What is the principle of this test method?

The method is based on measuring the absorption of radiation by ground-state atoms in a flame, where the amount of absorption is proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample.

Is this a destructive test?

Yes, a sample of cement is dissolved in acids for the analysis and cannot be recovered.

Which oxides can be determined using this standard?

The standard covers the determination of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), ferric oxide (Fe2O3), calcium oxide (CaO), and magnesium oxide (MgO).

Is this standard still valid?

No, IS 12813:1989 has been superseded by the 2018 revision, IS 12813:2018.

IS 12813

: 1989

Method of analysis of hydraulic cement by atomic absorption spectrophotometer

CurrentSpecializedTesting MethodMaterials Science · Cement, Concrete, Aggregates and RCC

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This standard details the procedure for chemical analysis of hydraulic cement using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). It serves as a rapid instrumental alternative to the classical wet chemical methods for determining major oxide constituents like SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, and MgO.

Method of analysis of hydraulic cement by atomic absorption spectrophotometer

Quick Reference Values

Wavelength for Silicon (Si) determination251.6 nm

Wavelength for Aluminum (Al) determination309.3 nm

Wavelength for Iron (Fe) determination248.3 nm

Wavelength for Calcium (Ca) determination422.7 nm

Wavelength for Magnesium (Mg) determination285.2 nm

Key Formulas

Percentage of oxide = (C × V × D) / (W × 10) — General formula for calculating percentage of oxide from concentration

Practical Notes

This standard is now superseded by IS 12813:2018 and should not be used for new testing; the latest version must be consulted.

Accurate results are highly dependent on the purity of reagents and the precise preparation of standard calibration solutions.

Complete digestion and dissolution of the cement sample is critical for an accurate analysis; any undissolved residue will lead to under-reporting of constituents.