Methods of physical test for hydraulic cement, Part 15: Determination of fineness by wet sieving

IS 4031 (Part 15): Scope and Key Specifications

• Scope:
  This part of IS 4031 specifies the method for determining the residue on a 45 micron IS sieve in cement samples, indicating the fineness of cement.

• Key Formula for Corrected Residue (Rc):
  [ Rc = Rs \times \left(1 + \frac{C}{100}\right) ] Where:

  • (Rc) = Corrected residue in %
  • (Rs) = Residue of sample retained on 45 micron sieve (g)
  • (C) = Sieve correction factor (%), can be positive or negative

• Example Calculation:

  Parameter	Value
  Sieve correction factor, C	+33.3%
  Residue from sample, Rs	0.092 g
  Corrected residue, Rc	(0.092 \times (1 + 33.3/100) = 0.092 \times 1.333 = 0.123) g or 12.3%

• Test Procedure Highlights:

  • Use 1000 g cement sample on 45 micron IS sieve.
  • Wet sample thoroughly; wash under spray nozzle at pressure 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm² for 1 min with circular motion.
  • Rinse sieve with 50 ml distilled water, dry, cool, brush residue, and weigh.
  • Spray nozzle has 17 holes of 0.5 mm diameter, extending 12 mm below sieve frame.

• Sieve Correction Factor:
  Determined by calibration, e.g., residue for 1 g sample = 0.140 g, residue on sieve = 0.105 g, difference = +0.035 g → factor = +33.3%.

flowchart TD
    A[Cement Sample (1000 g)] --> B[Place on 45 micron IS Sieve]
    B --> C[Wet thoroughly with water]
    C --> D[Wash under spray nozzle at 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm² for 1 min]
    D --> E[Rinse sieve with 50 ml distilled water]
    E --> F

IS 4031 Part 15: Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications

1. Sieve Correction Factor & Residue Calculation (Clause 33.3)

• Formula:

[ R_c = R_s \times \left(1 + \frac{C}{100}\right) ]

Where:

• (R_c) = Corrected residue (%)
• (R_s) = Residue from sample (g)
• (C) = Sieve correction factor (%)

Example:
For (C = +33.3%), (R_s = 0.092) g,
[ R_c = 0.092 \times (1 + 0.333) = 0.092 \times 1.333 = 0.123 \text{ or } 12.3% ]

2. Residue Test Procedure on 45 Micron IS Sieve (Clause 14.0)

• Sample size: 1000 g cement
• Spray pressure: 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm²
• Spray nozzle: 17 holes of 0.5 mm diameter
• Spray duration: 1 min, circular motion at 1 cycle/sec
• Rinse with 50 ml distilled water after spraying
• Dry and weigh residue to nearest 0.1%

3. Spray Nozzle Assembly (Fig. 1)

• 17 holes, each 0.5 mm diameter
• Nozzle bottom extends 12 mm below sieve frame

Summary Table: Residue Calculation

This ensures accurate measurement of cement fineness by residue retained on the 45 micron sieve, corrected for sieve calibration.

IS 4031 (Part 15) - Sampling & Selection of Test Samples: Key Points

• Sampling Standard: Samples of cement shall be taken as per IS 3535:1986 and relevant cement specifications.
• Sample Preparation: The representative cement sample must be thoroughly mixed before testing.
• Testing Environment: Maintain room and material temperature at 27 ± 2°C for consistency.

Key Formula for Corrected Residue on 45 Micron IS Sieve:

[ R_c = R_s \times \left(1 + \frac{C}{100}\right) ]

Where:

• (R_c) = Corrected residue (%)
• (R_s) = Residue of sample retained on sieve (g)
• (C) = Sieve correction factor (%), can be positive or negative

Example:
If (R_s = 0.092,g), (C = +33.3%),

[ R_c = 0.092 \times (1 + 0.333) = 0.092 \times 1.333 = 0.123 \approx 12.3% ]

Sampling & Test Procedure Summary:

• Use 1,000 g cement sample on a clean, dry 45 micron IS sieve.
• Wet sample with a gentle water spray at pressure 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm².
• Wash sieve for 1 minute with circular motion.
• Rinse with 50 ml distilled water and dry carefully.
• Weigh residue to nearest 0.1%.

