Effect of fineness of cement on properties of fresh

and hardened concrete
S Ahmad*, University of Engineering & Technology, Pakistan

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 2]11' Conference on OUR WORLD IN CONCRETE & STRUCTURES: 29 - 30 August 2002, Singapore

Effect of fineness of cement on properties of fresh

and hardened concrete

S Ahmad*, University of Engineering & Technology, Pakistan

Abstract

This paper presents the effect of fineness of cement on properties of fresh and
hardened concrete. The objective of this paper was to see these effects on the indigenous
cement of same chemical composition. For this reason, clinker of same chemical
composition was used. Six different fineness ranging from 169 to 333 m 2/kg were used.
British Standards were followed during these investigations. Mortar cubes were cast using
Ottawa sand and their compressive strength tested at 3,7 and 28 days. Other physical
properties of cement i.e. , consistency, initial & final setting time, and soundness were also
determined for all six finenesses. To see the effect of fineness of cement on properties of
concrete, two concrete mixes (1 :2:4 & 1 :1.5:3) with two wlc ratios (0.65 and 0.70 for 1 :2:4
and 0.60 and 0.65 for 1: 1.5:3) were made. For workability slump test and compacting factor
tests for each mix were performed. For compressive strength two hundred & sixteen cubes
of 6" x 6" x 6" were tested at the age of 3, 7 & 28 days. Graphs were drawn between the
fineness and different properties of cement & concrete. It was noted that consistency and
compressive strength of cement increased by increasing fineness while setting times of
cement decreased with fineness . No general pattern could be obtained between fineness
and expansion. Compressive strength of concrete increased with fineness. Workability in
terms of slump and compacting factor of fresh concrete increased by increasing fineness.
However this pattern is prominent upto 250 m2/kg. After this value it was insignificant.

Keywords: Cement, fineness, workability. concrete

Literature Review:

1. Most of the researchers in the past claimed that strength of cement increases with fineness . In these
researchers. AM. NEVILLE [5], W.H. PRICE [1], U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION [2], F.M . LIE [6],
KUHL (3). H.C. ENTROY [4) . M. VENAUL T [7]. F.W. LOUCHER [8], J. WOHRER [9], K. SEHWEDEN
[8], M.J.M. JASPERS [10) AND E.C. HIGGINSON [11) are included .
2. The water content of paste of standard consistency is greater, the finer the cement but conversely an
increase in fineness of cement improves the workability of a concrete mix. This idea was presented by
AM . NEVILLE [5), W .H. PRICE [1), U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION [2], J. WOHRER, A RIO & F.
VON BALDASS [9) and E.C. HIGGINSON [11).

103
Introd uction:
Concrete is one of the most commonly used construction material all over the world . It is a mixture of
different ingredients as cement, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and water. The individual properties of
each ingredient has tremendous influence on the properties of concrete. Among the constituent materials,
cement is the most important and costly material. Its properties greatly affect the properties of resulting
concrete.
"Fineness", defined as "the total surface area of the cement that is available for hydration", has great
influence on properties of fresh and hardened concrete.
In this research, cement samples of different fineness were prepared in the laboratory keeping other
properties same, like chemical composition, amount of gypsum etc. For each sample, tests regarding other
properties of cement like consistency, initial setting time, final setting time, expansion, compressive strength
were performed . Concrete cubes were cast in the laboratory as per British Standards. Two mix ratios and for
each mix ratio, two w/c ratios were used. In fresh state, slump test and compacting factor tests were carried
out to see the influence of changing fineness on workability. Compressive strength at the age of 3, 7 and 28
days was obtained and graphs were drawn to show the effect of fineness of cement on these properties.
Blaine's air permeability apparatus was used to measure fineness (cm2/g) of different cement samples.
XRF-cement spectrometer was used to verify the chemical compositon of cement samples. Cement clinker
was taken from Bestway Cement Factory, situated at 10 km aerial distance from University of Engg. & Tech.,
Taxila (place of research). The factory uses the following sources of raw materials for the production of
clinker:
Material Source
Lime stone Local quarries adjacent to factory
Clay Local quarries adjacent to factory
Slate stone Mang, 14 km from factory
Iron ores Mines near Attock (Punjab) Pakistan
Gypsum Kohat (NWFP) Pakistan

Preparation of Test Samples:

(1) More than 350 kg of cement clinker having the same chemical composition was collected from the
factory, while the kiln was working smoothly. The clinker was brought to laboratory and stored
temporarily in polythene bags.
(2) Sieve analysis of this clinker as well as of gypsum to be mixed was carried out in the factory.
(3) The clinker was crushed into smaller sizes by passing successively through two jaw crushers of different
sizes .
(4) Gypsum was also crushed into semi-powered form by passing through the smaller sized jaw crusher.
(5) The crushed clinker from (3) was mixed with 4% gypsum from (4) and finely ground in iron-jar type ball
mill at different fineness levels in the laboratory.
(6) After continuous grinding of more than one month, the following samples were prepared, weighing more
than 50 kg each;
2
Sample Fineness (cm /kg)
F1 1690
F2 2084
F3 2556
F4 2912
F5 3315
F6 3773
(7) The prepared samples were sealed in polythene bags and marked accordingly .

