Sample Preparation And Recommended Test Procedure - Calmetrix I-Cal 8000 User Manual

F. SAMPLE PREPARATION AND RECOMMENDED TEST PROCEDURE
1. Ensure that the mixing procedure is sufficient to disperse binder properly.
2. If the w/c ratio is pre-defined, perform a pre-test mix with blank cement paste or mortar (no
admixtures) and another pre-test with the highest desired dosage of admixtures. Adjust w/c ratio if
necessary.
3. If the water demand of the cement – admixture combination to be tested is unknown, perform a pre-
test to determine required water to binder ratio (binder comprises of cement and any pozzolan used
as cement replacement)
Mortar, concrete or paste
Note that the outlined procedure covers testing of mortar, concrete or paste.
Preparation
4. Dial in desired test temperature in the "Set Tenv" box in the I-Cal Logger tab and press Turn
Controller On. The controller should be on for at least 20 hours before test runs to reach a stable test
temperature.
5. Pre-dilute admixtures to ensure accurate weighing or use high accuracy micro-pipettes for accurate
volumetric dosing.
6. If the mixing procedure is new to the operator, run 5-10 practice mixes to ensure a consistent mixing
method throughout a test series.
7. Use the same mixing sequences and times as far as possible within a test series
8. Default values for data collection are set to record a data point every 60 seconds.
9. Prepare mortar or concrete according to standard. For a better signal to noise ratio, you can remove
the coarse aggregates > 4 mm using a sieve. Be sure to enter all the different materials used in the
software to ensure proper calculation of power and heat. The software reports power and heat
normalized to total cementitious or to portland cements, making it easy to visualize any effect of
admixtures and SCM's on the portland cement reaction. Please be careful not to get any material
outside of the 125 ml sample cup.
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