TESTING OF CEMENT

3. Setting Time
 The time required for stiffening of cement paste to a defined consistency.
 Used to characterize how a particular cement paste sets.
 It gives some indication of whether or not a cement is undergoing
normal hydration.
2 Categories:
1. Initial Setting Time

DEFINITION:

 The time when cement paste starts hardening after

adding water.
  It is important for transportation, placing and compaction
of cement concrete.
  Its duration is required to delay the process of hydration
or hardening.

 The initial setting time is regarded as the time elapsed

between the moment that the water is added to the
cement, to the time that the paste starts losing its
plasticity.

2. Final Setting Time

DEFINITION:

 The time when cement paste has hardened sufficiently.

 It is the time taken for the cement to harden sufficiently
and attain the shape of the mold in which it is cast.
 It facilitates safe removal of scaffolding or form.
 During this period of time primary chemical reaction of
cement with water is almost completed.

 The final setting time is the time elapsed between the

moment the water is added to the cement, and the time
when the paste has completely lost its plasticity and
has attained sufficient firmness to resist certain definite
pressure.
Purpose/ Aim: