Form ProjStat
(Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Research Project Statement 17-10
FY 2017 Annual Program
Title:
Direct Determination of Cement Composition by X-Ray Diffraction (Deliverable Based)
The Problem:
Over the past decade, the composition of finished cements has changed with the use of
limestone additions and synthetic gypsum. The determination of cement composition, also
known as Bogue compounds, is based on bulk oxide analysis and equations developed in the
1920's. These equations have been slightly modified several times to correct for limestone and
other processing additions, but the primary equations have been virtually unchanged since their
development. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is the most common method used to determine the bulk
oxide of the cement. Although XRF is the primary method used, it has limitations, such as not
being able to quantify limestone content or sulfate type. If this information is needed, additional
tests must be performed. The XRF method is considered an indirect method of determining
cement composition since the bulk oxide of the cement is used to determine Bogue compounds
and limestone contents. Because compounds in cement are crystalline, the use of X-ray powder
diffraction (XRD) can be used to directly quantify all compounds in the cement with far better
accuracy and precision. The use of XRD analysis can also better quantify sulfate content and
type, and limestone content. The cement industry and agencies agree that direct determination
of cement composition through XRD is a better method, and ASTM C1365 outlines a process for
XRD; however, very little effort has been made to incorporate this method into routine production
and qualification testing.
Technical
Objectives:
The goal of this project is to advance the state of the practice of cement analysis through the use
of the latest knowledge and technology. This will be accomplished through completion of the
following objectives:
1. Work with the cement industry in-state and nationwide to determine barriers preventing the
progression of XRD in production testing and solutions to overcome these barriers.
2. Develop protocols for determining cement composition by XRD for all ASTM C150 and C595
types of cements. Determine procedures to extract and analyze the bulk cements.
3. Determine if any cement production (grinding, gypsum optimization) would be affected if
XRD was used to determine cement composition.
4. Recommend changes to cement specifications (particularly to C3A and sulfate resistance,
heat of hydration) when cement composition is determined by XRD.
Desired
Deliverables:
1. Value of Research (VoR) that includes both qualitative and economic benefits.
2. Guide specifications and test procedures.
3. Research report documenting work performed and findings.
Proposal
Requirements:
1. Utilize the deliverable based templates (see the appendices provided or in the University
Handbook).
2. Proposals will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted for technical
evaluation if they are not received by the deadline or do not meet the requirements stated in
RTI’s University Handbook.
3. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format, 1 PDF file per proposal. File name should
include project name and university abbreviation.
Pre-Proposal
Meeting
Information:
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
9:00 – 9:45AM
Austin Riverside Campus
118 E. Riverside Dr.
RTI Conference Room, 1st Floor
Project Statement 17-10
Form ProjStat
(Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Webex Information:
1. Go to
https://txdot.webex.com/mw0401lsp13/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=txdot&rnd=0.9091095085622
569
2. Meeting Number: 735 915 144
3. If requested, enter your name and email address.
4. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: FY17
5. Click "Join".
Teleconference Information:
Provide your phone number when you join the meeting to receive a call back. Alternatively, you
can call:
Call-in toll-free number: 1-866-637-1408 (US)
Conference Code: 951 211 7290
Notifying RTI of
Intent to
Propose:
Notify your University Liaison of your intent to submit a proposal. Your Liaison will provide
information regarding the RFP.
Proposal
Deadline:
Proposals are due to RTI by 4:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time, April 14, 2016. Email
submissions should be sent to rtimain@txdot.gov.
Project Statement 17-10