Analysis of the ASTM Round-Robin Test on Particle Size Distribution of Portland Cement: Phase II

Published

December 1, 2002

Author(s)

Chiara F. Ferraris, Vincent A. Hackley, A Aviles, C E. Buchanan

Abstract

Particle size distribution (PSD) is an essential property of cement. The only standard method to measure the PSD of cement, namely ASTM C115 [ ] is limited in scope; this standard describes a method for determining fineness with a lower size detection limit of 7.5 mm. 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.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) -

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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Keywords

Cement, Laser Diffraction, particle size distribution, SRM

Citation

Ferraris, C. , Hackley, V. , Aviles, A. and Buchanan, C. (2002), Analysis of the ASTM Round-Robin Test on Particle Size Distribution of Portland Cement: Phase II, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=860472 (Accessed October 18, 2025)