Experimental Programme:
(1) Chemical composition of all the samples were analysed by XRF-cement spectrometer/cement analyser.
The chemical composition shown in table-1 confirms the uniform oxide composition of all samples.
(2) For cement testing, the following tests were performed on each sample by adopting British Standard:
(i) Consistency
(ii) Initial Setting Time
(iii) Final Setting Time
(iv) Expansion
(v) Compressive Strength of Mortar Cubes

104
(3) For concrete testing, 6 inch . cubes were cast from the prepared test samples by adopting British
Standard. The following casting schedule was prepared for each test sample;
Mix ratio WJC ratio No. of cubes
1:2:4 0.65 09
1:2:4 0.70 09
1:1.5:3 0.60 09
1:1.5:3 0.65 09

As there were six test samples, a total no. of (6 x 36) 216 cubes were prepared.

(4) Just after mixing of each batch of concrete, the following workability tests were performed on fresh
concrete.
i) Slump test
ii) Compacting factor test
(5) 6 inch cubes were cast from the test samples in accordance with BS 1881: Part 108,111 , 116: 1983.
The cubes were stored for 24 hours at a temperature of 20°C and relative humidity 90%. At the end of
this period, the cubes were cured in a temperature controlled water bath. Their 3, 7 and 28 days
compressive strength was checked in a 3000 kN compression machine. Results from testing of fresh
and hardened concrete samples are shown in table-2.

Results and Discussion:

1. Cement Testing:
Results of cement testing are shown in table-1. It is evident from these results that consistency and
compressive strength of mortar cubes increases with fineness while initial setting time and final setting time
decreases with increasing fineness . These effects have been shown graphically in graph 1, 2 & 3.
2. Concrete Testing:
The results of workability tests and compressive strength tests are summarized in table-3.
(a) Workability:
(i) For all mix ratios and wJc ratios, slump and compacting factor, hence workability of fresh concrete
increases with increasing fineness. Typical curves showing effect of fineness on slump and
compacting factor are shown in graph 4 & 5.
(ii) Curves in graph 4 & 5 show a local peak in slump and compacting factor at a fineness of about
2500 cm 2Jg, after which these remain constant upto 3000-3500 cm 2Jg. Then there occurs a gradual
rise at higher values of fineness .
(b) Compressive Strength:
Compressive strength of concrete cubes, cast from test samples was checked as the main property of
hardened concrete. Typical curves showing the effect of fineness on compressive strength are shown in
graph 6. According to these, compressive strength increases with increasing fineness.

Conclusions:
(1) According to previous research , the effect of fineness on workability is controversial. However, our
results on local cement show an increase in workability with the increase in fineness.
(2) According to this research, compressive strength of hardened concrete increases with increasing
fineness. This trend is in accordance with the previous research published.
2
(3) If workability is our prime factor, then a fineness of 2500 cm Jg will be sufficient and the cost involved in
further grinding may be saved . But if emphasis is on the strength of concrete, then the cement may be
ground upto 3000 cm 2 Jg without any undue increase in the grinding cost. However, further strength
required will involve a substantial increase in the cost.

105
 Table-I: Results Of Cement Testing

Sample Fineness Consistency Initial Final Expansion 3-Days 7-Days 28-Days

(Cmz/G) (%) Setting Setting (mm) Compo Compo Compo
Time Time Strength Strength Strength
(Min) (Min) (Psi) (Psi) (psi)
Fl 1690 24.25 250 275 5 2967 4160 5382
F2 2084 24.50 235 260 15 3942 5062 6429
F3 2556 25 .50 230 260 5 4742 5862 6633
F4 2912 25 .50 220 245 7 5164 6225 7200
F5 3315 26.00 180 200 5 5438 6487 7825
F6 3773 26.50 150 180 2 5338 6299 7913

Table-2: Chemical Composition Of Cement Samples

Sample Fineness Chemical Composition (%)

(cm2/g) SiOz AI 2 0 3 Fez 0 3 CaO MgO NazO S03 KzO Ti0 2 Mnz03
F1 1690 20.34 5.28 3.01 62.10 2.64 0.28 2.46 0.98 0.34 0.04
F2 2083 20.29 5.25 2.97 62.03 2.63 0.28 2.49 0.99 0.33 0.04
F3 2556 20.32 5.28 2.99 62.17 2.62 0.29 2.46 0.99 0.33 0.04
F4 2912 20 .28 5.28 2.99 62.09 2.64 0.28 2.54 0.99 0.33 0.04
F5 3315 20.29 5.26 3.00 62 .04 2.62 0.27 2.51 0.98 0.33 0.04
F6 3773 20.27 5.26 3.01 61.89 2 .59 0.28 2.58 0.99 0.33 0.04

