FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

(INFRASTRUCTURAL MANAGEMENT)

TITLE VICAT TEST

BET1613
SUBJECT
ENGINEERING PRACTICE 3

MUHAMMAD NURUL FAKHRI BIN RUSLI

P.I.C
ASSIST BY : MOHD HAFIEZ BIN ABDULLAH

g NAMES ID SECTION
MUHAMMAD HAKIMI BIN AZEMAN TE20147 01

SITI NURIZZATI BINTI ISMAIL TE20146 01

AMIRUL KHIR EZZAD BIN JALANI TE20124 01

UMMU NAJWA BINTI NUR YUSRIZAL TE20064 01

TABLE OF CONTENT

TITLE PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 OBJECTIVE 1

3.0 APPARATUS 2

4.0 PROCEDURES 3

5.0 RESULT 4

6.0 DISCUSSION 5-9

7.0 CONCLUSION 10

8.0 REFERENCES 11

9.0 APPENDIX 12-13

`
1.0 INTRODUCTION

Setting time refers to the hardening of the cement paste or the transition from a plastic to a
solid state. The setting time refers to the transition of the cement paste from fluid to hard.
Setting is typically stated in two levels which are initial setting and final setting time. Initial
setting refers to the start of noticeable stiffening in the cement paste and corresponds to the
quick rising temperature, whilst final setting time refers to the completion of setting and
corresponds to the peak temperature in the cement paste. The ultimate hardening process begins
when the volume of the gel increases and the stiffening of cement paste increases. The Vicat
instrument can be used to calculate the setting time. The Vicat test is a standardised test method
used in construction to measure the softening point of materials such as cement, plastic, and
other building materials. The test is named for its creator, Louis Vicat, a French engineer and
scientist who invented it in the early 1800s.

The Vicat test is commonly used to assess the quality of building materials and ensure that they
satisfy the necessary criteria. The test involves measuring the penetration of a needle into the
material under controlled conditions of load and temperature. The test findings are used to
calculate the material's softening point and setting time. The Vicat test is a significant
instrument in the building business because it allows engineers and construction professionals
to choose the right materials for the job, design structures that can handle the loads, and confirm
that the materials fulfil the criteria. This article will provide an overview of the Vicat test,
including its history, process, and uses, in this context. It will also examine the Vicat test and
how it is used to assure the quality and performance of building materials in the construction
sector.

2.0 OBJECTIVES
 To determine the amount of water required for normal consistency according to a
specific procedure.
 To determine the softening point of materials.
 To assess the setting time of materials.
 To evaluate the quality of building materials.
 To determine comparison for the normal and expired cement.

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3.0 APPARATUS

Vicet Apparatus Ordinary Portland Cement

Weighing Scale Spatula

250 Ml Measuring Cylinder Glass Plate

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4.0 PROCEDURE

1. 500 grams of cement are prepared and pour into the glass plate.

2. The a hole at the middle of the cement are made by using spatula.

3. 130 ml of distilled water are poured into the middle of the cement for 30 seconds and
the cement are left for 30 second fot the absorption of the water.

4. The cement and the water are mixed uniformly for 1 minutes and after the cement
and water mixed perfectly, the ball shape of are made.

5. The ball shape of cement paste are tossed six times at about 150 mm and the ball are
placed in the ring of Vicet apparatus.

6. The ring are gently shaken for the cement paste filled up the ring mold and the excess
cement paste are cut off using spatula.

7. The ring are placed under the Vicet needle. The tip of the needles are set to touched
the surface of the cement. Then, the needle are released to penetrated the cement.

8. The reading are recorded after 30 seconds of the penetration. Then, the ring are
moved to get different point of penetration, The test are repeated 4 times with additional
10ml of water.

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 5.0 RESULT

Table 1: Table of result Recycle (OPC)

No. of Water Content Water / Depth of Penetration Average
Experiment (ml) Cement (mm)
(%)
R1 R2 R3
1 140 28 34 35 36 36
2 150 30 26 27 28 27
3 160 32 20 23 25 22.6
4 170 34 5 7 10 7.3

Table 2: Table of result New (OPC)

No. of Water Content Water / Depth of Penetration Average
Experiment (ml) Cement (mm)
(%)
R1 R2 R3
1 140 28 38 37 38 37.7
2 150 30 34 35 34 34.3
3 160 32 24 23 23 23.3
4 170 34 9 9 11 9.7

Sample Calculation:
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑂𝑓 𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 = 500 𝑔
𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡
= × 100%
𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡(%) 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 140 𝑚𝑙
= × 100%
𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡(%) 500𝑔
𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
= 28%
𝐶𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡(%)

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6.0 DISCUSSION

1) Using the data in Table 1, plot the graph of water / cement (%) versus depth of
penetration (mm).

