average compressive strength of three concrete cubes prepared, stored and tested as
described under Clause 8 of MS 522: Part 2 shall be:
5.4.2.1 Ordinary Portland cement
a)

at 3 days (72 1 hr):

not less than 11.5 N/mm2 ; and

b)

at 28 days:

higher than the compressive strength at 3 days and not

less than 26.0 N/mm2

5.4.2.2 Rapid-hardening Portland cement

a)

at 3 days (72 1 hr):

not less than 18.0 N/mm2 ; and

b)

at 28 days:

higher than the compressive strength at 3 days and not

less than 31.0 N/mm2

5.4.3

Method 3

The average compressive strength of mortar prisms prepared, stored and tested as described
under MS ISO 679 shall be:
5.4.3.1 Ordinary Portland cement
a)

at 3 days (72 1 hr):

not less than 16 N/mm2; and

b)

at 28 days:

higher than the compressive strength at 3 days and not

less than 36.0 N/mm2
5

MS 522: PART 1:2003

5.4.3.2 Rapid-hardening Portland cement

a)

at 3 days (72 1 hr):

not less than 24.0 N/mm2 ; and

b)

at 28 days:

higher than the compressive strength at 3 days and not

less than 41.0 N/mm2

NOTE. In the event of a dispute, a re-test shall be carried out in the presence of representatives of the two parties
concerned. When method 2 is employed the aggregate to be used in the re-test shall be agreed upon by both
parties. If an aggregate cannot be agreed upon then method 1 or 3 shall be used.

6.

Storage

The cement shall be stored in such a manner that affords easy access for inspection. The
building used for such a purpose shall be weather-proof and well ventilated to protect the
cement from dampness and to minimise warehouse deterioration.

7.

Sampling

If a sample is required for independent tests, it shall be taken, at the option of the purchaser
or his representative, before delivery or within 1 week after delivery of the cement, by the
method described in Appendix A. The tests shall be commenced within 4 weeks of delivery.
If the vendor so desires, he or his representative shall be present at the sampling.
7.1

Facilities for sampling and identifying

When a sample of cement for testing is to be taken on the premises of the vendor, he shall
afford every facility and provide all labour and materials for taking and packing the sample
and, as far as possible, for subsequently identifying the cement sampled.
NOTE. It is recognised that there may sometimes be difficulty in complying with this requirement since it may not be
possible to identify a particular consignment of cement after it has been placed with other cement in a silo on the
users site.

7.2

Resampling

In the event of a dispute, a further sample shall be taken from the lot, for testing by a
laboratory acceptable to both parties. The sample shall be taken not later than 10 weeks
after delivery of the cement provided that the storage is according to Clause 5.

8.

Compliance

Any consignment is part of a consignment which, when sampled in accordance with Clause 7,
fails to comply with any one or more of the requirements of this standard, shall be deemed not
to comply with this standard.

MS 522: PART 1:2003

9.

Manufacturers certificate

9.1
The manufacturer shall be satisfied that the cement at the time of its delivery
complies with the requirements of this standard and, if requested, he shall forward a
certificate to this effect to the purchaser or his representative.
9.2

The certificate shall include the following information:

a)

name and address of the manufacturer;

b)

number of the product certification licence; and

c)

name of, and position held by, the person empowered to sign the certificate on behalf
of the manufacturer or of his authorised representative.

9.3
At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall state in writing the nature,
amount and identity of any processing addition that may have been used.

10.

Packaging and delivery

The delivery and packaging may be in bag or bulk.

10.1

Bagged cement

Bagged cement shall be packed in multi-ply paper bags. The net mass of the cement shall be
50 kg. The permissible tolerance on the mass of cement supplied in bags shall be 2.5 % per
bag.
NOTE. For a lorry load of bag cement, the permissible tolerance on the total mass of cement supplied shall be 0.5
%.

10.2

Bulk cement

Bulk cement can be delivered in the form of bulk tanker or wagon. The permissible tolerance
on the total mass of cement supplied shall be 0.5 %

11.

