DETERMINATION OF SETTING TIME OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT
the hydraulic cement paste is 112 g.
Amount of Water Required for Normal Consistency of Hydraulic Cement
Paste
➢ ASTM C 187
NORMAL OR STANDARD CONSISTENCY
• minimum quantity of water required for cement to form uniform paste
that provide sufficient viscosity
• will allow the Vicat plunger to penetrate to 5-7mm point from the
bottom and 33-35mm from top of Vicat cement mould
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF NORMAL CONSISTENCY
1. If it is less than or more than the normal (standard) consistency, the
amount of water that is added will not initiate the chemical reaction
between water and cement, resulting in a reduction of the strength
of the cement.
2. Knowing the importance of the normal or standard consistency of
cement will give us the needed water-cement ratio.
APPARATUS
1. Glass Graduates - 200 or 250-mL capacity
2. Vicat Apparatus –
3. Flat Trowel - having a sharpened straight-edged steel blade 100 to 150 mm
in length.
CALCULATION
The standard consistency is expressed in terms of the percentage of
the quantity of added water to the weight of cement. The consistency of
cement ranges from 26% to 33%.
Standard consistency = (Quantity of water added / Weight of cement) x 100
Computation Example:
Suppose a sample of hydraulic cement requires 28% of water to
achieve normal consistency. The weight of the sample is 400 g. To determine
the amount of water required for normal consistency, the weight of the water
is calculated as follows:
Weight of Water = (Weight of Sample x Percentage of Water)/100
Weight of Water = (400 g x 28%)/100
Weight of Water = 112 g
Therefore, the amount of water required for normal consistency of
CONCLUSION
Finding out the standard consistency of cement is essential because
the amount of water added in cement affects the setting time of cement, Less
water added than this standard consistency would not complete the chemical
reaction thus resulting in the reduction concrete of strength and more water
would increase water-cement ratio and so would reduce its strength.
Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle
ASTM C 191
➢ Initial setting time is that time period between the time water is added
to cement and time at section needle fails to penetrate the cement
paste, placed in the vicat mould from the bottom of the mould.
➢ Final Setting Time is that time period between the time water is added
to cement and the time at which 1 mm needle makes an impression on
the paste in the mould but 5 mm attachment does not make any
impression.
Setting Time of Cement
➢ is defined as a specified time required for concrete or mortar to change
from liquid state to plastic state and plastic state to solid state so that
surface becomes sufficiently rigid to withstand a definite amount of
pressure
SCOPE
✓ Two test methods are given:
• Method A
o Reference Test Method
o manually operated standard Vicat apparatus
• Method B
o automatic Vicat machine that has demonstrated acceptable
performance.
SUMMARY OF TEST METHOD
A paste that is proportioned and mixed to normal consistency, as
described in the Test Method T 129, is molded and placed in a moist cabinet
and allowed to start setting. Periodic penetration tests are performed on this
paste by allowing a 1-mm Vicat needle to settle into this paste. The Vicat
initial time of setting is calculated as the time elapsed between the initial
contact of cement and water and the time when the penetration is at 25 mm.
The Vicat final time of setting is calculated as the time when the needle does
not sink visibly into the paste.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
• This test method provides a means of determining compliance with a
specification limit for Vicat time of setting.
• The measured time of setting is affected by various external factors.
• The measured time of setting of hydraulic cement is test-method
specific.
So if it’s the final setting time and you still didn’t make your mold,
there will be a possible reduction of strength or crack.
CONDITIONING
• Maintain the temperature of the air in the vicinity of the mixing slab,
the dry cement, molds, and base plates at 23.0 ± 3.0°C.
• Maintain the temperature of the mixing water at 23.0 ± 3.0°C.
• The relative humidity of the mixing room shall not be less than 50
percent.
• The moist closet or moist room shall be in accordance with
Specification M 201.

