AASHTO T153

Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by Air-Permeability Apparatus

Applicability: Applies to portland cement and other hydraulic cements where fineness must be determined for specification compliance or quality control under AASHTO or state transportation department standards. Functionally equivalent to ASTM C204 and used interchangeably in highway and infrastructure construction contexts where AASHTO testing protocols are contractually required.

Purpose: Determines the specific surface area of portland cement in cm²/g using the Blaine air-permeability apparatus by measuring the time required for a fixed volume of air to flow through a compacted bed of cement at a standardized porosity. The Blaine value obtained correlates with particle size distribution and is used to assess cement reactivity, rate of strength development, and compliance with fineness requirements in AASHTO M 85 and related highway material specifications.