ICS 9 1.100.10           DMS 29 -1:2018  
First revision  
EN 197:2011  
IDT 
 
 
DRAFT MALAWI STANDARD  
(COMESA  AND SADC  HARMINIZED)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cement–Part 1: Composition, 
specifications and  conformity criteria 
for common cements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE: This is a Dr aft Proposa l and should not be regarded or used as a Malawi 
Standard  
__________________  
 Published by  
MALAWI STANDARDS BOARD   
 
 ICS 91.100.10           DMS 29-1:2018 
Second  edition  
EN 197:2011  
IDT  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cement–Part 1: Composition, 
specifications and conformity criteria for 
common cements  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obtainable from the  
Malawi Bureau of Standards  
P O Box  946 
BLANTYRE  
 
Tel: +265 1 870 488  
Fax: +265 1 870 756  
E-mail: mbs@mbsmw.org   
Website: www.mbsmw.org   
Price based on 30 pages  
© Copyright reserved   
i 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS  
 
Contents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  Page  
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................   i 
Introduction  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................   i 
Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................   1 
Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................   2 
Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................   2 
Cement  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................   3 
Constituents  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............   4 
Composition and notation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................   8 
Mechanical, physical, chemical and durability requirements ................................ ................................ .....  11 
Standard designation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .  13 
Conformity criteria  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......  15 
Bibliog raphy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............   30 
 
 
FOREWORD  
 
This Draft Malawi Standard is a revision of MS 2 9:2002 . It is a Common Market for Eastern and Southern 
Africa (COMESA) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Harmonized Text, covering 
requirement different types of cements.  
 
The harm onization of standards and Technical Regulations in the COMESA is an obligation under the 
COMESA Treaty in order to promote the achievement of the aims and objectives of the Common Market as 
set out in Article 3 of COMESA Treaty.  
 
In SADC, harmon ization of  standards and technical regulations is also an obligation under the SADC Trade 
Protocol which was established under the SADC Treaty to provide elimination of tariffs and non -tariff barriers 
to trade.  
 
This draft Malawi Standard is identical to t he followi ng standards:  
 
European  Standard EN 197-1:2011 Cement – Part 1: Composition , specifications and conformity criteria for 
common cements  which was adopted by COMESA.  
 
SADCSTAN HT 5/SANS 50197 -1: 20 11 Ed 1  – Cement Part 1: Composition, specification s and conf ormity 
criteria for common cements  
 
Acknowledgement is made for the use of the above standard s. 
 
 
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE  
 
This Draft Malawi Standard  was developed by the Technical Committee MBS/TC 9 Cement and lime 
products  and the following compani es and org anisations  were represented : 
 
Geological Survey Department  
Jogs Concrete Products  
Kulimba Cement Limited  
Lafarge Cement  
Malawi Building Construction and Allied Trades Association  
Malawi Bureau of Standards  
National Construction Industry Council  
University of Malawi – The Polytechnic  
  
ii 
 NOTICE  
 
This Draft Malawi Standard  shall be revi ewed every five years, or earlier  when  it is necessary  in order to 
keep abreast of progress.  Comments are welcome and shall be  considered when the draft Malawi Standard  
is being  reviewed .  
1 
 DMS 29:2018 
DRAFT MALAWI STANDARD  
Cement  
Part 1: Composition , specifications and conformity 
criteria for common cements  
 
 
1 SCOPE  
 
This Draft Malawi  Standard defines and gives the specifications of 27 distinct common cements, 7 sulpha te 
resisti ng common cements as well as 3 distinct low early strength blast furnace cements and 2 sulphate  
resisting low early strength  blast furnace cements and their constituents. The definition of each cement 
includes the proportions in which the  constit uents are to be combined to produce these distinct products in a 
range of nine strength classes. The definition  also includes requirements which the constituents have to 
meet. It also includes mechanical, physical, and chemical  requirements. Furthermore, t his standa rd states 
the conformity criteria and the related rules. Necessary durability  requirements are also given.  
 
NOTE 1  - In addition to the specified requirements, an exchange of additional information between the cement manufacturer and user 
can be helpful. T he procedures for such an exchange are not within the scope of this standard but should be dealt with in accordance 
with national standards or regulations or can be agreed between the parties concerned.  
 
NOTE 2  - The word “cement” in this Malawi Standard  is used to refer only to common cements unless otherwise specified.  
 
This Malawi  Standard does not cover  the following cements which have been covered in other standards : 
 
– very low heat special cement;  
 
– super sulphate d cement;  
 
– calcium alumin ate cement ; 
 
– masonry cement.  
 
 
2 NORMATIVE REFERENCES  
 
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this 
standard. All standards are subject to revision and, since any reference to a standard is deemed to be a 
reference to the latest edition of that standard, parties to agreements based on this standard are encouraged 
to take steps to ensure the use of the most recent editions of the standards indicated below. Information on 
currently valid nat ional and international standards can be obtained from the Malawi Bureau of Standards  
 
MS 29 -2:2000, Cement – Part 2: Conformity evaluation  
 
MS 1062 -1, Methods of testing cement – Part 1: Determination of strength  
 
MS 1062 -2, Methods of testing cement — Part 2: Chem ical analysis of cement  
 
MS 1062 -3, Methods of testing cement – Part 3: Determination of setting times and soundness  
 
MS 1062 -5, Methods of testing cement – Part 5: Pozzolanicity test for pozzolanic cement  
 
MS 1062 -6, Methods of testing cement – Part 6: De termination of fineness  
 
MS 1062 -7, Methods of testing cement – Part 7: Methods of taking and preparing samples of cement  
 
EN 196 -8, Methods of testing cement – Part 8: Heat of hydration — Solution method  
 
EN 196 -9, Methods of testing cement – Part 9: Heat  of hydration — Semi -adiabatic method  
  
2 
 EN 451 -1, Method of testing fly ash – Part 1: Determination of free calcium oxide content  
 
EN 933 -9, Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates – Part 9: Assessment of fines - Methylene blue test  
 
EN 136 39, Determ ination of total organic carbon in limestone  
 
ISO 9277, Determination of the specific surface area of solids by gas adsorption – BET method  
 
ISO 9286, Abrasive grains and crude – Chemical analysis of silicon carbide  
 
 
3 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS  
 
For the purpo ses of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.  
 
3.1 
reactive calcium oxide (CaO)  
fraction of the calcium oxide which, under normal hardening conditions, can form calci um silicate hydrates or 
calcium aluminate hydrates  
 
NOTE  - To evaluate this fraction, the total calcium oxide content (see MS 1062 -2) is reduced b y the fraction corresponding to calcium 
carbonate (CaCO 3), based on the measured carbon dioxide (CO 2) content (see MS 1062 -2), and the fraction corresponding to calcium 
sulphate  (CaSO 4), based on the measured sulphate  (SO 3) content (see MS 1062 -2) after sub traction of the SO3 taken up by alkalis.  
 
3.2 
reactive silicon dioxide (SiO 2) 
fraction of the silicon dioxide which is soluble after treatment with hydrochloric acid ( HCl) and with  boiling 
potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution  
 
NOTE  - The quantity of reactive silicon dioxide is determined by subtracting from the total silicon dioxide content (see MS 1062 -2) the 
fraction contained in the residue insoluble in hydrochloric acid and potass ium hydroxide (see MS 1062 -2), both on a dry basis.  
 