Marking

11.1

Bagged cement

In the case of bagged cement, the product certification marking, the product certification
number and the accompanying information is as given below:
a)

brand name;

b)

type of cement;

c)

company logo;

d)

name of manufacturer;

MS 522: PART 1:2003

e)

address;

f)

certification licence number;

g)

retail price; and

h)

net weight.

11.2

Bulk cement

In the case of bulk cement, the product certification marking, the product certification licence
number and the accompanying information as listed for bagged cement should be affixed in
some suitable practical form on the accompanying commercial documents.

12.

Product certification

Each product, may by arrangement with a recognised certification body, be marked with the
certification mark of that body, provided the product conforms to the requirements of the
standard.

MS 522: PART 1:2003

Appendix A
(normative)
Methods of sampling
A1.

Application

A1.1 This appendix describes methods for obtaining samples of cement for test purposes
from deliveries. The sampling situations covered are:
a)

cement in bags, drums or other packages (A5.1);

b)

cement in bulk-delivery vehicles (A5.2);

c)

cement on discharge from a storage silo (A5.3).

A2.

General

Samples shall be taken using clean, dry equipment and shall be stored in clean, dry, airtight
sample containers.

A3.

Size of samples

Samples shall be of 10 kg minimum mass taken in accordance with Clause 6.

A4.

Representation

A4.1 The quantity of cement represented by a sample shall not normally exceed 30
tonnes.
A4.2 When the mass of cement in any container exceeds 30 tonnes, special
arrangements, based on the general principles of the sampling methods described in this
standard, shall be agreed upon between the parties concerned.

A5.

Sampling methods

A5.1

Cement in bags, drums or other packages

Samples shall consist of at least five sub-samples obtained, if possible, from different
containers. The containers to be sampled shall be selected by:
a)

allocating, in a systematic order, a number to each container in the delivery;

b)

dividing the total number of containers by the number of sub-samples required to

identify different parts of the delivery; and

MS 522: PART 1:2003

c)

selecting, at random from each part, a container to be sampled.

When there are fewer than five containers, each container shall be sampled and
approximately the same quantity of cement shall be taken from each container. The use of a
sampling tube is preferred.
A5.1.1 Sampling by sampling tube
A suitable form of tube is shown in Figure A1. Marks on the collars of both tubes correspond
to the centre line of the slots so that, when the mark on the inner tube is lined up with the
mark on the outer tube, the slots are open.
The closed sampling tube shall be inserted into an opened container and driven into the
cement. The tube shall then be opened and rotated until it takes a full core of cement from
substantially the entire length of the container.
A5.1.2 Sampling by other methods
When no sampling tube is available, the container shall be opened and a sub-sample taken
by means of a scoop or other appropriate tool.
A5.2

Cement in bulk-delivery vehicle

A sample shall be obtained by use of a sampling ladle. A suitable form of ladle is shown in
Figure A2.
Before any cement is discharged, the inspection cover on the top of the delivery vehicle shall
be removed.
The top 150 mm (approximately) of the cement shall be scrapped aside. The exposed
surface shall be sampled by ladling from it a sufficient number of sub-samples. Each subsample shall be taken by filling the ladle to its capacity (any excess removed). Sampling of a
sub-sample shall be repeated when any part of a sub-sample is lost when transferring from
the ladle to the sample container.
A5.3

Cement from the discharge of a storage silo

A sub-sample shall be obtained from the silo discharge by use of a scoop or other appropriate
tool. At least three sub-samples shall be taken evenly spaced through the discharge from the
silo. The sub-samples shall be combined to form the sample.
A sample of cement taken from a silo shall be taken as representing only the quantity of the
cement discharged at the time of sampling. It shall not be taken as representing a particular
batch or delivery of cement to the silo unless the silo is known to contain no other cement.

A6.

Storage and delivery samples

Immediately after being taken, the sample shall be stored in a clean, dry, airtight container
made of metal or glass. The volume of air remaining in the filled container shall be the
minimum practicable.

10

MS 522: PART 1:2003

A7.

Certificate of sampling

The sample shall be accompanied by a certificate of sampling on which shall be recorded

information identifying the material and the method of sampling.
The general form of the certificate is shown in Figure A3.