No. of Water Water / Depth of Depth of

Experiment Content (ml) Cement (%) penetration(mm) penetration(mm)
New OPC Recycle OPC
1 140 28 37.7 36
2 150 30 34.3 27
3 160 32 23.3 22.6
4 170 34 9.7 7.3

WATER/ CEMENT (%) VS DEPTH OF

PENETRATION
New OPC Recycle OPC

40

35
WATER/CEMENT (%)

30

25

20

15

10

0
28 30 32 34
DEPTH OF PENETRATION (MM)

Graph 1: Comparison New OPC and Recycle OPC

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2) With finer particle cement size, would more or less water be required to achieve the
normal consistency? Briefly explain.

With a finer particle cement size, less water may be required to achieve normal consistency.
This is because the surface area of the particles increases as the particle size decreases. Finer
particles have a greater surface area than coarser particles, and as a result, they require less
water to achieve the same consistency. The water requirement for cement is dependent on the
water-cement ratio (the ratio of water to cement by weight) and the particle size distribution of
the cement. A finer particle size distribution generally leads to a lower water requirement to
achieve a given consistency. However, it is important to note that the water requirement for
cement is not solely dependent on particle size. Other factors, such as the chemical composition
of the cement and the ambient temperature and humidity, can also affect the water requirement.

3) How would the reading be if it the recording of the depth of penetration is taken after
30 minutes? Briefly explain.

The reading of the depth of penetration of a material, such as concrete or asphalt, can change
over time due to a process called "setting." Setting refers to the chemical reaction between the
water and cementitious materials in the material that causes it to harden and gain strength. If
the recording of the depth of penetration is taken after 30 minutes, the reading would likely be
lower than the reading taken immediately after the penetration test. This is because the material
would have begun to set and harden, making it less penetrable. The amount of change in the
reading after 30 minutes would depend on several factors, such as the type of material, its mix
design, the ambient temperature and humidity, and the amount of mixing and vibration applied
to the material. In general, the rate of setting tends to be faster at higher temperatures and with
materials that have a higher cementitious content. It is important to note that the penetration
test is just one method of assessing the properties of a material and should be used in
conjunction with other tests to get a complete picture of the material's performance.

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4) It the result right or wrong

The result that got is right and more accurate because it from experiment test and not from
theoretical. It shows a few changes after added water that the paste of cement was decreasing
violence and the reading decreasing from first until end of testing. From that, it shows the more
the amount of water in the paste, the less the hardness of the paste.

It is important to note that laboratory test results can sometimes be affected by a variety of
factors, such as sample preparation, test equipment calibration, and human error. Therefore, it
is important to carefully follow standardized testing procedures and ensure that all equipment
is properly maintained and calibrated to obtain accurate and reliable results.

5) Comparison between theoretical and experimental

In laboratory testing, the consistency of standard cement paste can be determined both
theoretically and experimentally. Theoretical analysis involves using mathematical models and
equations to predict the behaviour of the cement paste based on its properties and the conditions
under which it will be used. Experimental analysis involves conducting tests on actual samples
of the cement paste to measure its properties and behaviour under various conditions.

Theoretical analysis can be useful for predicting the behaviour of the cement paste before it is
tested in the laboratory. It allows researchers to make informed decisions about the types of
tests that should be conducted and the conditions under which they should be performed.
However, theoretical analysis can be limited by the accuracy of the mathematical models used
and the assumptions made in the analysis.

Experimental analysis, on the other hand, provides direct measurements of the properties and
behaviour of the cement paste under various conditions. It can confirm or refute the predictions
made by theoretical analysis and provide more accurate data on the behaviour of the material.
However, experimental analysis can be time-consuming and expensive, and the results can be
affected by factors such as the quality of the testing equipment and the skill of the operators.
In comparing the two methods, it is important to note that theoretical analysis can be a useful
starting point for laboratory testing, but it should not be relied upon exclusively.

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Experimental analysis is essential for verifying the predictions made by theoretical analysis
and providing more accurate data on the behaviour of the cement paste under real-world
conditions. Ultimately, a combination of theoretical and experimental analysis is usually
necessary to fully understand the behaviour of the material and make informed decisions about
its use.

6) Cause and error during experiment

In a laboratory setting, there are several factors that can cause errors during an experiment. One
of the most common causes of errors is human error. This can include mistakes made during
the preparation of samples or equipment, errors in recording data, or mistakes in the execution
of the experiment itself.

Another common cause of errors is equipment malfunction. This can include faulty instruments
or tools, inconsistent or inaccurate measurements, or failure to calibrate equipment properly.
Environmental factors can also cause errors. These can include temperature changes, changes
in humidity, or interference from electromagnetic fields or other sources of radiation. Finally,
errors can also be caused by external factors such as contamination or interference from other
substances in the environment.

