Exercise No.

Test for Normal Consistency

of Portland Cement

Date Performed:
Date Due:
Date Submitted:

Attendance and Performance

Name of Students Present Absent Remarks
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Submitted by:

_______________________________
_______________________________

Noted by:

ENGR. DIOSDADO J. LESIGUEZ

Instructor
 Exercise No. 2

Test for Normal Consistency

of Portland Cement

I. Purpose: To determine the water required to achieve a desired plasticity state

(normal consistency) of cement paste. It is obtained with the use of Vicat Needle
Apparatus by measuring the penetration of a loaded needle within a specified time.

II. Scope: Consistency is the measure of correct amount of water added to given
quantity if cement to make the paste of normal consistency. Strength of cement concrete
normally depends on the amount of water added. Therefore a sufficient quantity of water
is required to prepare the concrete of desired strength.
The penetration test for normal consistency of hydraulic cement involves
measuring the consistency of paste using penetration resistance. The normal consistency
is measured using the Vicat apparatus equipped with a plunger and is achieved if the
plunger penetrates to a point 10 ± 1 mm below the original surface.

III. Materials and Apparatus:

Vicat apparatus with complete accessories
Graduated Cylinder
Balance and weighs
Glass plate or 4” x 4” tile
Mixing bowl
Trowel and spatula

IV. Procedure
1. Prepare a cement paste using 500 grams sample of Portland cement in a mixing
bowl.
2. Form a crater on the cement and pour a measured quantity of water. Mix
thoroughly allow sufficient time to let the cement absorb water. Ensure that a
homogeneous mixture is attained.
3. Using both hands form the cement paste into a a ball and toss six times from one
hand to the other, hands about 6 inches apart. Use rubberized gloves for your
protection.
4. Insert the ball into larger end of conical ring (moulder), filling completely the ring
with paste. Remove excess at larger end using the spatula.
5. Place the moulder on 4” x 4” tile resting on larger end. Slice off excess at smaller
end with one stroke of the spatula. Be careful not to compress the paste while
cutting or smoothing excess paste.
6. Position molder on center under rod of Vicat apparatus, with end of plunger in
contact with surface of paste.
7. Release the plunger and allow it to penetrate into the cement paste. Determine the
penetration 30 seconds after release of plunger. The paste is of normal
consistency if penetration is 10 ± 1 mm.

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V. Test Data and Test Results

Worksheet:
1. Weight of Cement PC sampl, g. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

2. Water Used, ml. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

3. Normal Consistency, % _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

cc of water used
Normal Consistenc y  100
Wt of cement sample


 2 100
1

Vicat Needle Apparatus

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VI. Discussion and Analysis of Test Data

a. Calculations:
Time started:
Amount of water =
Amount of P.C. =
TRIAL Depth of Penetration

b. Analysis of Interpretation of Test Results:

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VII. References:
VIII. Documentation

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Documentation:
A Photo Set of the Group in ‘Action’

Image 1.
A member
asking
about the
sources to
use.

Image 2.
The
members
busy
writing
their
answers.

Image 3.
The group
happily
discussing.

Image 4.
The group
listening
to a
member’s
opinion..

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