3.3 
main constituent  
specially selected inorganic material in a proportion exceeding 5 % by mass related t o the sum of all main 
and minor additional constituents  
 
3.4 
minor additional constitue nt 
special ly selected inorganic material used in a proportion not exceeding a total of 5 % by  mass related to the 
sum of all main and minor additional constituents  
 
3.5 
type of common cement  
one of the 27 products (see Table 1 ) in the family of common ceme nts 
 
3.6 
strength class of cement  
class of compressive strength  
 
3.7 
autocontrol testing  
continual testing by the manufacturer of cement spot samples taken at the point(s) of release from the 
factory/depot  
 
3.8 
control period  
period of production and dispa tch identi fied for the evaluation of the autocontrol test results  
 
3.9 
characteristic value  
value of a required property outside of which lies a specified percentage, the percentile Pk , of all the values 
of the population  
  
3 
 3.10 
specified characteristic va lue 
charac teristic value of a mechanical, physical or chemical property which in the case  of an upper limit is not 
to be exceeded or in the case of a lower limit is, as a minimum, to be reached  
 
3.11 
single result limit value  
value of a mechanical, physica l or chemi cal property which – for any single test result – in the case of an 
upper limit is not to be exceeded or in the case of a lower limit is, as a minimum, to be reached  
 
3.12 
allowable probability of acceptance CR  
for a given sampling plan, allowed probabilit y of acceptance of cement with a characteris tic value outside the 
specified characteristic value  
 
3.13 
sampling plan  
specific plan which states the (statistical) sample size(s) to be used, the percentile Pk and the allowable 
probability of accept ance CR  
 
3.14 
spot sample  
sample which is taken at the same time and from one and the same place, relating to th e intended tests, and 
which can be obtained by combining one or more immediately consecutive increments  
 
NOTE  - See MS 1062 -7. 
 
3.15 
heat of hyd ration  
quantity of heat developed by the hydration of a cement within a given period of time  
 
3.16 
low heat common cement  
common cement with a limited heat of hydration  
 
3.17 
sulphate  resisting common cement  
common cement which fulfils the requirements for  sulphate  resisting properties  
 
3.18 
low heat low early strength blast furnace cement  
low early strength blast furnace cement with a limited heat of hydration  
 
3.19 
sulphate  resisting low early strength blast furnace cement  
low early strength blast furnace  cement wh ich fulfils the requirements for sulphate  resisting properties  
 
 
4 CEMENT  
 
Cement is a hydraulic binder, i.e. a finely ground inorganic material which, when mixed with wa ter, forms a 
paste which sets and hardens by means of hydration reactions an d processe s and which, after hard ening, 
retains its strength and stability even under water.  
 
Cement conforming to this standard, termed CEM cement, shall, when appropriately batch ed and mixed with 
aggregate and water, be capable of producing concrete or m ortar whic h retains its workability for a sufficient 
time and shall after defined periods attain specified strength levels and also possess long -term volume 
stability.  
 
Hydraulic hardening of CEM cement is primarily due to the hydration of calcium silicat es but othe r chemical 
compounds may also participate in the hardening process, e.g. aluminates. The sum of the propor tions of 
reactive calcium oxide (CaO) and reactive silicon dioxide (SiO 2) in CEM cement shall be at least 50 % b y 
mass when the proportions are determ ined in accordance with MS 1062 -2.  
4 
 CEM cements consist of different materials and are statistically homogeneous in com position resulting from 
quality assured production and material handling processes. The link between these p roduction and materi al 
handlin g processes and the conformity of cement to this standard is elaborated in MS 29 -2. 
 
NOTE  - There are also cements whose hardening is mainly due to other compounds, e.g. calcium  aluminate in calcium aluminate 
cement.  
 
 
5 CONSTITUENTS  
 
5.1 General  
 
The requ irements for the constituents specified in 5.2 to 5.5 shall be determined in princi ple in accordance 
with the test methods described in EN 196  unless otherwise specified.  
 
5.2 Main constituents  
 
5.2.1  Portland cement clinker (K)  
 
Portland cement clinker is  made by sintering a precisely specified mixture of raw materi als (raw meal, paste 
or slurry) containing elements, usually expressed as oxides, CaO, SiO 2, Al2O 3, Fe2O 3 and small qua ntities of 
other materials. The raw meal, paste or slurry is fine ly divided , intimately mixed and therefore homogeneous.  
 
Portland cement clinker is a hydraulic material which shall consist of at least two -thirds by mass of calcium 
silicates (3CaO ⋅ SiO 2 and 2CaO ⋅ SiO 2), the remainder consisting of aluminium and iron cont aining clinker 
phases and other compounds. The ratio by mass (CaO)/(SiO 2) shall be not less than 2 .0. The content  of 
magnesium oxide (MgO) shall not exceed 5 .0 % by mass.  
 
Portland  cement clinker incorporated in sulphate  resisting Portland cement (CEM I) and sulphate  resisting 
pozzolanic cements (CEM IV) shall fulfil additional requirements for tricalcium aluminate content (C3A). The 
tricalcium aluminate content of the clinker shall  be calculated by Equation (1) as follows:  
 
 C3A = 2 .65 A – 1.69 F          (1) 
 
where  
 
 A is the percentage of aluminium oxide (Al 2O3) by mass of the clinker as determ ined in 
 accordance with MS 1062 -2 
 
 F is the percentage of iron (III) oxide (Fe 2O3) by mass of the clinker as determined in 
 accordance with MS 1062 -2. 
 
NOTE  - It may happen that a negative C 3A value is obtained from the calculation. In this case, th e value 0 % should be recorded. A test 
method to determine the C 3A content of clinker from th e analysis of a spot sample of cement is  currently under development by CEN/TC 
51. Until this method is available, the C 3A content should be directly measured on the clinker.  In the specific case of CEM I, it is 
permissible to calculate the C 3A content of clinker from the chemical analysis of the cement. T he minimum frequency of testing and the 
use of alternative methods for the direct or indirect evaluation of C 3A should be included in the factory production control (see MS 29 -2). 
A typical frequency of te sting is two per month in routine situations.  
 
Sulphate  resisting Portland cements and sulphate  resisting pozzolanic cements are made with Portland 
cement clinker in which the C 3A content does not exceed:  
 
– For CEM I:     0 %, 3 % or 5 % as appropriate (se e 6.2) 
 
– For CEM IV/A and CEM IV/B:  9 %. 
 
5.2.2  Granulated blast furnace slag (S)  
 
Granulated blast furnace slag is made by rapid cooling of a slag melt of suitable compo sition, as obtained by 
smelting iron ore in a blast furnace and contains at least two -thirds by mass of glassy slag and  possesses 
hydraulic properties when suitably activated.  
  
5 
 Granulated blast furnace slag shall consist of at least two -thirds by mass of the sum of  calcium oxide (CaO), 
magnesium oxide (MgO) and silicon dioxide (SiO 2). The remainder contains aluminium oxide (Al 2O3) 
together with small amounts of other compounds. The ratio by mass (CaO + MgO)/(SiO 2) shall exceed 1 .0. 
 
5.2.3  Pozzolanic materials (P, Q)  
 
5.2.3.1  General  
 
Pozzolanic materials are natural substances of siliceous or silico -aluminous compos ition or a combination 
thereof. Although fly ash and silica fume have pozzolanic properties, they are specified in sep arate 
subclauses (see 5.2.4  and 5.2.7 ). 
 
Pozzolanic materials do not harden in themselves when mixed with water but, when fi nely ground and in the 
presence of water, they react at normal ambient temperature with dissolved calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2) to 
form strength  developing calcium silicate and calcium aluminate compounds. These compounds are si milar 
to those whi ch are formed in the hardening of hydraulic materials. Pozzolanas consist essentially of reactive 
silicon dioxide (SiO 2) and aluminium oxide (Al 2O3). The remainder contains iron oxide (Fe 2O3) and other 
oxides. The proportio n of reactive calcium oxide for hardening is negligible. The reactive silicon dioxide 
content shall be not less than 25 .0 % by mass.  
 
Pozzolanic materials shall be correctly prepared, i.e. selected, homogenised, dried, or heat -treated and 
comminuted, depending on their state of production  or delivery.  
 
5.2.3.2  Natural pozzolana (P)  
 
Natural pozzolanas are usually materials of volcanic origin or sedimentary r ocks with suitable chemical and 
mineralogical composition and shall conform to 5.2.3.1 . 
 