APPARATUS CALCULATION
1. Vicat Apparatus Initial setting time=T2-T1
2. Reference Masses and Devices for Determining Mass Final setting time=T3-T1
3. Glass Graduates Where:
4. Plane non-absorptive plate T1 =Time at which water is first added to cement
5. Flat trowel T2 =Time when needle fails to penetrate 5 mm to 7 mm from bottom of the
6. Conical Ring mould
7. Mixer, bowl, and paddle T3 =Time when the needle makes an impression but the attachment fails to
8. Automatic Vicat Needle Apparatus for Method B do so.
9. Specimen Mold for Method B
Example 01:
SETTING TIME Suppose a sample of hydraulic cement is being tested for its time of
• Is the time required for stiffening process of cement paste to a setting. The test was conducted at a temperature of 25°C and the needle
defined consistency attachment used had a diameter of 1.13 mm. The following observations
INITIAL TIME were recorded during the test:
• It is the time from the addition of water until the cement become
plastic T1: 0 minutes (time at which water is first added to cement)
T2: 240 minutes (time when needle fails to penetrate 5 mm to 7 mm from
AFTER THE INITIAL SETTING TIME, if you don’t place your cement, it bottom of the mould)
can cause a reduction of strength. T3: 315 minutes (time when the needle makes an impression but the
attachment fails to do so)
FINAL SETTING TIME
• The time the cement hardens To determine the time of setting, we can use the following calculations:
Initial setting time = T2 - T1
Final setting time = T3 - T1

Therefore, the initial setting time of the sample is:
Initial setting time = 240 minutes - 0 minutes
Initial setting time = 240 minutes
And the final setting time of the sample is:
Final setting time = 315 minutes - 0 minutes
Final setting time = 315 minutes
Thus, the time of setting of the hydraulic cement sample is 240
minutes for initial set and 315 minutes for final set, at a temperature of 25°C
with a needle diameter of 1.13 mm.
Example 02:
Suppose a different sample of hydraulic cement is being tested for its
time of setting. The test was conducted at a temperature of 20°C and the
needle attachment used had a diameter of 1.0 mm. The following
observations were recorded during the test:
T1: 0 minutes (time at which water is first added to cement)
T2: 120 minutes (time when needle fails to penetrate 5 mm to 7 mm from
bottom of the mould)
T3: 160 minutes (time when the needle makes an impression but the
attachment fails to do so)
To determine the time of setting, we can use the following calculations:
Initial setting time = T2 - T1
Final setting time = T3 - T1
Therefore, the initial setting time of the sample is:
Initial setting time = 120 minutes - 0 minutes
Initial setting time = 120 minutes
And the final setting time of the sample is:
Final setting time = 160 minutes - 0 minutes
Final setting time = 160 minutes
Thus, the time of setting of the hydraulic cement sample is 120
minutes for initial set and 160 minutes for final set, at a temperature of 20°C
with a needle diameter of 1.0 mm.
CONCLUSION
Initial and final setting time of cement are very important properties
of cement, which are responsible for the quality of concrete and mortar.
Hence it is advisable to check the initial setting time and final setting time of
cement before you use it for the construction work. You can also use
admixtures to control setting time of cement. Normally the initial setting time
for 43 or 53 grade of OPC or PPC is 30 minutes and final setting time is 10
Hours.
Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Gillmore Needle
SUMMARY OF TEST METHOD
Sufficient water is added to the cement that is being tested to
produce a paste of normal consistency. A specimen is molded from this paste
and is tested for time of setting by means of the Gillmore initial and final
needles. The initial time of setting is the time elapsed between initial contact
of cement and water and the time when the Gillmore Initial needle does not
leave a complete circular impression in the paste surface. The final time of
setting is the time elapsed between initial contact of cement and water and
the time when the Gillmore Final needle does not leave a complete circular
impression in the paste surface.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
• The purpose of this test method is to establish whether a cement
complies with a specification limit on Gillmore time of setting.
APPARATUS
1. Mixing bowl
2. Flat Trowel - having a sharpened straight-edged steel
3. blade 100 to 150 mm in length.
4. Glass Graduates - 200 or 250 mL capacity
5. Ruler
6. Timer/stopwatch
7. Gillmore Needle Apparatus
 8. Weighing Scale - The devices for determining mass shall be evaluated
for precision and accuracy at a total load of 1000 g. Therefore, the initial setting time of the sample is:
Initial setting time = 130 minutes - 0 minutes
CONDITIONING Initial setting time = 130 minutes
• Maintain the temperature of the room, dry materials, paddle, bowl,
and plane non-absorptive plates at 23.0 ± 3.0 °C. And the final setting time of the sample is:
• Maintain the temperature of the mixing water at 23.0 ± 2.0 °C. Final setting time = 200 minutes - 0 minutes
• Maintain the relative humidity of the mixing room at not less than Final setting time = 200 minutes
50%.
• The moist cabinet or moist room shall conform to the requirements Thus, the time of setting of the hydraulic cement sample is 130
of Specification C 511. minutes for initial set and 200 minutes for final set, at a temperature of 27°C
with a Gillmore needle weight of 384 grams and a stem weight of 113.4
CALCULATION grams.
Initial setting time=T2-T1
Final setting time=T3-T1 ASTM C 150 (Standard Specification for Portland Cement) specified set
Where: times.
T1 =Time at which water is first added to cement TEST METHOD SET TYPE TIME SPECIFICATION
T2 =Time when needle fails to penetrate 5 mm to 7 mm from bottom of the VICAT INITIAL ≥45 minutes
mould FINAL ≤375 minutes
T3 =Time when the needle makes an impression but the attachment fails to GILLMORE INITIAL ≥60 minutes
do so. FINAL ≤600 minutes