References:

• IS 3535:1986 (Sampling of Hydraulic Cement)
• IS 460 (Part 1): Specification for Test Sieves
• IS 4031 (Part 15): Wet Sieving Method for Fineness

flowchart TD
    A[Sample Collection as per IS 3535] --> B[Mix Sample Thoroughly]
    B --> C[Weigh 1000 g Sample]
    C --> D[Place on 45 micron IS Sieve]
    D --> E[Wet with Spray at 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm²]
    E --> F[Wash for 1 min with Circular Motion]
    F --> G[Rinse with 

IS 4031 (Part 15): Apparatus & Key Specifications for Residue Test

• Spray Nozzle Assembly:

  • 17 holes of 0.5 mm diameter each
  • Nozzle extends 12 mm below top of 45 micron IS sieve frame
  • Operating pressure: 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm²

• Sample & Procedure:

  • Sample mass: 1000 g cement
  • Wet sample on 45 micron IS sieve with spray for 1 minute, moving sieve in circular motion (1 cycle/second)
  • Rinse sieve with 50 ml distilled water post spray
  • Dry residue carefully avoiding overheating (to prevent solder softening)

• Balance Requirements:

  • Analytical balance accuracy: ±0.0002 g reproducibility

• Residue Calculation:
  [ R_c = R_s \times (100 + C) ]

  • (R_c): corrected residue (%)
  • (R_s): residue retained on sieve (g)
  • (C): sieve correction factor (±)

Summary Table for Key Parameters

flowchart LR
    A[Start: Place 1000 g sample on 45 micron sieve] --> B[Wet sample with spray nozzle]
    B --> C[Spray at 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm² for 1 minute]
    C --> D[Rinse sieve with 50 ml distilled water]
    D --> E[Dry sieve & residue carefully]
    E --> F[Weigh residue on analytical balance]
    F --> G[Calculate corrected residue: Rc = Rs × (100 + C)]

This ensures precise residue measurement per IS

IS 4031 Part 15 – Spray Nozzle Specifications & Usage

Spray Nozzle Construction (Clause 17.5)

• Material: Non-corrodible
• Inside Diameter: 17.5 mm
• Hole arrangement:
  • Central hole: 1 hole, aligned with longitudinal axis
  • Intermediate row: 8 holes, 0.5 mm diameter, 6 mm center-to-center, at 5° angle
  • Outer row: 8 holes, 0.5 mm diameter, 11 mm center-to-center, at 10° angle

Spray Nozzle Dimensions (Fig. 1)

• Total 17 holes (1 + 8 + 8)
• Hole diameter: 0.5 mm each

Operating Procedure (Clause 5.2 & 17.5)

• Sample: 1000 g cement on 45 micron IS sieve
• Spray pressure: 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm²
• Spray duration: 1 minute with circular motion (1 cycle/sec)
• Nozzle bottom extends 12 mm below sieve frame top
• Rinse with 50 ml distilled water after spraying
• Dry residue carefully without overheating sieve

Residue Calculation (Clause 14.0)

[ R_c = R_s \times (100 + C) ]

• (R_c) = corrected residue %
• (R_s) = residue mass on sieve (g)
• (C) = sieve correction factor (%)

Key Notes

• Avoid overheating sieve to prevent solder softening.
• Residue on 45 micron sieve should be calculated to nearest 0.1%.

flowchart LR
    A[Spray Nozzle] --> B[Central Hole (1x0.5mm)]
    A --> C[Intermediate Row (8x0.5mm @ 5°)]
    A --> D[Outer Row (8x0.5mm @ 10°)]
    E[Sample Preparation] --> F[1000g Cement on 45μm Sieve]
    F --> G[Spray at 0.07±0.005 N/mm² for 1 min]
    G --> H[Rinse with 50ml Distilled Water]
    H --> I[Dry & Weigh Residue]
    I --> J[Calculate Residue