5.2.3.3  Natural calcined pozzolana (Q)  
 
Natur al calcined pozzolanas are materials of volcanic origin, clays, shales or sediment ary rocks, activated by 
thermal treatment and shall conform to 5.2.3.1 . 
 
5.2.4  Fly ashes (V, W)  
 
5.2.4.1  General  
 
Fly ash is obtained by electrostatic or mechanical precipita tion of dust -like particles fr om the flue gases from 
furnaces fired with pulverised coal.  
 
NOTE 1  - For definition of fly ash see EN 450 -1. 
 
Ash obtained by other methods shall not be used in cement that conforms to this standard.  
 
Fly ash may be siliceous  or calcareous in nature. The former has pozzolanic properties; th e latter may have, 
in addition, hydraulic properties. The loss on ignition of fly ash determined in accordance with MS 1062 -2, 
but using an ignition time of 1 h, shall be within one of the f ollowing limits:  
 
a) 0 % to 5 .0 % by mass  
 
b) 2.0 % to 7 .0 % by mass  
 
c) 4.0 % to 9 .0 % by mass  
 
The upper limit of loss on ignition of the fly ash used as a main constituent for the product ion of a cement 
shall be stated on its packaging and/or delivery n ote. 
 
NOTE 2  - The purpose of the requirement for the loss on ignition is to limit the residue of unbur nt carbon in the fly ash. It is therefore 
sufficient to show, through direct measurement of unburnt carbon residue, that the content of unburnt carbon fa lls within the limits of the 
categories specified above. The content of unburnt carbon is determined in accordance with ISO 10694 . 
 
 
 
  
6 
 5.2.4.2 Siliceous fly ash (V)  
 
Siliceous fly ash is a fine powder of mostly spherical particles having pozzolanic propert ies. It consists 
essentially of reactive silicon dioxide (SiO 2) and aluminium oxide (Al 2O3). The remainder contai ns iron oxide 
(Fe 2O3) and other compounds.  
 
The proportion of reactive calcium oxide (CaO) shall be less than 10 .0 % by mass, the co ntent of fr ee 
calcium oxide, as determined by the method described in EN 451 -1 shall not exceed 1 .0 % by mass. Fly ash 
having a free calcium oxide content higher than 1 .0 % by mass but less than 2 .5 % by mass is also 
acceptable, provided that the requirem ent on expan sion (soundness) does not exceed 10 mm when tested in 
accordance with MS 1062 -3 using a mixture of 30 % by mass of siliceous fly ash and 70 % by mass of a 
CEM I cement conforming to this Malawi Standard . 
 
The reactive silicon dioxide content shall not be l ess than 25 .0 % by mass.  
 
5.2.4.3 Calcareous fly ash (W)  
 
Calcareous fly ash is a fine powder, having hydraulic and/or pozzolanic properties. It c onsists essentially of 
reactive calcium oxide (CaO), reactive silicon dioxide (SiO 2) and aluminium oxide (Al 2O3). Th e remainder 
contains iron oxide (Fe 2O3) and other compounds. The proportion of reactive calcium oxide shall n ot be less 
than 10.0 % by mass. Calcareous fly ash containing between 10 .0 % and 15 .0 % by mass of reactive 
calcium oxide shall contain not l ess than 25.0 % by mass of reactive silicon dioxide.  
 
Adequately ground calcareous fly ash containing more than 15 .0 % by mass of reac tive calcium oxide shall 
have a compressive strength of at least 10 .0 MPa at 28 days when tested in accordance with MS 106 2-1. 
Before testing, the fly ash shall be ground and the fineness, expressed as the proportion by mass of the ash 
retained when wet sieved on a 40 μm mesh sieve, shall be between 10 % and 30 % by mass. The test 
mortar shall be prep ared with ground calcareo us fly ash only instead of cement. The mortar specimens shall 
be demoulded 48 h after prepar ation and then cured in a moist atmosphere of relative humidity of at least 90 
% until tested.  
 
The expansion (soundness) of calcareous fly ash shall not exceed 10 mm when tes ted in accordance with 
MS 1062 -3 using a mixture of 30 % by mass of calcareous fly ash ground as described above and 70 % by 
mass of a CEM  I cement conforming to this Malawi Standard . 
 
NOTE  - If the sulphate  (SO 3) content of the fly ash exceeds the permissible upper limit for the sulphate  content of the cement then this 
has to be taken into account for the manufacture of the cement by appropriately reducing the calcium sulphate -containing constituents.  
 
5.2.5  Burnt shale (T)  
 
Burnt shale, specifi cally burnt oil shale, is produced in a special kiln at temperatures of  approximately 800 
°C. Owing to the composition of the natural material and the production process, burnt shale contains clinker 
phases, mainly dicalcium silicate and monocalcium alumin ate. It also contains, besides small am ounts of 
free calcium oxide and calcium sulphate , larger proportions of pozzolanica lly reacting oxides, especially 
silicon dioxide . Consequently, in a finely ground state burnt shale shows pronounced hydraulic propert ies 
like Portland ce ment and in addition pozzolanic properties.  
 
Adequately ground burnt shale shall have a compressive strength of at least 25 .0 MPa at 28 days when 
tested in accordance with MS 1062 -1. The test mortar shall be prepared with finely ground burnt sh ale only 
instead of cement. The mortar specimens shall be demoulded 48 h after preparation and cured in a moist 
atmosp here of relative humidity of at least 90 % until tested.  
 
The expansion (soundness) of burnt shale shall not exceed 10 mm when tes ted in accordance with MS 
1062 -3 using a mixture of 30 % by mass of ground burnt shale and 70 % by mass of a CEM I cement 
conforming to this Malawi Standard . 
 
NOTE  - If the sulphate  (SO 3) content of the burnt shale exceeds the permissible upper limit for t he sulphate  content of the cement then 
this has to be taken into account for the manufacture of the cement by appropriately reducing the calcium sulphate -containing 
constituents.  
 
5.2.6  Limestone (L, LL)  
 
Limestone shall meet the following requirements:  
  
7 
 a) The calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) content calculated from the calcium oxide content shall be at least 75 % 
by mass.  
 
b) The clay content, determined by the methylene blue test in accordance with EN 933-9, shall not exceed 
1.20 g/100 g. For this test the lime stone shall be ground to a fineness of approximately 5 ,000 cm2/g 
determined as specific surface in accordance with MS 1062 -6. 
 
c) The total organic carbon (TOC) content, when tested in accordance with EN 136 39, shall conform to one 
of the following criteri a: 
 
 1) LL: shall not exceed 0 .20 % by mass;  
 
 2) L: shall not exceed 0 .50 % by mass.  
 
5.2.7  Silica fume (D)  
 
Silica fume originates from the reduction of high purity quartz with coal in electric ar c furnaces in the 
production  of  silicon and ferrosilicon  alloys and consists of very fine spherical particles cont aining at least 
85 % by  mass  of  amorphous  silicon dioxide. The content of elemental silicon (Si) determined according to 
ISO 9286 , shall not b e greater than 0 .4 % by mass.  
 
Silica fume shall mee t the following requirements:  
 
a) The loss on ignition shall not exceed 4 .0 % by mass determined in accordance with MS 1062 -2 but using 
an ignition time of 1 h.  
 
b) The specific surface (BET) of the untreated silica fume shall be at least 15 .0 m2/g when te sted in 
accordance with ISO 9277 . 
 
For intergrinding with clinker and calcium sulphate  the silica fume may be in its original s tate or compacted or 
pelletised (with water) or equivalently processed.  
 
5.3 Minor additional constituents  
 
Minor additional cons tituents are specially selected, inorganic natural mineral materia ls, inorganic mineral 
materials derived from the clinker production process or constituents as specified in 5.2 unless they are 
included as main  constituents in the cement.  
 
Minor additional  constituents, after appropriate preparation and on account of their particle  size distribution, 
improve the physical properties of the cement (such as workability or water retention). They can be inert or 
have  slightly hydraulic, latent hydraulic or pozzo lanic properties. However, no requirements are set for them 
in this respect.  
 
