NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

PUBLICATIONS

Comparative study of methods to measure the density of Cementitious powders

Published

Author(s)

Michelle A. Helsel, Chiara F. Ferraris, Dale P. Bentz

Abstract

The accurate measurement of the density of hydraulic cement plays an essential role in the determination of concrete mixture proportions. As more supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), such as fly ash and slag, or cement replacement materials, such as limestone and calcium carbonate, are used in blended cements, knowledge of the density of each powder or of the blended cement would allow a more accurate calculation of the proportions of a concrete mixture by volume instead of by mass. The current ASTM standard for measuring cement density is ASTM C188-14 “Test Method for Density of Hydraulic Cements,” which utilizes a liquid displacement method to measure the volume of the cement. This paper examined advantageous modifications of the current ASTM test by alcohol substitutions for kerosene. In addition, a gas (helium) pycnometry method was evaluated as a possible alternative to the current standard. The described techniques were compared to determine the most precise and reproducible method for measuring the density of hydraulic cements and other powders.
Citation
Journal of Testing and Evaluation
Pub Type
Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1520/JTE20150148

Keywords

density, hydraulic cement, volume, pycnometer, liquid displacement
Buildings and Construction, Building materials and Fire

Citation

Helsel, M. , Ferraris, C. and Bentz, D. (2015), Comparative study of methods to measure the density of Cementitious powders, Journal of Testing and Evaluation, [online], https://doi.org/10.1520/JTE20150148 (Accessed October 13, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created December 14, 2015, Updated November 10, 2018
Was this page helpful?