This part of the standard covers the method for determining the specific gravity of hydraulic cement. It details the Le Chatelier flask testing procedure, which measures the volume of a non-reactive liquid displaced by a known mass of cement.
Describes the procedure for determining the specific gravity of hydraulic cement using a Le Chatelier flask.
Quick Reference Values
Standard test temperature27 ± 2 °C
Mass of cement sampleApprox. 64 g
Typical specific gravity of OPC3.15
Flask requirementLe Chatelier flask conforming to IS 5513
Key Formulas
Specific Gravity = Mass of cement (g) / Volume of displaced liquid (ml)
Practical Notes
Kerosene or naphtha must be used instead of water to prevent cement hydration during the test.
Air bubbles must be carefully removed by rolling the flask gently on a rubber mat before taking final volume readings.
Using a constant-temperature water bath is critical to prevent volume changes in the liquid caused by temperature fluctuations between readings.