Calibration of 45 Micron IS Sieve (IS 4031 Part 15)

Key Specifications:

• Sieve Frame: Circular, 50 ± 5 mm diameter; depth 75 ± 5 mm; side walls height 90 ± 5 mm or legs ≥ 120 mm for air circulation.
• Sieve Cloth: 45 micron stainless steel woven wire cloth as per IS 460 (Part 1):1985.
• Spray Nozzle Pressure: 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm².
• Spray Nozzle: 17 holes of 0.5 mm diameter, nozzle bottom extends 12 mm below sieve frame top.

Calibration Procedure:

1. Place 1.000 g of Standard Reference Material (SRM) on the clean, dry sieve.
2. Wet sample with a gentle water stream.
3. Wash under spray nozzle for 1 min, moving sieve in circular motion at 1 cycle/sec.
4. Rinse sieve once with 50 ml distilled water.
5. Dry sieve and residue carefully (avoid overheating).
6. Brush residue, weigh residue (Rs).

Correction Factor Calculation:

[ \text{Sieve Correction Factor } C = \frac{\text{Test Residue} - \text{Assigned Residue}}{\text{Test Residue}} \times 100% ]

Example from Clause 14.0:

Corrected Residue Calculation:

[ R_c = R_s \times (1 + \frac{C}{100}) ]

• (R_c): Corrected residue (%)
• (R_s): Measured residue (%)
• (C): Correction factor (%)

Recalibration:

• After every 100 determinations.

flowchart TD
    A[Place 1g SRM on sieve] --> B[Wet sample gently]
    B --> C[Spray

IS 4031 (Part 15) - Test Procedure for Residue on 45 Micron IS Sieve

Key Steps & Specifications:

• Sample: 1000 g cement sample.
• Sieve: 45 micron IS sieve.
• Wetting: Thoroughly wet sample with gentle water stream.
• Spray Nozzle Pressure: 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm².
• Spray Duration: 1 minute with circular horizontal motion (1 motion/sec).
• Nozzle Position: Bottom extends 12 mm below sieve frame top.
• Rinse: After spraying, rinse sieve once with 50 ml distilled water.
• Drying: Dry sieve and residue in oven/hot plate; avoid overheating (to prevent solder softening).
• Weighing: Brush residue, weigh to nearest 0.1%.

Formula to Calculate Corrected Residue:

[ R_c = R_s \times (100 + C) / 100 ]

Where:

• (R_c) = Corrected residue (%)
• (R_s) = Residue retained on sieve (g)
• (C) = Sieve correction factor (%) (positive or negative)

Calibration & Correction Example:

Spray Nozzle Details (Fig. 1):

• 17 holes, each 0.5 mm diameter.
• All dimensions in mm.

This procedure ensures accurate measurement of cement fines passing 45 micron sieve, essential for quality control.

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare 1000g cement sample] --> B[Place on 45 micron IS sieve]
    B --> C[Wet sample thoroughly]
    C --> D[Spray wash for 1 min at 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm²]
    D --> E[Rinse sieve with 50 ml distilled water]
    E --> F[Dry sieve & residue carefully]
    F --> G[Brush residue & weigh]
    G --> H[Calculate corrected residue using formula]

IS 4031 Part 15 (1991) – Determination of Fineness by Wet Sieving

Key Points & Formula:

• Test Sample: 1.000 g of cement.

• Sieve: Standard 45 micron IS Sieve.

• Procedure:

  • Wet sample on sieve with water spray at 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm² pressure for 1 min with circular horizontal motion (1 motion/sec).
  • Rinse with 50 ml distilled water, dry, cool, brush residue, and weigh.