Example 01: SUMMARY

Suppose a sample of hydraulic cement is being tested for its time of NORMAL CONSISTENCY OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT
setting. The test was conducted at a temperature of 27°C and the needle • Standard Test Method for Amount of Water Required for Normal
attachment used had a total weight of 384 grams, including the stem weight Consistency of Hydraulic Cement Paste
of 113.4 grams. The following observations were recorded during the test: AASHTO T 129 / ASTM C 187
SETTING TIME OF HYDRAULIC CEMENT
T1: 0 minutes (time at which water is first added to cement) • Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat
T2: 130 minutes (time when the needle fails to penetrate 1 mm to 2 mm from Needle
the bottom of the mould) AASHTO T 131-06 / ASTM C 191-04a
T3: 200 minutes (time when the needle makes an impression but the • Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by
attachment fails to do so) Gillmore Needle
AASHTO T 154 / ASTM C 266
To determine the time of setting, we can use the following calculations:
Initial setting time = T2 - T1
Final setting time = T3 - T1
PORTLAND CEMENT INITIAL SETTING TIME
• A binding material in the form of a finely ground powder, usually gray, • the time that cement turns into paste by mixing with water and begins
that is manufactured by burning and grinding a mixture of limestone to lose its plasticity.
and clay or limestone and shale. • the time to which cement can be moulded in any desired shape without
• The inventor Joseph Aspdin, of England, patented the basic process in losing it strength
1824, naming it for the resemblance of the cement when set to Portland
stone, a limestone from the Isle of Portland. FINAL SETTING TIME
• When mixed with water, the anhydrous calcium silicates and other • the time that cement completely loses its plasticity by mixing with
constituents in the Portland cement react chemically with the water, water and begins to have a certain structural strength
combining with it (hydration) and decomposing in it (hydrolysis) and
hardening and developing strength. WHY DO WE NEED TO KNOW THE SETTING TIME OF CEMENT?
Setting tests are used to characterize how a particular cement paste
STAGES OF SETTING OF PORTLAND CEMENT sets. For construction purposes, the initial set must not be too soon and the
1. Hydrolysis and Hydration Stage final set must not be too late. Additionally, setting times can give some
➢ The process of setting starts after the addition of water. In this process indication of whether or not a cement is undergoingnormalhydration (PCA,
the four compounds of cement (C3S, C2S, 3CA1, 4CAFe) get hydrated. 1988).
C3S compound of cement gets hydrated and form a complex hydro
silicates. WHAT IS THE LIMIT SETTING TIME OF PORTLAND CEMENT?
2. Colloidisation Stage ➢ For Ordinary Portland Cement, the initial Setting Time is 30 minutes.
➢ The products formedfrom the above stage separates out in the form of ➢ For Ordinary Portland Cement, the Final Setting Time is 600 minutes
a gel which gets gradually thickened and acts as glue aroundaggregates. (10hrs).
Thereby initiating the setting of the cement. During this stage, the
mortar (cement-watersand paste) becomes fully saturated and can take DIFFERENT TYPES OF CEMENT AND THEIR CORRESPONDING SETTING TIME
no more water.
3. Crystallisation Stage
➢ As the name of the stage indicates, most of the components of gel or
colloidal state forms into crystalline state. Compounds which are least
stable such as tri-calcium hydro aluminate and calcium hydroxide are
the one to undergo onto stable crystalline phase. Calcium hydro silicate
gel also hardens almost simultaneously. This nearly simultaneous
development of crystals and hardening of gel results into a strong and
inter-grown mass of crystals and gels.