Minor additional constituents shall be correctly prepared, i.e. selected, homogenised,  dried and comminuted 
depending on their state of production or delivery. They shall not inc rease the water demand of the  cement 
appreciably, impair the resistance of the concrete or mortar to deterioration in any way or reduce the 
corrosion protection of the reinforcement.  
 
NOTE  - Information on the minor additional constituents in the cement sh ould be available from the manufacturer on request.  
 
5.4 Calcium sulphate  
 
Calcium sulphate  is added to the other constituents of cement during its manufacture to control setting.  
 
Calcium sulphate  can be gypsum (calc ium sulphate  dihydrate,  CaSO 4•2H2O), hemihydrate (CaSO 4•½H 2O), 
or anhydrite (anhydrous calcium sulphate , CaSO 4) or any mixture of them. Gypsum and anhydrite are found 
naturally. Calcium sulphate  is also available as a by -product of certain industrial processes.  
 
 
5.5 Additives  
 
Additives for the  purpose of this Malawi Standard  are constituents not covered in 5.2 to 5.4 which are added 
to improve the manufacture or the properties of the cement.   
8 
 The total quantity of additives shall not exceed 1 .0 % by mass of the cement (except for pigm ents). The 
quantity of organic additives on a dry basis shall not exceed 0 .2 % by mass of the cement. A high er quantity 
may be incorporated in cements provided that the maximum quantity, in %, is declared on the packaging 
and/or the delivery note.  
 
These additives sh all not promote corrosion of the reinforcement or impair the pro perties of the cement or of 
the concrete or mortar made from the cement.  
 
When admixtures for concrete, mortar or grouts conforming to the EN 934  series are used in cement the 
standar d notatio n of the admixture shall be declared on bags or delivery documents.  
 
 
6 COMPOSITION AND NOTATION  
 
6.1 Composition and notation of common cements  
 
The products in the family of common cements, covered by this Malawi standard , and their notation are 
given in  Table 1. They are grouped into five main cement types as follows:  
 
 – CEM I Portland cement,  
 
 – CEM II Portland -composite cement,  
 
 – CEM III Blast furnace cement,  
 
 – CEM IV Pozzolanic cement,  
 
 – CEM V Composite cement.  
 
The  composition  of each of th e products in the family of common cements shall be in accordance with 
Table 1 . 
 
NOTE  - For clarity in definition, the requirements for the composition refer to the sum o f all main and minor additional constituents. The 
final cement is to be understood as the main an d minor additional constituents plus the necessary calcium sulphate  (see 5.4) and any 
additives (see 5.5).  
9 
 Table 1 – The 27 products in the family of common cements  
 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 
Main 
types  Notation of the 27 products (type s of common 
cement)  Composition (percentage by massa) 
Main constituents  
clinker  Blast 
furnace 
slag Silica 
fume  Pozzolana  Fly ash  Burnt 
shale  Limestone  Minor 
additional  
constituents  natural  Natural 
calcined  siliceous  Calc- 
receous  
K S Db P Q V W T L LL 
CEM I  Portland cement  CEM I  95-100 – – – – – – – – – 0.5 
CEM II  Portland -slag cement  CEM II/A -S 80-94 6-20 – – – – – – – – 0.5 
CEM II/B -S 65-79 21-35 – – – – – – – – 0.5 
Portland -silica fume cement  CEM II/A -D 90-94 – 6-10 – – – – – – – 0.5 
Portland pozzolana cement  CEM II/A -P 80-94 – – 6-20 – – – – – – 0.5 
CEM II/B -P 65-79 – – 21-35 – – – – – – 0.5 
CEM II/A -Q 80-94 – – – 6-20 – – – – – 0.5 
CEM II/B -Q 65-79 – – – 21-35 – – – – – 0.5 
Portland -fly ash cement  CEM II/A -V 80-94 – – – – 6-20 – – – – 0.5 
CEM II/B -V 65-79 – – – – 21-35 – – – – 0.5 
CEM II/A -W 80-94 – – – – – 6-20 – – – 0.5 
CEM II/B -W 65-79 – – – – – 21-35 – – – 0.5 
Portland -burnt shale cement  CEM II/A -T 80-94 – – – – – – 6-20 – – 0.5 
CEM II/B -T 65-79 – – – – – – 21-35 – – 0.5 
Portland -limestone cement  CEM II/A -L 80-94 – – – – – – – 6-20 – 0.5 
CEM II/B -L 65-79 – – – – – – – 21-35 – 0.5 
CEM II/A -LL 80-94 – – – – – – – – 6-20 0.5 
CEM II/B -LL 65-79 – – – – – – – – 21-35 0.5 
Portland -composite ce mentc CEM II/A -M 80-88 ‹------------------ -------------- -----------------------------  12-20 ---------------- ---------------------------------------------- › 0.5 
CEM II/B -M 65-79 ‹----------------------- ------------- ------------------------------  21-35 ---------------------- ---------------------------------------- › 0.5 
CEM III  Blast furnace cement  CEM III/A  35-64 36-65 – – – – – – – – 0.5 
CEM III/B  20-34 66-80 – – – – – – – – 0.5 
CEM III/C  5-19 81-95 – – – – – – – – 0.5 
CEM IV  Pozzolana cementc CEM  III/ 65-89 – <--------- -------------- ----------  11-35 -------- -------------- ------------ > – – – 0.5 
CEM III/  45-64 – <----------- -------------- --------  36-55 ----------- -------------- --------- > – – – 0.5 
CEM V  Composite cementc CEM III/  40-64 18-30 – <-------------- ---- 18-30 -------------- ----> – – – – 0.5 
CEM III/  20-38 31-49 – <------------ ------ 31-49 ------------------> – – – – 0.5 
a The values in the table refer to the sum of the main and minor additional constituents.  
b The proportion of sil ica fume is limited to 10 %.  
c In Portland -composite cements CEM II/A -M and CEM II/B -M, in pozzolanic cements CEM IV/A and CEM IV/B and in co mposite cements CEM V/A and CEM V/B the main constituents other than clinker shall be 
declared by designation of th e cement (for examples, see Clause 8).  
  
10 
 6.2 Composition and notation of sulphate  resisting common cements (SR -Cements)  
 
The seven products in the family of the sulphate  resisting common cements, covere d by this standard are 
given in Table 2 . 
 
They are gr ouped into three main cement types as follows:  
 
Sulphate  resisting Portland cement:  
 
 – CEM I -SR 0 Sulphate  resisting Portland cement (C 3A content of the clinker = 0 %),  
 
 – CEM I -SR 3 Sulphate  resisting Portland cement (C 3A content of the clinker ≤ 3 %),  
 
 – CEM I -SR 5 Sulphate  resisting Portland cement (C 3A content of the clinker ≤ 5 %),  
 
Sulphate  resisting blast furnace cement:  
 
 – CEM III/B -SR Sulphate  resisting blast furnace cement (no requirement on C 3A content of the 
clinker),  
 
 – CEM III/C -SR Sulphate  resisting blast furnace cement (no requirement on C 3A content of the 
clinker),  
 
Sulphate  resisting pozzolanic cement:  
 
 – CEM IV/A -SR Sulphate  resisting pozzolanic cement (C 3A content of the clinker ≤ 9 %),  
 
 – CEM IV/B -SR Sulphate  resisting pozzolanic cement (C 3A content of the clinker ≤ 9 %).  
 
The composition of each of the seven products in the family of the sulphate  resis ting common cements shall 
be in accordance with Table 2 . The cement type notation shall be in acco rdance with the req uirements of 
this standard with additional notation by SR 0, SR 3, SR 5 for CEM I cements and only "SR" for CEM III and 
IV cements.  
 
