How much cement sample is required for the dry sieving test?

100 g of cement is taken for the test (Clause 4.1).

How long should the continuous sieving be performed?

The sieving procedure should be carried out continuously for 15 minutes.

How often should the 90-micron sieve be checked for wear and tear?

It should be checked frequently against a standard sample of known fineness, typically after every 100 tests.

IS 4031 Part 1

: 1996

Methods of Physical Tests for Hydraulic Cement - Part 1: Determination of fineness by dry sieving

CurrentFrequently UsedTesting MethodMaterials Science · Cement

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This standard specifies the method for determining the fineness of hydraulic cement by dry sieving using a 90-micron IS sieve. The test measures the percentage of coarse cement particles, which directly impacts the hydration rate and strength development of the cement.

Describes the procedure for determining the fineness of hydraulic cement by dry sieving method.

Quick Reference Values

test sieve size90-micron IS Sieve

sample weight100 g

balance accuracy0.01 g

sieving duration15 minutes

reporting accuracy0.1 percent

Key Formulas

Fineness (R) = (W2 / W1) * 100 — Percentage of cement retained on 90-micron sieve (where W1 is initial weight, W2 is weight of residue)

Practical Notes

Ensure the sieve mesh is not clogged before the test; carefully clean the 90-micron sieve using a soft nylon or bristle brush.

Perform the test in a controlled lab environment, as high ambient humidity can cause cement particles to agglomerate and yield false coarse residue values.

Do not force cement through the sieve mesh by hand or stiff brushes, as this will damage the fine wire mesh.