TIME SETTING
• setting refers to the stiffening of the cement paste or the change from
plastic state to solid state
 ASTM C191 5. The time between the initial contact of cement , water and the
Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Portland Cement by Vicat penetration of 25 millimeter is the initialtimeofsetting
Needle 6. Place the Thick needle on the Vicat apparatus, set the indicator
on0.Adjust the needle until it become inContact with the base
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE of ASTM C191? surface
• This test method provides a means of determining compliance with a 7. Release the needle, the needle will penetrate the paste. Repeat this
specification limit for Vicat time of setting. In other words, the time that operation every 15 minutes until the needle failed to penetrate the
the cement needs to react or hydrate completely with water. base.
8. The time between the initial contact of cement, water and the fail of
TWO TEST METHODS USED IN ASTM C191: thick needle to penetrate the paste is the Final Time of Setting. And
• Test Method A is the Reference Test Method using the manually by that we were able to determine the setting time of Portland
operated standard Vicat apparatus cement by vicat needle.
• Test Method B permits the use of an automatic Vicat machine that has,
in accordance with the qualification requirements of this method, CALCULATIONS OF TIME OF SETTING TO THE NEAREST 1 min:
demonstrated acceptable performance {[((H-E))/((C-D) )]×(C-25)}+E
where:
What we need in order to perform this test? E = time in minutes of last penetration greater than 25 mm,
1. Manual Vicat Apparatus H = time in minutes of first penetration less than 25 mm,
2. Two needles (thick and thin) C = penetration reading at time E, and
3. Timer D = penetration reading at time H.
4. 650 gram of cement
5. Defined amount of water-which has been determined by the normal Example 01:
consistency test Suppose a sample of Portland cement is being tested for its time of
setting using the Vicat needle. The test was conducted at a temperature of
PROCEDURE OF THE TEST: 25°C and the needle attachment used had a diameter of 1.13 mm. The
1. First, put the cement in the mixing bowl. Then add water to the following observations were recorded during the test:
cement. Run your time rate the exact time you’ve added the water
to the cement Time of water addition (T0): 0 minutes
2. Prepare the cement paste by combining the cement and water. Leave Time when the needle fails to penetrate 25 mm from the bottom of the mould
the paste for 30 minutes. (H): 210 minutes
3. Place the Thin Needle on the vicat apparatus. Set the indicator on Time when the needle first penetrates less than 25 mm from the bottom of
zero, adjust the needle until it become inContact with the base the mould (E): 305 minutes
surface. Penetration reading at time H (D): 26.5 mm
4. Release the needle, the needle will penetrate the paste. Repeat this Penetration reading at time E (C): 9.0 mm
operation every 15 minutes until a 25 millimeter or least of To determine the time of setting, we can use the following formula:
penetration is obtained.
Time of setting = [((H - E) / (C - D)) x (C - 25)] + E ASTM C266
Standard Test Method for Time Setting of Hydraulic-Cement Paste by
First, we can calculate the difference between the time of the last penetration Gillmore
greater than 25 mm and the time of the first penetration less than 25 mm:
PURPOSE
(H - E) = 210 minutes - 305 minutes • The purpose of this test method is to establish whether a cement
(H - E) = -95 minutes complies with a specification limit on Gillmore time of setting.

Next, we can calculate the difference between the penetration readings at What we need in order to perform this test?
times H and E: 1. Gillmore Needle
2. Ruler
(C - D) = 9.0 mm - 26.5 mm 3. Timer
(C - D) = -17.5 mm 4. 650 gram of cement
5. Defined amount of water-which has been determined by the normal
Using these values, we can then calculate the time of setting: consistency test

Time of setting = [((-95) / (-17.5)) x (9.0 - 25)] + 305 PROCEDURE OF THE TEST:
Time of setting = [5.43 x (-16)] + 305
Time of setting = -86.88 + 305 CALCULATIONS:
Time of setting = 218.12 minutes Initial setting time = T2-T1
Final Setting time = T3-T1
Therefore, the time of setting of the Portland cement sample is 218 Where:
minutes, to the nearest 1 minute, at a temperature of 25°C with a Vicat T1=Time at which water is first added to cement
needle diameter of 1.13 mm. T2=Time when needle fails to penetrate5mmto 7mmfrombottomof the
mould
T3=Time when the needle makes an impression but the attachment fails to
do so.