Table 2 — The seven products in the family of sulphate  resisting common cements  
 
 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7  
Main 
types  Notation of the  
seven products  
 
(types of sulphate resisting 
common cement)  Composition (percentage by massa) 
Main constituents  
Minor  
additional  
constituents  Clinker  
 
 
K Blast 
furnace  
slag 
S Pozzolana  
natural  
 
P Siliceous 
fly ash  
V 
CEM I  Sulph ate 
resisting  
Portland 
cement  CEM I -SR 0  
CEM I -SR 3  
CEM I -SR 5  95 – 100    0 – 5 
CEM III  Sulphate 
resisting  
Blast furnace 
cement  CEM III/B -SR 20 – 34 66 – 80 – – 0 – 5 
CEM III/C -SR 5 – 19 81 – 95 – – 0 – 5 
CEM IV  Sulphateb 
resisting 
pozzolanic 
cement  CEM IV/A -SR 65 – 79  21 - 35 0 – 5 
CEM IV/B -SR 45 – 64  36 - 55 0 – 5 
a The values in the table refer to the sum of the main and minor additional constituents.  
b In sulphate resisting pozzolanic cements, types CEM IV/A -SR and CEM IV/B -SR, the main constituents other than clinker shall be 
declared by designation of the cement (for examples, see Clause 8 ). 
 
  
11 
 6.3 Composition and notation of low early strength common cements  
 
Low early strength common cements are CEM III blast furnace cements as specif ied in Table 1 . They differ 
from other common cements regarding the early strength requirements (see 7.1.2 ). Low  early strength CEM 
III cements conforming to the requirements in Table 2  can also be declared as sulphate  resisting common 
cements.  
 
7 MECHANIC AL, PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND DURABILITY REQUIREMENTS  
 
7.1 Mechanical requirements  
 
7.1.1  Standard strength  
 
The standard strength of a cement is the compressive strength determined in accordance with MS 1062 -1 at 
28 days and shall conform to the requirements  in Table 3 . 
 
Three classes of standard strength are included: class 32 .5, class 42 .5 and class 52 .5 (see Table 3 ). 
 
7.1.2  Early strength  
 
The early strength of a cement is the compressive strength determined in accordance with MS 1062 -1 at 
either 2 days o r 7 days and shall conform to the requirements in Table 3 . 
 
Three classes of early strength are included for each class of standard strength, a class with ordinary early 
strength , indicated by N, a class with high early strength, indicated by R and a class  with low earl y strength, 
indicated by L (see Table 3 ). Class L is only applicable for CEM III cements. T hese are the distinct low early 
strength blast furnace cements.  
 
Table 3 — Mechanical and physical requirements given as characteristic values  
 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
Strength  
class  
 Compressive strength  
MPa  Initial  
setting time  Soundness  
(expansion)  Early strength  Standard strength  
2 days  7 days  28 days  min mm 
32.5 La – ≥ 12.0  
≥ 32.5  ≤ 52.5  ≥ 75  
≤ 10  32.5 N  ≥ 16,0  
32.5 R ≥ 10.0   
42.5 La  ≥16.0  
≥ 42.5  ≤ 62.5  ≥ 60  42.5 N  ≥ 10,0  – 
42.5 R  ≥ 20.0  – 
52.5 La ≥ 10.0  – 
≥ 52.5   ≥ 45  52.5 N  ≥ 20.0  – 
52.5 R  ≥ 30.0  – 
a Strength class only defined for CEM III cements.  
 
7.2 Physical requirements  
 
7.2.1  Initial setting time  
 
The i nitial setting time, determined in accordance with MS 1062 -3, shall conform to the requirements in Table 3 . 
 
7.2.2  Soundness  
 
The expansion, determined in accordance with MS 1062 -3, shall conform to the requirement in Table 3 . 
 
  
12 
 7.2.3  Heat of hydration  
 
The heat of hydration of low heat common cements shall not exceed the characteristic value of 270 J/g, 
determined in accordance with either EN 196 -8 at 7 days or in accordance with EN 196 -9 at 41 h.  
 
Low heat common cements shall be identified by the notatio n "LH".  
 
NOTE 1  - Pre-normative research has demonstrated the equivalence of test results for EN 196 -8 at 7 days and EN 196 -9 at 41 h. 
Nevertheless, in case of dispute between laboratories, the method to be applied should be agreed.  
 
NOTE 2  - Cement with a  higher hydration heat value is appropriate for some applications. It is nece ssary that this value should be 
agreed upon between manufacturer and user, and that this cement should not be identified as low heat cement (LH).  
 
7.3 Chemical requirements  
 
The p roperties of the cements of the cement type and strength class shown in columns 3 and 4 respectively 
of Table 4  shall conform to the requirements listed in column 5 of this table when tested in accord ance with 
the standard referred to in column 2.  
 
Table 4  — Chemical requirements given as characteristic values  
 
1 2 3 4 5 
Property  Test reference  Cement type  Strength class  Requirementsa 
Loss on ignition  MS 1062 -2 CEM I  
CEM III  All ≤ 5.0 %  
Insoluble residue  MS 1062 -2 b CEM I  
CEM III  All ≤ 5.0 %  
Sulphate content 
(as SO 3) MS 1062 -2 CEM I  
CEM IIc 
CEM IV  
CEM V  32.5 N  
32.5 R  
42.5 N  ≤ 3.5 %  
42.5 R  
52.5 N  
52.5 R  ≤ 4.0 %  
CEM IIId All 
Chloride content  MS 1062 -2 all e All ≤ 0.10 %f 
Pozzolanicity  MS 1062 -5 CEM IV  All Satisfies the test  
a Requirements are given as percentage by mass of the final cement.  
b Determination of residue insoluble in hydrochloric acid and sodium carbonate.  
c Cement types CEM II/B -T and CEM II/B -M with a T co ntent > 20 % may contain up to 4.5 % sulphate (as SO 3) for all strength 
classes.  
d Cement type CEM III/C may contain up to 4.5 % sulphate.  
e Cement type CEM III may contain more than 0.10 % chloride but in that case the maximum chloride content shall be st ated on the 
packaging and/or the delivery note.  
f For pre -stressing applications cements may be produced according to a lower requirement. If so, the value of 0.10 % shall be 
replaced by this lower value which shall be stated in the delivery note.  
 
7.4 Durability requirements  
 
7.4.1  General  
 
In many applications, particularly in severe environmental conditions, the choice of  cement has an influence 
on the durability of concrete, mortar and grouts, e.g. frost resistance, chemical resistance and protection o f 
reinforcement.  Alkalis from cement or other concrete constituents may react chemically wi th certain 
aggregates. Adequate requirements are given in EN 206 -1. 
 
The choice of cement, from this standard, particularly as regards type and strength class for di fferent 
applicatio ns and exposure classes shall follow the appropriate standards and/or regulations for concrete or 
mortar valid in the place of use.  
13 
 Low early strength common cements will have lower early strength compared to other common cement of 
the sa me standard strength class and may require additional precautions in their use such as extension of 
formwork stripping times and protection during adverse weather. In all other respects, their performance and 
suitability of application will be similar to t he other common cements, conforming to this standard, of the 
same type and standard strength class.  
 
7.4.2  Sulphate  resistance  
 
Sulphate  resisting common cement shall fulfil the additional chemical requirements specified in Table 5. 
Sulphate  resisting comm on cements shall be identified by the notation SR.  
 