Table-3: Results Of Concrete Testing

Fineness Mix Ratio W/C Ratio Slump Compacting 3-Days 7-Days 28-Days
(Cm 2 /G) (mm) Factor Compo Compo Compo
Strength Strength Strength
(Psi) (Psi) (psi)
1:2:4 0.65 I 0.741 645 1114 2123
1:2:4 0.70 7 0.82 593 1218 1874
1690 1:1.5:3 0.60 60 0.904 1280 2182 4092
1:1.5:3 0.65 - 0.94 760 1477 3279
1:2:4 0.65 7 0.803 1103 1732 2639
1:2:4 0.70 9 0.903 808 1551 2633
2084 1: 1.5:3 0.60 70 0.936 1280 2404 4203
1: 1.5:3 0.65 - 0.975 1083 2040 3436
1:2:4 0.65 20 0.852 1650 2612 3081
1:2:4 0.70 50 0.95 1343 2331 3206
2526 1: 1.5 :3 0.60 100 0.955 1764 2482 4529
1: 1.5:3 0.65 - 0.991 1202 2134 · 3676
1:2:4 0.65 20 0.855 1702 2800 3582
1:2:4 0.70 50 0.95 1424 2612 3591
2912 1:1.5 :3 0.60 95 0.948 1780 2607 4727
1: 1.5:3 0.65 - 0.991 1520 2227 3876
1:2:4 0.65 20 0.906 1936 3383 4340
1:2:4 0.70 70 0.972 1468 2810 3801
3315 1: 1.5:3 0.60 100 0.958 2279 3467 4590
1: 1.5:3 0.65 - 0.994 1874 2186 3997
1:2:4 0.65 40 0.922 1905 3497 5246
1:2:4 0.70 72 0.965 1936 3102 4450
3773 1: 1.5:3 0.60 130 0.964 2592 3825 5152
1: 1.5:3 0.65 - 0.982 1921 3060 4528

106
 Graph # 1: FINENESS VERSUS I.S.T.

260
iii 240 • •
w
....
::J
z 220 • •
~
w 200
'"
;:

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;:
180
160
•
w
Vl
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....
140 •
~ 120
100
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FINENESS (CM'/G)

Graph # 2: FINENESS OF CEMENT VERSUS F.S.T.

290

270 •
iii
UJ
.... • •
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::J 250
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150
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

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Graph # 3: FINENESS OF CEMENT VERSUS COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MORTAR

CUBES

9000

8000
u;
e:. 7000
:r
.... 6000
'"w
Z

~
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4000
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1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

FINENESS (cm'/g)

107
 Graph # 4: FINENESS OF CEMENT VERSUS SLUMP
(MIX 1 :2:4 WIC 0.S5)

45

40

35
•
30
E
.s 25
a.
'=>"
..J
(J)
20

15
• • •
10

•
1000 1500
• 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

FINENESS (Cm'lg)

Graph # 5: FINENESS OF CEMENT VERSUS COMPACTING FACTOR

(MIX 1 :2:4 WIC 0.S5)

0.95

0.9
• •
a::
...u0
0.85
• •
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'"
0
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O.S

0.55

0.5
1000 \500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
FINENESS (Cm'/g)

Graph # 6: FINENESS OF CEMENT VERSUS COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

CUBES

(MIX 1:2:4 WIC 0.70)

5000

4500
in
!!o­ 4000
...
:l:
3500
"z
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...
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,.
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1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

FINENESS (cm'2/ gj

108
Reference:
[1) W.H . PRICE, Factors affecting concrete strength . J. AMER CONC . Inst. 47, pp. 417-32 (Feb. 1951).
[2] U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION , Investigations into the effects of Cement Fineness and alkali
cement on various properties of conc. And mortar conc. Laboratory report on C-814 (Denver,
COLORADO, 1956).
[3] KUHL, Cement Chemistry in Theory and Practice, pss (LONDON 1931).
tn
[4] H.C. ENTROY, Trans . 8 Inst. Cong ., Large Dams, 3, 193 (1964).
[5] Properties of Con c., 4th Edition , by A.M . NEVILLE (1995) .
[6] Chemistry of Cement and Conc. By F.M. LIE.
[7] M. VENAUL T, Revue meter Const. Tran . Publ. , Nos.550-553 (1961) , 595-596 (1965) .
[8] F.W . LOUCHER , WOHRER and K.SEHWEDEN, Tonind - ztg, keram Rdsh . 90, 547 (1966).
[9] J. WOHRER Zement - kalk gips 3, 148 (1950) , A.RIO and F. VON BADASS.
[10] M.J.M. JASPERS, Revue meter Const. Tran . Publ., Nos.429,160,430,207,431 ,254 (1951) W . CZERNIN ,
Zement- KALK- GIPS, 7160 (1954).
[11] E.C . HIGGINSON , "The effect of cement fineness on conc." Fineness of cement, ASTM STP 473,
American Society for Testing and Material , 1970, pp 71-81 .
[12] British Standard (B.S . 12: 1991)
[13] British Standard (B .S. 4550)
[14) British Standard (B .S. 1881)

109