UNIT 6 SETTING TIllMES OF CEMENT

Structure
6.1 Introduction
Objective .

6.2 Theory
6.3 Apparatus
6.4 Procedure
6.5 Observations and Calculations
6.6 Results
6.7 Comments
6.8 Precautions
6.9 Reference

6.1 INTRODUCTION
For placing concrete conveniently, the initial setting of cement should not be too quick and
after being laid, hardening of concrete should be rapid to render the structure usable as
early as possible. The initial set is a stage in the process of hardening after which any
cracks that may appear or develop will not reunite. The concrete is finally set when it
attains sufficient strength and hardness.
Objective
To determine the initial and final setting times of cement.

6.2 THEORY
The test is performed to determine the initial and final setting times of cement in order that
the concrete may be placed in position conveniently. The setting time is controlled by
varying the quantity of gypsum in the cement during its manufacture and the period of its
aeration.

6.3 APPARATUS
The apparatus needed for the experiment include :
1) Vicat's apparatus
2) Balance
3) Rice plate
4) Measuring jar
5) Trowel

6.4 PROCEDURE
The test is carried out with a Vicat's apparatus. About 300 g of neat cement, weighed
accurately, is taken on a rice plate and made into a paste with 85 % of the water required to
make a paste of normal consistency. The paste is then klled into the Vicat's mould. The
rod fitted with the 1 mm square needle is lowered till the i~eedlecomes into contact with
the top surface of the paste and the rod is released quickly. The penetration of the needle is
noted on the scale. The initial set is said to have occurred when the needles fails to pass a
point 5 mm above the glass plate; and the final set when the needle ceases to sink visibly
into the paste. The time taken from the instant of adding water to the cement upto the
ConcreteTcchwlogy instant the needle fails to penetrate a point 5 mm above the giass plate is called the "initial
setting" time. For finding the time of final set, the ordinary 1 mm square needle is replaced
by another with an annular attachment round the 1 mm square needle which protnrdes
0.5 mm blow it. The needle is lowered onto the cement surface as for determining initial
setting t i k . The cement is said to be finally set when the needle makes an impression
d
while the annular attachment doe not The time taken from the instant of adding water to
the cement upto the instant the a achment fails to make an impression on the surface is
called the time of Yinal set". For this purpose, the penetration has to be tried several times
with the same paste after small intervals of time so that the observations are made.At each
penetration, the mould should be shifted a little to ensure that the needle does not penetrate
at the same spot.

6.5 OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Room temperature (TR) - "C
Temperature of water (Tw) - "C
Weight of cement = g
Water for standard consistency, (S) = 8
Amount of water used, (W)= 0.85 x (S) = g
Time when water is added to dry cement, CTa) = hr min
Time when initial set is observed, (T,) = hr nlin
Initial setting time (I) = Ti - Ta = mins
Time when final set is observed, (Tf) = h r m i n
Final setting time (F) = Tf - Ta = mills

6.6 RESULTS
Initial setting time of cement = mins
F i setting time of cement = rnins

SAQ 1
Why is the setting time of cement important?

SAQ 2
What factors affect the setting times of cement?

SAQ 3
What should be the room conditions where the tests on setting times of cement are
conducted?

SAQ 4
. How does the setting time of cement affect the placement of concrete?
 Setting T
imsof Cement
e
6.7 COMMENTS
The setting time is affected by the percentage of water added to the paste and its
temperature, the amount of kneading the paste, and the temperature and humidity of air.
The test should be performed in an air conditioned room having relative humidity of 90 %
and a temperature of 27 f 2 OC. The needle must be cleaned after each penetration. For
Ordinary Portland Cement, the initial setting time should not be less than 30 min and the
final set not greater than 600 minutes.
Comment on the results in the, light of above recommendations.

6.8 PRECAUTIONS
1) The needle should not penetrate the paste at the same spot.
2) The mould should be moved a little each time before the needle is brought to the
surface of the paste.
3) The needle must be cleaned after each penetration.

6.9 REFERENCE
IS: 4031 (Part -5)-1988 : "Methodsof Physical Testsfor Hydraulic Cement :
Derermination of Initial and Final Setting Times" (First revision), Bureau of Indian
Standards, New Delhi.