Table 5 — Additional requirements for sulphate  resisting common cements given as characteristic 
values  
 
1 2 3 4 5 
Property  Test reference  Cement type  Strength class  Requirementsa 
Sulphate content 
(as SO 3) MS 1062 -2 CEM I -SR 0  
CEM I -SR 3  
CEM I -SR 5b 
CEM IV/A -SR 
CEM IV/B -SR 32.5 N  
32.5 R  
42.5 N  ≤ 3.0 %  
42.5 R  
52.5 N  
52.5 R  ≤ 3.5 %  
C3A 
in clinkerc MS 1062 -2d CEM I -SR 0  
All = 0%  
CEM I -SR 3  ≤ 3 %  
CEM I -SR 5  ≤ 5 %  
– e CEM IV/A -SR 
CEM IV/B -SR ≤ 9 %  
Pozzolanicity  MS 1062 -5 CEM IV/A -SR 
CEM IV/B -SR All Satisfies the test at 
8 days  
a Requirements are given as percentage by mass of the final cement or clinker as defined in the table.  
b For specific applications cements CEM I -SR 5 may be produced according to a higher sulphate content. If so the numerical value of 
this requirement for highe r sulphate content shall be declared on the delivery note.  
c The test method for the determination of C 3A content of clinker from an analysis of the final cement is under development in 
CEN/TC51.  
d In the specific case of CEM I, it is permissible to calcul ate the C 3A content of clinker from the chemical analysis of the cement. The 
C3A content shall be calculated by the formula: C 3A = 2.65 A – 1.69 F (see 5.2.1 ). 
e Until the test method is finalised the C 3A content of clinker (see 5.2.1 ) shall be determined on the basis of the analysis of clinker as 
part of the manufacturer's Factory Production Control (MS 29 -2:2000, 4.2.1.2 ). 
 
 
8 STANDARD DESIGNATION  
 
CEM cements shall be designated by at least the notation of the cement type as speci fied in Table 1  and the  
figures 32.5, 42 .5 or 52 .5 indicating the strength class (see 7.1). In order to indicate the early stre ngth class 
the letter N, R or L shall be added as appropriate (see 7.1). 
 
When in the same factory a manufacturer produces different cements c omplying w ith the same standard 
designation, these cements receive an additional identification in the form of a number or of two lower case 
letters, between brackets, in order to distinguish these cements from each other. For the numbering syst em, 
this number shoul d be 1 for the second certified cement, 2 for the next, and so on. For the lettering system, 
the letter s shall be chosen in such a way as to avoid confusion.  
 
Sulphate  resisting cement shall be designated additionally by the notation SR.  
 
Cements not cover ed by this Malawi Standard  for their sulphate  resisting property but considered sulphate  
resisting according to National Standards listed in Annex A  shall not be identified by the notation SR.  
 
NOTE  - The CE marking may be affixed for those products as com mon cements.  
  
14 
 Low heat common cement shall be additionally designated by the notation LH.  
 
EXAMPLE 1  
 
Portland cement, conforming to MS 29 , of strength class 42 .5 with high early strength is designated by:  
 
Portland cement MS 29 -1 – CEM I 42 .5 R 
 
EXAMPLE 2  
 
Portland -limestone cement, conforming to MS 29 , containing between 6 % and 20 % by mass of l imestone 
(L) with a TOC content not exceeding 0 .50 % by mass of strength class 32 .5 with an ordinary early strength 
is designated by:  
 
Portland -limestone cement MS 29-1 – CEM II/A -L 32.5 N 
 
EXAMPLE 3  
 
Portland -composite cement, conforming to MS 29 , containing in total a quantity of granulated blast furnace 
slag (S), siliceous fly ash (V) and limestone (L) of between 12 % and 20 % by mass and of strength class 
32.5 with high early strength is designated by:  
 
Portland -composite cement MS 29 -1 – CEM II/A -M (S -V-L) 32 .5 R 
 
EXAMPLE 4  
 
Composite cement, conforming to MS 29 -1, containing between 18 % and 30 % by mass of granul ated blast 
furnace slag (S) and between 18 % an d 30 % by mass of siliceous fly ash (V) of strength class 32 .5 with an 
ordinary early strength is designated by:  
 
Composite cement MS 29 -1 – CEM V/A (S -V) 32 .5 N 
 
EXAMPLE 5  
 
Blast furnace cement, conforming to THIS MALAWI STANDARD , containing between 66 % and 80 % by 
mass of granul ated blast furnace slag (S), of strength class 32 .5 with an ordinary early strength and a low 
heat of hydration and sulphate  resisting is designated by:  
 
Blast furnace cement MS 29 -1 – CEM III/B 32,5 N – LH/SR  
 
EXAMPLE 6  
 
Portland  cement, conforming to MS 29 -1, of strength class 42 .5 with high early strength and sulphate  
resisting with C 3A content of the clinker ≤ 3 % by mass is designated by:  
 
Portland cement THIS MALAWI STANDARD  – CEM I 42 .5 R – SR 3  
 
EXAMPLE 7  
 
Pozzolanic cement , conforming to MS 29 -1, containing between 21 % and 35 % by mass of natural 
pozzolana (P), of strength class 32.5 with an ordinary early strength and sulphate  resisting with C 3A content 
of the clinker ≤ 9 % by mass and meeting the requirement for pozzolan icity is designated by:  
 
Pozzolanic cement MS 29 -1 – CEM IV/A (P) 32 .5 N – SR 
 
EXAMPLE 8  
 
Blast furnace cement, conforming to MS 29 -1, containing between 81 % and 95 % by mass granulated blast 
furnace slag (S) of strength class 32 .5 with low early strength  and low heat of hydration and sulphate  
resisting is designated by:  
 
 
  
15 
 Blast furnace cement MS 29 -1 – CEM III/C 32 .5 L – LH/SR  
 
EXAMPLE 9  
 
Portland cement, conforming to MS 29 -1, of strength class 42 .5 with high early strength and where  the 
factory produce s different cements complying with the same standard designation, is designated by:  
 
Portland cement MS 29 -1 – CEM I 42 .5 R (1)  
 
9 CONFORMITY CRITERIA  
 
9.1 General requirements  
 
Conformity of the products to this standard shall be continually evaluated on the basis of testing of spot 
samples. The properties, test methods and the minimum testing frequencies for the autocontrol testing by 
the manufacturer are specified in Table 6 . Concerning testing frequencies for cement not being dispatched 
continuously and  other details, see MS 29 -2. Alternative test methods could be used provided that they have 
been validate d in accordance with the appropriate provisions in the cited standards of the reference test 
methods. In the event o f a dispute, only the reference methods are used.  
 
NOTE 1  - This standard does not deal with acceptance inspection at delivery.  
 
NOTE 2  - For  certification  of  conformity  by  a  notified body, conformity of cement with this standard is evaluated in accordance with 
MS 29 -2. 
 
The complianc e of the common cements with the requirements of this standard and wi th the stated values 
(including classes) shall be demonstrated by:  
 
– initial type testing,  
 
– factory production control by the manufacturer, including product assessment.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
16 
 Table 6 — Properties, test methods and minimum testing frequencies for  the autocontrol testing by 
the manufacturer, and the statistical assessment procedure  
 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 
Property  Cements to 
be tested  Test 
methodab Autocontrol testing  
Minimum testing 
frequency  Statistical assessment 
procedure  
Routine 
situation  Initial period 
for a new 
type of 
cement  Inspection by  
Variablesc Attributes  
Early strength  
Standard strength  All MS 1062 -1 2/week  4/week  x  
Initial setting time  All MS 1062 -3 2/week  4/week   x d 
Soundness 
(Expansion)  All MS 1062 -3 1/week  4/week   x 
Loss on ignition  CEM I, CEM III  MS 1062 -2 2/month e 1/week   x d 
Insoluble residue  CEM I, CEM III  MS 1062 -2 2/month e  1/week   x d 
Sulphate content  All MS 1062 -2 2/week  4/week   x d 
Chloride content  All MS 1062 -2 2/month e  1/week   x d 
C3A in clinker f  CEM I -SR 0  
CEM I -SR 3  
CEM I -SR 5  MS 1062 -2 
g 2/month  1/week   x d 
CEM IV/A -SR 
CEM IV/B -SR – h     
Pozzolanicity  CEM IV  MS 1062 -5 2/month  1/week   x 
Heat of hydration  Low he at 
common 
cements  EN 196 -8 
or 
EN 196 -9 1/month  1/week   x d 
Composition  All – i 1/month  1/week    
a Where allowed in the relevant part of EN 196, other methods than those indicated may be used provided they give results 
correlated and equivalent to those o btained with the reference method.  
b The methods used to take and prepare samples shall be in accordance with MS 1062 -7. 
c If the data are not normally distributed then the method of assessment may be decided on a case -by-case basis.  
d If the number of sam ples is at least one per week during the control period, the assessment may be made by variables.  
e When none of the test results within a period of 12 months exceeds 50 % of the characteristic value the frequency may be redu ced 
to one per month.  
f The tes t method for the determination of C 3A content of clinker from an analysis of the final cement is under development in 
CEN/TC51.  
g In the specific case of CEM I, it is permissible to calculate the C 3A content of clinker from the chemical analysis of the cem ent. The 
C3A content shall be calculated by the formula: C 3A = 2.65 A – 1.69 F (see 5.2.1 ). 
h Until the test method is finalised the C 3A content of clinker (see 5.2.1 ) shall be determined on the basis of the analysis of clinker as 
part of the manufacturer' s Factory Production Control (MS 29 -2:2000, 4.2.1.2 ). 
i Appropriate test method chosen by the manufacturer.  
 