11

MS 522: PART 1:2003

Figure A1. Typical sampling tube

12

MS 522: PART 1:2003

a) Side view

b) Front view

Approximate dimensions of sampling ladle

Diameter
Depth of ladle
Handle length

225 mm
175 mm
1800 mm

Figure A2. Typical sampling ladle

13

MS 522: PART 1:2003

Certificate of sampling in accordance

with this standard

Material
Type of cement:
Source of supply:
Nature and size of consignment sampled:
Identification consignment sampled:
Date of delivery of cement:

Sampling
Date of sampling:
Method of sampling:
Name and signature of sampler:
Organisation:

Figure A3. Certificate of sampling

14

MS 522: PART 1:2003

Appendix B
(normative)
Determination of chloride content

B1.

Principle

This method gives the total halogen content except for fluoride and expresses the result as Cl. The cement sample is decomposed with boiling dilute nitric acid. Sulphides are oxidised
into sulphates and do not interfere. The dissolved chloride is precipitated using a known
volume of a standard silver nitrate solution. After boiling, the precipitate is washed with dilute
nitric acid and discarded. The filtrate and washings are cooled to less than 25 C and the
residual silver nitrate is titrated with a standard ammonium thiocyanate solution using an iron
(III) salt as indicator.

B2.

Reagents

B2.1

Concentrated nitric acid (HNO3)

B2.2

Dilute nitric acid, 1 + 2

B2.3

Dilute nitric acid, 1 + 100

B2.4

Silver nitrate (AgNO3), dried at 150 C

B2.5

Silver nitrate solution 0.05 mol/L

Dissolve 8.494 g of silver nitrate in water in a 1000 mL volumetric flask and make up to the
mark. Store the solution in a brown glass flask and protect it from the light.
B2.6

Ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN)

B2.7

Ammonium thiocyanate solution, approximately 0.05 mol/L

Dissolve 3.8 g of ammonium thiocyanate in water and make up to 1000 mL

B2.8

Ammonium iron (III) sulphate (NH4Fe(SO4)2.12H2O)

B2.9

Indicator solution

Add 10 mL of dilute nitric acid 1 + 2 to 100 mL of a cold saturated solution of ammonium iron
(III) sulphate in water.

B3.

Apparatus

B3.1

Balance, capable of weighing to the nearest 0.0001 g

B3.2

10 mL burette, graduated to 0.1 mL

B3.3

Dessicator, containing anhydrous magnesium perchlorate (Mg (Cl O4)2)

15

MS 522: PART 1:2003

B3.4

Filter paper, coarse (pore diameter approximately 20m)

B3.5

5 mL pipette

B4.

Procedure

B4.1 Weigh (5 0.05) g of cement and place in a 250 mL beaker, add 50 mL of water and
while stirring with a glass rod, 50 mL of dilute nitric acid 1 + 2 (B.2.2). Heat the mixture to
boiling, stirring occasionally, and boil for 1 min. Add 5 mL of silver nitrate solution (B.2.5) by
pippette (B.3.5) into the boiling solution. Then boil for a maximum of 1 min and filter through a
filter paper (B.3.4) washed before use with dilute nitric acid (1 + 100) (B.2.3) into a 500 mL
flask. Wash the beaker, glass rod and filter paper with dilute nitric acid 1 + 100 until the
volume of the filtrate and the washings is 200 mL. Cool the filtrate and washings to below 25
o
C.
B4.2 Add 5 mL indicator solution (B.2.9) and titrate with the ammonium thiocyanate
solution (B.2.7) shaking vigorously until a drop of this solution produces a faint reddish-brown
colouration which no longer disappears on shaking. Record the volume V1.
B4.4 If the chloride content of cement exceeds 0.17 %, it will be necessary to start the test
again with a smaller quantity of cement.
B4.5 Carry out the same procedure with no cement sample and record the volume, V2, of
ammonium thiocycanate solution used in the blank titration.

B5.

