AASHTO T105

Full Name

AASHTO T105 – Standard Method of Test for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement

Scope

AASHTO T105 is a standard test method that provides a comprehensive framework for the chemical analysis of hydraulic cements, such as Portland cement, blended cement, and other hydraulic binders. The method encompasses various techniques to determine the chemical composition of cement, including the concentrations of major oxides, minor components, and trace elements.

Key aspects of AASHTO T105:

  • Scope: the standard covers a wide range of chemical analyses for hydraulic cements, including:
    • Major oxides: calcium oxide (CaO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), iron oxide (Fe2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), sulfur trioxide (SO3), and others.
    • Minor components: potassium oxide (K2O), sodium oxide (Na2O), phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and others.
    • Trace elements: manganese oxide (MnO), strontium oxide (SrO), and others.
    • Loss on Ignition (LOI): an indicator of the cement’s overall thermal stability and the presence of volatile components.
    • Insoluble residue: the portion of the cement that does not dissolve in acid, providing information about the presence of non-reactive materials.
  • Analytical techniques: AASHTO T105 allows for the use of various analytical techniques, including classical wet chemistry methods, instrumental methods (such as X-ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy), and other validated methods.
  • Reference and alternate methods: the standard provides both reference methods (well-established and widely accepted methods) and alternate methods (newer or less common methods) for determining the chemical composition of cement.

Significance of AASHTO T105:

  • Quality control: AASHTO T105 serves as a critical tool for quality control in cement production, ensuring that the cement’s chemical composition meets the specified requirements and standards.
  • Performance prediction: the chemical composition of cement influences its properties, such as setting time, strength development, and durability. By analyzing the chemical composition, engineers can predict the performance of concrete made with the cement.
  • Troubleshooting: chemical analysis can be used to identify the root cause of problems in concrete, such as excessive shrinkage, cracking, or poor durability.
  • Research and development: AASHTO T105 provides a standardized framework for chemical analysis, facilitating research and development of new cement formulations and applications.

AASHTO T105 Accredited Laboratory

Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the AASHTO T105 standard.

Our laboratory offers comprehensive chemical analysis services for hydraulic cements based on AASHTO T105 and other relevant standards. Our experienced chemists utilize modern equipment and techniques to provide accurate and reliable results for your cement testing needs.

Contact us for more information.

Resources

Keywords

chemical analysis; hydraulic cement; portland cement; blended cement; major oxides; minor components; trace elements; loss on ignition; insoluble residue; x-ray fluorescence; atomic absorption spectroscopy; titration; gravimetric analysis