9.2 Conformity criteria for mechanical, physical and chemical properties and evaluation 
procedure  
 
9.2.1  General  
 
Conformity of cement with the re quirements for mechanical, physical and chemical  properties of this 
standard is assumed if the conformity criteria specified in 9.2.2  and 9.2.3  are met. Conformity shall be 
evaluated on the basis of  continual sampling using spot samples taken at the point of release and on the 
basis of t he test results obtained on all autocontrol samples taken during the control period.   
17 
 9.2.2  Statistical conformity criteria  
 
9.2.2.1  General  
 
Conformity shall be formulated in terms of a statistical criterion based on:  
 
– the specified characteristic values for mechanical, physical and chemical properties as given in 7.1, 7.2, 
and 7.3; 
 
– the percentile Pk, on which the specified characteristic value is based, as given in Table 7 ; 
 
– the allowable probability of acceptance CR,  as given in Table 7 . 
 
Table 7 – Required values Pk and CR  
 
1 2 3 4 
 Mechanical requirements  
Physical and chemical 
requirements  Early and standard 
strength  
(Lower limit)  Standard strength  
(Upper limit)  
The percentile Pk on 
which the characteristic 
value is based  5 % 10 %  
Allowable probability of 
acceptance CR  5 % 
 
 
NOTE  - Conformity evaluation by a procedure based on a finite number of test results can only produce an a pproximate value for the 
proportion of results outside the specified characteristi c value in a population. The larger the sample  size (number of test results), the 
better the approximation. The selected probability of acceptance CR controls the degree of approximation by the sampling plan . 
 
Conformity with the requirements of this stand ard shall be verified either by variables or  by attributes, as 
described in 9.2.2.2  and 9.2.2.3  and as specified in Table 6 . 
 
The control period shall be 12 months.  
 
9.2.2.2  Inspection by variables  
 
For this inspection the test results are assumed to be no rmally distributed.  
 
Conformity is verified when Equation(s) (2) and (3), as relevant, are satisfied:  
 
 
x  − kA ⋅ s ≥ L          (2) 
and 
 
x  + kA ⋅ s ≤ U       
    (3) 
 
where  
 
 
x  is the arithmetic mean of the totality of the autocontrol test results in the control period;  
 
 S is the standard deviation of the totality of the autocontrol test results in the control period;  
 
 kA is the acceptability constant;  
 
 L is the speci fied lower limit given in Table 3  referred to in 7.1; 
 
 U is the specified upper limit given in Tables 3 , 4 and 5 referred to in Clause 7 . 
  
18 
 The acceptability constant kA depends on the percentile Pk on which the characteristic value is based, on the 
allowable probability of acceptance CR and on the number n of the test results. Values of kA are listed in 
Table 8 . 
 
Table 8 — Acceptability constant kA 
 
1 2 3 
Number of test 
results n  kA a 
for Pk = 5 %  for Pk = 10 %  
Early and standard strength 
(lower limit ) Other properties  
20 to 21  
22 to 23  
24 to 25  
26 to 27  
28 to 29  
30 to 34  
35 to 39  
40 to 44  
45 to 49  
50 to 59  
60 to 69  
70 to 79  
80 to 89  
90 to 99  
100 to 149  
150 to 199  
200 to 299  
300 to 399  
> 400  2.40 
2.35 
2.31 
2.27 
2.24 
2.22 
2.17 
2.13 
2.09 
2.07 
2.02 
1.99 
1.97 
1.94 
1.93 
1.87 
1.84 
1.80 
1.78 1.93 
1.89 
1.85 
1.82 
1.80 
1.78 
1.73 
1.70 
1.67 
1.65 
1.61 
1.58 
1.56 
1.54 
1.53 
1.48 
1.45 
1.42 
1.40 
NOTE  - Values given in this table are valid for CR = 5 %.  
a Values of kA valid for intermediate values of n may also be used . 
 
9.2.2.3  Inspection by attributes  
 
The number cD of test results outside the characteristic value shall be counted and compared with an 
acceptable number cA, calculated from the number n of autocontrol test results and the percentile Pk as 
specified in Table 9 . 
 
Conformity is verified when Equation (4) is satisfied:  
 
 cD ≤ cA           (4) 
 
The value of cA depends on the percentile Pk on which the characteristic value is based, on the allowable 
probability of acceptance CR and on a number n of the test r esults. Values of cA are listed in Table 9 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
19 
 Table 9 — Values of cA 
 
1 2 
Number of test results na cA for PK = 10 %  
20 to 39  
40 to 54  
55 to 69  
70 to 84  
85 to 99  
100 to 109  
110 to 123  
124 to 136  0 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
NOTE  - Values given in this table a re valid for CR = 5 %.  
a If the number of test results is n < 20 (for Pk = 10 %) a statistically based 
conformity criterion is not possible. Despite this, a criterion of cA = 0 shall be used 
in cases where n < 20. If the number of test results is n > 136,  CA can be 
calculated as follows: CA = 0.075 (n – 30). 
 
9.2.3  Single result conformity criteria  
 
In addition to the statistical conformity criteria, conformity of test results to the require ments of this standard 
requires that it shall be verified that ea ch test result remains within the single result limit values specified in 
Table 10 . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
20 
 Table 10 — Limit values for single results  
 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 
Property  Limit valuesfor single results  
Strength class  
32.5 
L 32.5 
N 32.5 
R 42.5 
L 42.5 
N 42.5 
R 52.5 
L 52.5 
N 52.5 
R 
Early strength  
(MPa), lower limit  
value  2 days  – – 8.0 – 8.0 18.0 8.0 18.0 28.0 
7 days  10.0 14.0 – 14.0 – – – – – 
Standard strength  
(MPa),  
lower limit value  28 days  30.0 40.0 50.0 
Initial setting time (min), lower limit 
value  60 50 40 
Soundness (expansion, mm), upper 
limit value  10 
Sulphate content 
(as % SO3), upper 
limit value  CEM I  
CEM IIa 
CEM IV  
CEM V  – 4.0 – 4.0 4.5 – 4.5 
CEM I -SR 0  
CEM I -SR 3  
CEM I -SR 5b 
CEM IV/A -SR 
CEM IV/B -SR – 3.5 – 3.5 4.0 – 4.0 
CEM III/A  
CEM III/B  4.5 
CEM III/C  5.0 
C`VHJKL; A (%),  
upper limit value  CEM I -SR 0  
CEM I -SR 3  
CEM I -SR 5  
CEM IV/A -SR 
CEM IV/B -SR 1 
4 
6 
10 
10 
Chloride content (%)c, 
upper limit value  0.10d 
Pozzolanicity  – Satisfies the 
test at 15 
days  – Satisfies the 
test at 15 
days  – Satisfies 
the test at 
15 days  
Heat of hydration  
(J/g),  
upper limit value  LH 300 
a Cement types CEM II/B -T and CEM II/B -M with a T content > 20 % may contain up to 5.0 % SO 3 for all strength classes.  
b For specific application s CEM I -SR 5 may be produced according to a higher maximum sulphate content (see Table 5 ). If so, the 
upper limit value is 0.5 % above the declared value.  
c Cement type CEM III may contain more than 0.10 % chloride but in that case the maximum chloride con tent shall be declared.  
d For pre -stressing applications cements may be produced according to a lower requirement. If so, the value of 0.10 % shall be 
replaced by this lower value which shall be stated in the delivery note.   
21 
  
 
9.3 Conformity criteria for c ement composition  
 
The composition of the cement shall be checked by the manufacturer at least once per  month using, as a 
rule, a spot sample taken at the point of release of the cement. The cement composition shall mee t the 
requirements specified in Table  1 and Table 2 . The limiting quantities of the main constituents specified in 
Table 1 and Table 2  are reference values to be met by the average composition calculated from the spot 
samples taken in  the control period. For single results, maximum deviations  of -2 at the lower and +2 at the 
higher reference value are allowed. Suitable proce dures during production and appropriate verification 
methods to ensure conformity to this r equirement shall be applied and documented.  
 