To minimize errors during an experiment, it is important to carefully plan and prepare all
aspects of the experiment, follow established protocols and procedures, properly calibrate
equipment, and monitor the experiment closely for any unexpected changes or results.
Additionally, it is important to take careful notes and record data accurately throughout the
experiment to ensure that any errors can be identified and corrected as quickly as possible.

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7) Safety measure during experiment

Laboratories are facilities where scientific research and experimentation takes place. These
environments can be filled with potentially hazardous chemicals, equipment, and materials.
Therefore, safety is of utmost importance in laboratories. In order to minimize the risk of
accidents and injuries, there are several safety measures that must be followed.

One of the most important safety measures is to always wear appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, safety goggles, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. PPE helps to
protect against chemical spills, splashes, and airborne particles.

Another safety measure is to ensure that all chemicals and materials are properly labelled and
stored. Chemicals should be stored in the appropriate container, in a designated area, and away
from incompatible materials. Additionally, all equipment and instruments should be properly
maintained and calibrated to ensure accuracy and safety.

Laboratories should also have clear safety guidelines and procedures in place, including
emergency protocols for accidents or spills. It is important that all laboratory personnel are
trained on these procedures and are familiar with the location and use of safety equipment such
as fire extinguishers, safety showers, and eyewash stations.

Lastly, it is important to maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment. This includes
regularly disposing of chemical waste and keeping workspaces free from clutter and
unnecessary materials.

Overall, safety should always be the top priority in laboratory settings. By following these
safety measures and guidelines, laboratory personnel can minimize the risk of accidents and
ensure a safe and productive working environment.

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7.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a common test in the building sector to ascertain how long hydraulic cement
takes to set is the Standard Test Method for Setting Time of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle.
In this test, the penetration depth of the Vicat needle into the cement paste, either normal
cement or recycled cement, is measured at predetermined time intervals. To determine whether
recycled cement can be used in the building sector, this approach aims to determine the
difference between normal and recycled cement. Overall, normal cement has a higher value
when the penetration test is performed than recycled cement despite the increased water
content. Objectively, this experiment has achieved its goal. This is because ordinary cement is
of better quality than recycled cement. This test technique collects data three times to generate
average results and is based on cement start and finish times. Cement paste begins to harden
and lose flexibility during the initial setting period. The cement paste has completely lost its
fluidity and has hardened at the point of final setting. The test results provide important
information on whether the cement is suitable for use in various applications. For example,
applications that require higher initial strength can be used with quick-setting cements, while
applications that require prolonged workability can be used with delayed-setting cements.

Recycled cement cannot be used in the building business, according to experimental data
collected. This is due to the way the quality, characteristics and variety of recycled materials
affect the strength, durability, and lifespan of reinforced concrete buildings. One of the results
is that the walls of the house experience cracking quickly. Ordinary cement is a valuable
resource where the quality and durability of cement is ensured for use in the construction sector.
There is no change to this. This is since the cement industry has previously created a large
amount of water, cement, and sand combinations. Because of this, cement can have poor
quality if there is too much or too little water. In conclusion, the Standard Test technique for
Setting Time of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle is an important test technique in the
construction industry to measure the setting time of hydraulic cement. Test results are useful
in determining whether cement is suitable for various uses. To avoid errors in the readings,
there should be no shaking during this experiment. This is because it can affect errors in the
tool. The purpose of this test is conducted in the industry to determine consistency and
initial/final set times of cements and mortar pastes.

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8.0 REFERENCES

 Vicat Apparatus. (n.d.). GlobalGilson.com.

https://www.globalgilson.com/vicatapparatus#:~:text=Standard%20Vicat%20Apparatus

%20has%20a,to%20determine%20a%20false%20set

 Lab Report U5 (Vicat Test).pdf. (n.d.). Scribd.

https://www.scribd.com/doc/305091309/Lab-Report-U5-Vicat-Test-pdf#

 Admin. (2023, February 24). Normal Consistency or Standard Consistency of Cement

Test Procedure with Apparatus List and Lab Report. Civil Allied Gyan - No.1 Civil

Engineering Blog.

https://www.civilalliedgyan.com/2020/08/normal-or-standard-consistency-of-

cement.html

 Knowledge and Learning Management Portal: Log in to the site. (n.d.).

https://kalam.ump.edu.my/pluginfile.php/112032/mod_resource/content/1/C%20191%20

%E2%80%93%2004%20%20Time%20of%20setting%20of%20Hydraulic%20Cement%

20by%20Vicat.pdf

 Safe Lab Practices. (n.d.).

https://ehs.ucsc.edu/programs/research-safety/safe-lab-practices.html

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9.0 APPENDIX

PICTURE DESCRIPTION

The boy are mixed the water and cement to

be paste using spatula.

The girl are setting up the vicet apparatus

to the surface of paste.

The boy are recorded the reading.

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