Expression of results

Calculate the chloride content (in %) from the formula:

100
- 1.773
= 0.1773 x
x (V - V ) x
Cl =
2
1
m
1000
1

(V - V )
2

where,
V1

is the volume of the ammonium thiocyanate solution used for the titration of the test
solution;

V2

is the volume of the ammonium thiocyanate solution used for the titration of the blank
solution; and

m1

is the mass of the cement test portion.

The mean of the two results shall be rounded to the nearest 0.01 %.

16

MS 522: PART 1:2003

B6.

Repeatability and reproducibility

The standard deviation of repeatability is

0.005 %.

The standard deviation of reproducibility is

0.010 %.

17

MS 522: PART 1:2003

Appendix C
(informative)
Product guidance
C1.

Safety warning

C1.1 Dry cement in normal use has no harmful effect on dry skin. When cement is mixed
with water, alkali is released. Precautions should therefore be taken to avoid dry cement
entering the eyes, mouth and nose and to prevent skin contact with wet cement.
C1.2 Repeated skin contact with wet cement over a period may cause irritant contact
dermatitis. The abrasiveness of the particles of cement and aggregate in mortar or concrete
can contribute to this effect. Continued contact during a working day can lead to cement
burns with ulceration but is not common. Some people are sensitive to the small amounts of
the chromate which may be present in cement and can develop allergic contact dermatitis,
but this is rare.
C1.3 When working in places where dry cement becomes airborne, protection for the eyes,
mouth and nose should be worn.
C1.4 When working with wet mortar or concrete, waterproof or other suitable protective
clothing should be worn such as long sleeved shirt, full length trousers, waterproof gloves and
wellington boots. Clothing contaminated with wet cement, mortar or concrete should be
removed and washed before further use.
C1.5 If cement enters the eyes it should immediately be washed out thoroughly with clean
water and medical treatment should be sought without delay. Wet mortar or concrete on the
skin should be washed off immediately.

C2.

Storage

C2.1 To protect cement from premature hydration after delivery, bulk silos should be
waterproof and internal condensation should be minimised.
C2.2 Paper bags should be stored clear of the ground, not more than eight bags high and
protected by a waterproof structure. As significant strength losses begin after 4 weeks to 6
weeks of storage in bags in normal conditions (and considerably sooner under adverse
weather conditions or high humidity), deliveries should be controlled and used in order of
receipt. Manufacturers are able to provide a system of marking a high proportion of the bags
in each delivery to indicate when they were filled.

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MS 522: PART 1:2003

C3.

Grouting, rendering,
applications

tiles,

fibre

board

and

other

similar

Where cement is to be used in manufacturing of grouts, renders, tiles, fibre board, etc., it is
recommended that the user passes the cement through a screen of suitable mesh aperture to
retain any occasional coarse particles. Occasional coarse particles is to be expected in the
cement production process.

C4.

Heat generation

The cement hydration process generates heat, particularly in the first few days. Cement with
higher early strength usually have a initial rate of heat generation than those with lower early
strength. A higher initial rate of heat generation may be an advantage for thinner concrete
sections in cold weather because it reduces the need for extended striking times and the
tendency for early age frost damage. Conversely, it may be disadvantage for larger
concrete sections in either hot or cold weather on account of the temperature gradients which
are set up.

C5.

Alkali-silica reaction

Ordinary Portland Cement conforming to this standard, may not be able to counter-act alkalisilica reaction.

19

Acknowledgements
Tuan Haji Yahya Ariffin (Chairman), Cik Elaine Chiew (Secretary), Encik Hafiz Yusof, Encik
Mohd Fauzi Ahmad, Ir. Soo Thong Phor, Encik MKS Maniam a/l Kuppusamy, Encik E.U
Kidav, Cik Salmah Mohd Nordin, Puan Raja Nor Siha Raja Abdul Hanan, Encik C.F Chong,
Encik Mohd Rodzi Abd Hamid, Dr Fadhadli Hj Zakaria, Prof Madya Dr Hilmi Mahmud, Encik
Eric Wong, Encik Gan Hock Seng, Encik Mohd Faizal Abd Hamid, Encik Abdul Talib Lazim,
Encik Norman Tan, Encik Hooi Wing Chuen.