Concrete and mortar: Binder content by calculation from chemical analysis (NT BUILD 436)

Abstract

SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION

The method can be applied to calculation of the cement content of concrete and the binder content of mortar on the basis of chemical analysis of the calcium oxide and soluble silica content in the sample and loss on ignition of the sample. The calculation usually gives an accurate estimate of the cement/binder content. The calculated binder content may however deviate from the true value due to calcium oxide or soluble silica in the aggregate. The binder content should therefore be calculated from an analysis of the hardened concrete or mortar, and the binder itself or the aggregate if they are available. The result of the test may also be compared with tests according to other methods such as NT BUILD 370.