Cement

Cement tests are carried out with the methods defined in the EN 196 series: compressive and bending strength in mortar samples prepared with standard sand and defined water/cement ratio, initial and final setting times with the Vicat instrument, specific surface with the Blaine method, as well as expansion, chemical composition and loss on ignition are measured.

The aim is to verify the conformity of the cement to the type and strength class defined in EN 197-1. The performance of cement determines the performance of all concrete to be produced.

• Portland cement and compound cements
• Blended cements (fly ash, slag, pozzolana)
• white cement
• Sulphate resistant cement
• Mortar and plaster cements

• TS EN 197-1 (cement — composition, properties and conformity criteria)
• TS EN 196-1 (strength determination)
• TS EN 196-2 (kimyasal analiz)
• TS EN 196-3 (setting times and expansion)
• TS EN 196-6 (incelik tayini)
• TS EN 197-2 (conformity assessment)

mortar composition

Standard sand, water/cement ratio and mixing program defined in EN 196-1

Cure

Samples are cured at standard-defined temperature and humidity.

Experimental age

At defined ages for early strength and standard strength

Laboratory conditions

Temperature and humidity controlled environment is mandatory

• Standard mortar mixer and shaking table
• Prism molds and curing pool
• Bending and pressure press
• Vicat tool and Le Chatelier rings
• Blaine specific surface device
• XRF and glow furnace

• Conditioning in building materials directly determines the result: concrete with incomplete curing time, damp wood or insulation material that is not balanced will not show its true performance. Sample age and conditioning conditions are always stated in the report.
• Representative sample; It must be taken from the silo or bag in accordance with the standard.
• The sample should be stored in an airtight container — cement absorbs moisture
• Cement type, class and production date must be declared
• Enough; separate samples required for all experiments

Setting and fineness experiments are completed in a short time. Strength tests wait until the cure age defined in the standard and this period cannot be shortened; The standard strength result therefore determines the test schedule.

1. 1The sample is taken and conditioned under laboratory conditions.
2. 2Standard mortar is prepared according to EN 196-1 and prisms are poured.
3. 3Samples are cured under defined conditions.
4. 4Setting times are determined with the Vicat tool.
5. 5Fineness is measured by the Blaine method.
6. 6Flexural and compressive strength are measured at defined ages.

TS EN 197-1 defines early and standard strength ranges, setting onset time and expansion limits for each cement type and strength class. Within the scope of (EU) 305/2011, the test result is not a pass/fail decision, but the performance value to be announced in the Declaration of Performance (DoP). The national regulations and project specifications of the country where the structure where the product will be used determine which performance level is sufficient.

The strength class is defined by both lower and upper limits; Higher than expected strength may also exceed the class and this is a non-conformity. A shortening of the setting time usually indicates moisture or improperly stored cement.

• Cement type, class, manufacturer and batch information
• Applied standards
• Socket start and end times
• Fineness (specific surface)
• Flexural and compressive strength at all ages
• Chemical analysis results

EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation obtained from accreditation bodies party to the IAF and ILAC multilateral recognition arrangements, under ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection and surveillance, and ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 for system and product certification. This chain ensures the reports and certificates issued are accepted worldwide.

Whether this test can be offered within accredited scope depends on your product and the standard applied; since accreditation is method-based, the scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011

The section below describes the field that the Cement test belongs to; the conditions and acceptance criteria of this particular test are given in the sections above. The scope specific to your product is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Concrete
• Aggregate
• Steel
• Brick
• Ceramic
• Glass
• Insulation
• Membrane
• Pipe
• Acoustics
• Thermal Conductivity
• Watertightness