AASHTO T 153-13 (2017) PDF

This test method covers determination of the fineness of hydraulic cement, using the Blaine air permeability apparatus, in terms of the specific surface expressed as total surface area in square centimeters per gram or square meters per kilogram of cement. Two test methods are given: Test Method A is the Reference Test Method using the manually operated standard Blaine apparatus, and Test Method B permits the use of an automated apparatus that is in accordance with the qualification requirements of this test method’s demonstrated acceptable performance. Although the test method may be, and has been, used for the determination of the measures of fineness of various other materials, it should be understood that, in general, relative rather than absolute fineness values are obtained.

This test method is known to work well for portland cements. However, the user should exercise judgment in determining its suitability with regard to fineness measurements of cements with densities or porosities that differ from those assigned to Standard Reference Material No. 114.