Influence of cement fineness on properties of cement mortar

Abstract

This experimental work has focused on investigating the influence of cement fineness on properties of cement mortar which can be easily related to properties of concrete. Experiments were conducted with four samples of Ordinary Portland Cement having four different fineness values 400m' /kg, 370m' /kg, 330m'/kg and 300m' /kg. It um ensured that the chemical composition was identical for all samples by using same clinker in manufacturing those cement samples. Also it wm ensured that except cement fineness all other variable factors such as water/cement ratio, cement/sand ratio, size of the aggregates, curing conditions and method of compaction were kept constant for all samples throughout the experiments. Compressive strength, tensile strength, initial setting time of cement, drying shrinkage, sorptivity and delayed etringite formation were the main properties that were taken in to consideration in investigating the influence of cement fineness. This investigation revealed that there is an effect on properties of concrete from cement fineness. Also it was observed that these effects can be positive or negative due to increase of cement fineness. Therefore the paper concludes with a discttssion of future developments and recommendations of defining minimum as well as maximum Blaine limits.