SPR 14-474 Insoluble Residue Testing of Cement

The objective of this research is to determine through a review of literature the current practice related to the limits on insoluble materials in Portland cement. Cement specifications and test methods from other agencies will be reviewed and documented. A synthesis of current practice will be prepared for the Division of Materials. Over the past several years, the Division of Materials has seen an increase in the number of failures when testing Portland cement for insoluble residue. Insoluble residue is a non-cementing material which is present in Portland cement and excessive amounts of insoluble residue may indicate contamination or high amounts of siliceous or argillaceous materials in the cement. This residue material can affect the properties of the cement, especially its compressive strength. To control the non-cementing material in Portland cement, Section 801 of Kentucky’s Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction restricts insoluble residue in cement to 0.75% when determined in accordance with Kentucky Method 64-254-08, “Chemical Analysis of Cement.” Recent investigations into the allowable amount of insoluble material in Portland cement suggest that higher percentages of insoluble residue in the cement are not significantly detrimental to the long-term compressive strength properties of the cement. It is anticipated the results of this effort will be used to examine limits on insoluble residue in the Cabinet’s cement specifications and make modifications if favorable.