Cement Testing MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Fineness of cement is measured as specific surface (cm²/g) using Blaine's air permeability apparatus.

Step-by-step solution

1. Fineness means how finely cement is ground. It is given as specific surface area. 2. Blaine's air permeability test measures the time for air to pass through a cement bed and gives the specific surface. 3. So the answer is Blaine's air permeability method (D).

Explanation

Fineness of cement is found by the Blaine's air permeability method. It gives the specific surface of cement in cm²/g or m²/kg. It can also be checked by sieving on a 90 micron sieve.

Why the other options are wrong

A: Universal testing machine is for tensile and compressive strength of materials. B: Vicat's apparatus is for consistency and setting time. C: Le Chatelier apparatus is for soundness (and the Le Chatelier flask is for specific gravity).

Shortcut

Fineness = Blaine, Soundness = Le Chatelier, Setting time = Vicat.

Common mistake

Students mix up the Le Chatelier flask (specific gravity) with fineness tests.