• Sieve Correction Factor (C):
  Calibrated using Standard Reference Material (SRM):
  [ C = \frac{\text{Test residue} - \text{SRM assigned residue}}{\text{Test residue}} \times 100 ]

• Corrected Residue (Fineness) Calculation:
  [ R_c = R_s \times (100 + C) ] Where:

  • (R_c) = corrected residue (%)
  • (R_s) = residue on sieve (g)
  • (C) = sieve correction factor (%)

Typical Data Example:

Summary:

• Fineness is the mass % residue on 45 micron sieve after wet sieving.
• Correction factor accounts for sieve calibration deviation.
• Results rounded per IS 2:1960 rules.

flowchart TD
    A[Sample 1 g cement] --> B[Wet on 45 micron IS Sieve]
    B --> C[Spray water at 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm² for 1 min]
    C --> D[Rinse with 50 ml distilled water]
    D --> E[Dry & brush residue]
    E --> F[Weigh residue (Rs)]
    F --> G[Apply correction factor (C)]
    G --> H[Calculate corrected residue Rc = Rs

IS 4031 (Part 15) - Reporting of Results for Residue on 45 Micron IS Sieve

Key Formula for Corrected Residue (%)

[ R_c = R_s \times \left(1 + \frac{C}{100}\right) ]

• Rc = Corrected residue on the 45 micron sieve (%)
• Rs = Residue mass retained on the sieve (g)
• C = Sieve correction factor (%), can be positive or negative

Procedure Summary:

• Sample mass: 1000 g cement
• Sieve: IS 45 micron
• Spray pressure: 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm²
• Spray nozzle: 17 holes, 0.5 mm diameter each, extends 12 mm below sieve frame top
• Washing time: 1 minute with circular motion at 1 cycle/sec
• Rinse with 50 ml distilled water immediately after washing
• Dry residue carefully (avoid overheating solder)
• Weigh residue with analytical balance accurate to ±0.0002 g

Analytical Balance Requirements:

• Accuracy: ±0.0002 g
• Repeatability: within 0.0002 g

Notes:

• Ensure sieve correction factor (C) is applied to compensate for sieve calibration.
• Residue is reported to nearest 0.1%.

flowchart TD
    A[Place 1000g sample on 45 micron sieve] --> B[Wet sample with water]
    B --> C[Adjust spray pressure to 0.07 ± 0.005 N/mm²]
    C --> D[Wash sample for 1 min with circular motion]
    D --> E[Rinse sieve with 50 ml distilled water]
    E --> F[Dry sieve & residue carefully]
    F --> G[Weigh residue with ±0.0002g balance]
    G --> H[Calculate corrected residue Rc]

This ensures precise and standardized reporting of residue on the 45 micron sieve as per IS 4031 (Part 15).

Composition of the Technical Committee (IS 4031 Part 15:1991)

The Technical Committee responsible for IS 4031 Part 15 is the Cement and Concrete Sectional Committee, CED 2, comprising experts from:

• Academic Institutions: e.g., University of Roorkee (Dr. H.C. Visvesvaraya)
• Government Departments: Central Public Works Department, Central Water Commission, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Transport, etc.
• Research Organizations: Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR), Central Building Research Institute (CSIR), National Test House
• Industry Representatives: Cement manufacturers (The Associated Cement Companies Ltd, The India Cements Ltd), construction companies (Gammon India Ltd, Larsen & Toubro Ltd), and cement-related associations.
• BIS Officials: Director General, Bureau of Indian Standards (Ex-officio member), Joint Directors of Standards.

Key Specifications from Annex A:

Summary Table of Committee Composition

Additional Notes on Fineness Test (Clause 33.3 Example):

• Sieve correction factor (C) = +33.3%
• Residue from sample (Rs) = 0.092 g
• Corrected residue (Rc) formula:

[ Rc = Rs \times \left(1 + \frac{C}{100}\right) = 0.092 \times 1.333 = 0.123 \text{ or } 12.3% ]

Diagram: Committee Structure Overview

graph TD
  A[Cement & Concrete Sectional Committee (CED 2)]
  A --> B[Chairman: Dr. H.C. Visvesvaraya]
  A --> C