9.4 Conformity criteria for properti es of the cement constituents  
 
The cement constituents shall meet the requirements specified in Clause 5 . Suitable procedures during 
production to ensure conformity with this requirement shall be applied and documented.  
 
 
10 PACKAGING AND MARKING  
 
10.1 Packaging  
 
Cement shall be packed in containers that are strong enough to withstand normal handling and 
transportation and that will prevent leakage or contamination of the product in the containers.  
 
Where cement is supplied in a bag for manual handling, the  weight should be 50 kg or less within the 
permitted tolerances.  
 
10.2 Marking  
 
10.2.1  General  
 
The exchange of  additional information between the manufactur er and the user if so required, should be 
made in a ccordance with, but not limited to, this clause . 
 
10.2.2  Conditions of supply  
 
10.2.2.1 Identification  
 
Cement should be identified on the bag or the  delivery note, and on any test report, with the  following 
particulars:  
 
a) the name, trade mark or other means of  identification of the manufacturer to fa cilitate  traceability to the 
factory in which the cement  was manufactured;  
 
b) the designationlname, the notation/type and  strength class of the cement; e.g.  
 
 Portland cement CEM I 42 .5N; 
 
 Portland -fly ash cement CEM II /B-V 32.5R; 
 
 Portland -limestone c ement CEM II /A-LL 42 .5N 
 
 Blastfurnace cement CEM I Il/A 42.5 N; 
 
c) the number of this Malawi Standard i.e. DMS 29:20 18; 
 
d) the standard notation of any admixture where  applicable;  and in the case of bagged supply only:  
 
e) the weight of the bag packed wi th cement.  
 
 
  
22 
 10.2.3 Test report  
 
10.2.3.1 General  
 
If a test report is requested from the manufacturer,  it should include result of the following tests on  samples 
of the cement, and the information, where  indicated, relating to the materials delivered.  
 
10.2.3.2 All CEM  cement  
 
a) compressive strength at either 2 days or  7 days, as appropriate, and also at 28 days  (see 7.1);  
 
b) initial setting time (see 7.2.1);  
 
c) soundness (see 7.2.2);  
 
d) chloride content (see 7.3).  
 
A.3.3  Portla nd-slag (CEM II/A -5 and  II/B-5) and blas tfurnace cements (CEM Ill/A and CEMIll/B)  
 
The proportion of  blastfurnace slag, as a target mean, reported to the nearest 1 % by mass.  
 
A.3.4  Portland-fly ash cements (CEMII/A -V and IIIB -V) 
 
a) the proportion of  siliceous fly ash, as a tar get mean, reported to the nearest 1 % by mass;  
b) the loss on ignition of the siliceous fly ash;  
 
NOTE  - See 5.2.4.1 for the loss on ignition requirement.  
 
A.3.5 Portlan d-limestone cements (CEM II/A -L and CEMII/A -LL) 
 
The proportion of limestone, as a targ et mean, reported to the nearest 1 % by mass.  
 
NOTE: The notati on, CEM IIIA -LL, indicates that the total orga nic carbon (TOG) content of the limestone 
constituent does not exceed 0,20 % by mass, where as the notation, GEM IIIA -L, indicates that the TOG of 
limestone does not exceed 0.50 % by mass (see 5.2.6).  
 
A.4 ADDITIONALINFORMATIQN  
 
A.4.1 General  
 
The information in A.4.2 and in A.4.3, appropriate to the type of cement, should be made available, if 
requested at the time  
 
A.4.2 All CEM cements  
 
a) the typ e and q uantity of any minor additional constituent;  
b) the fineness;  
c) the silicon diox ide, aluminium oxide, iron(lIl) oxide, ca lcium oxide and magnesium oxide content of the 
clinker;  
d) the su lphate content expressed as S03 (see 7.3);  
e) an indication of  the variability of the chloride content whe n its mean level exceeds 0,05 % by mass.  
 
A.4.3 Alkali  information for individual CEM cements  
 
The alkali information, relevant to  cement type, which shoul d be made available is given in table A.1.  
 
NOTE 1: No p roVIsIon is made in this Malawi Standard for stand ardizing low alkali GEM cements to a 
guaranteed alkali limit. A vailability and supply of such GEM cements should be agreed between  
purchaser and manufacturer.  
 
NOTE 2: A limit of 0,60 % by mass expressed as the sodium oxide equivalent, which the  manufacturer 
guarantees will not be exceeded by  any test result on any spot sample, has been  defined (see as 5328 -1) as  
23 
 the guaranteed alkali  limit for cement. Low alkali sulfate -resisting  Portland cement, conformi ng to as 4027, is 
a cement standardized to a guaranteed alkali limit.  
 
The terms used i n table A.1 can be described as follows:  
 
a) A 'CEM I typ e' component, of a cement which contains blastfu rnace slag or siliceous fly ash as a second 
main constituent, is  the cement excluding th e proportion of the second main constituent.  
 
b) A declared me an alkali content, is an alkali conten t expressed as the sodium oxide equivalent, which will 
not be exceeded without  
 
  
24 
 Bibliography  
 
[1] EN 206 -1, Concrete — Part 1: Spe cification, performance, production and conformity  
 
[2] EN 413 -1, Masonry cement — Part 1: Composition, specifications and conformity criteria  
 
[3] EN 450 -1, Fly ash for concrete — Part 1: Definition, specifications and conformity criteria  
 
[4] EN 934 (all  parts), Admixtures for concrete, mortar and grout  
 
[5] EN 14216, Cement — Composition, specifications and conformity criteria for very low heat special 
cements  
 
[6] EN 14647, Calcium aluminate cement — Composition, specifications and conformity criteria  
 
[7] EN 15743, Super sulphate d cement — Composition, specifications and conformity criteria  
 
[8] ISO 10694, Soil quality —Determination of organic and total carbon a fter dry combustion (elementary 
analysis)  
 
[9] Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European  Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 
concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of C hemicals (REACH) 
establishing a European  Chemicals Agency amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council 
Regulation (EEC) No.  793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1488/94 as well as C ouncil Directive 
76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC  
  
 
  
 
 
ICS 91.100.10          DMS 29-1:2018 
Second  edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 THE MALAWI BUREAU OF STANDAR DS               CERTIFICATION MARK SCHEME  
The Malawi Bureau of Standards is the 
standardizing body in Malawi under the aegis 
of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.  Set up 
in 1972 by the Malawi Bureau of Standards 
Act (Cap: 51:02), the Bureau is a parast atal 
body whose activities aim at formulating and 
promoting the general adoption of standards 
relating to structures, commodities, materials, 
practices, operations and from time to time 
revise, alter and amend the same to 
incorporate advanced technology.  To bring the advantages of standardization 
within the reach of the common consumer, the 
Bureau operates a Certification Mark Scheme. 
Under this scheme, manufacturers who 
produce goods that conform to national 
standards are granted permits to use the 
Bureau’ s “Mark of Quality” depicted below on 
their products.  This Mark gives confidence to 
the consumer of the commodity’s reliability.