Example 01:
Suppose a sample of Portland cement is being tested for its time of
setting using the Gillmore needle. The test was conducted at a temperature
of 27°C and the needle used had a total weight of 100 grams and a diameter
of 1.13 mm. The following observations were recorded during the test:

Time of water addition (T0): 0 minutes

Time when the needle fails to penetrate 5 mm to 7 mm from the bottom of
the mould (T2): 145 minutes
Time when the needle makes an impression but the attachment fails to do so
(T3): 200 minutes
To determine the initial and final setting times, we can use the following
formulas:
Initial setting time = T2 - T1
Final setting time = T3 - T1
Since T1 is the time of water addition, we can set T1 = 0 minutes. Thus, we
can calculate the initial setting time as:
Initial setting time = T2 - T1
Initial setting time = 145 minutes - 0 minutes
Initial setting time = 145 minutes
Similarly, we can calculate the final setting time as:
Final setting time = T3 - T1
Final setting time = 200 minutes - 0 minutes
Final setting time = 200 minutes
Therefore, the initial setting time of the Portland cement sample is
145 minutes and the final setting time is 200 minutes, at a temperature of
27°C with a Gillmore needle of 100 grams and a diameter of 1.13 mm.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE SETTING TIME OF PORTLAND CEMENT
1. Composition of cement
• The mineral composition of cement and their ratios are the main factors
affecting the setting and hardening of cement. As mentioned above,
various mineral components will reveal different characteristics when
reacting with water. For example, the increase of C3A can speed up the
setting and hardening rate of cement, and the heat of hydration is high
at the same time.
• Generally speaking, if mixed materials are added into the cement clinker,
the anti-erosion will increase, and he heat of hydration and the early
strength will decrease.
2. Amount of gypsum in cement
• Gypsum is called the retarding agent of cement that is used for regulating
the setting time of cement and is an indispensable component. By mixing
with water it releases heat. without gypsum, cement clinker can
condense immediately. The retardation mechanism of gypsum is: gypsum
reacts with C3Ato generate when cement is hydrated.
• The retardation effect will be unobvious in the event the content of
gypsum is too little. Because gypsum can generate a clotting agent itself
gypsum will accelerate the setting time. The appropriate amount of
gypsum depends on the content of that of SO3 and C3A, plus it related to
the content of SO3 as well as the fineness of the clinker. In the event the
limit is exceeded by the content of gypsum, it'll lower the strength of
cement and it can lead to poor dimensional stability, that will cause the
expanded destruction of cement paste. Therefore, the national standard
requires the content of SO3shouldn't bemorethan3.5%.
3. Fineness of cement
• The size of cement particles affects setting the hydration and hardening,
strength and heat of hydration.
• The finer the particles are, the bigger the area is and the larger the total
surface area is. Therefore, the hydration will be quick, hardening and the
setting will likely be accelerated as well as the early strength will be high.
• However, in the event the cement particles are small, it's easy to allow
them to react together with the calcium dioxide as well as the water in
the air. Its shrinkage is large in the hardening process, in the event when
it is fine. The finer it is grounded, the higher the cost will be and the more
energy will lose.
4. Curing
• The curing environment has sufficient temperature and moisture
which is conducive to the hydration and setting and hardening
process of cement and benefits the development of the early
strength. If the moisture of the environment is very dry, the water in
the cement will evaporate, leading to insufficient hydration and
ceasing of the hardening. Serious cracks will happen sometimes.
• Usually, the temperature rises at the time of curing, and the
hydration of cement and the development of early strength become
fast. If the hardening process occurs at a low temperature, the final
strength won’t be affected though the development of the strength
is slow. But if the temperature is under 00C, the hydration of cement
will stop and the strength will not only stop growing but also destroy
he structure of cement paste due to the condensation of water.
 • In actual projects, the setting and hardening process of cement
products is accelerated by steam curing and autoclave curing.
5. Water cement ratio
• If the cement consumption is unchanged, the increase of the mixing
water content will enhance the amount of capillary porosities, lower
the strength of cement paste, and extend the setting time. Therefore,
in practical projects, the amount of water and cement will be
changed without modifying the water-cement ratio when the
liquidity of cement concrete is adjusted.
6. Type of admixture used
• Hydration, setting, and hardening of Portland cement are
constrained by C3S, C3A. And all the admixtures that affect the
hydration of C3S, C3A can change the performance of the hydration,
the setting and hardening of Portland cement. For example, the
accelerator agents (such as CaC12, Na2S04) can accelerate the
hydration and the hardening of cement and improve its strength. On
the contrary, the retarding agents (such as calcium lignosulphonate)
can delay hydration and hardening of cement and affect the
development of the early strength.
7. 7.Storage of cement
• The inappropriate storage will expose cement to moisture. The
particle surfaces agglomerate because of hydration which seriously
reduces the intensity. Slow hydration and carbonization will happen
due to the impact of the water and C02 in the air, even though the
storage is good.
SUMMARY
Both common setting time tests, the Vicat needle and the Gillmore
needle, define initial set and final set based on the time at which a needle of
particular size and weight either penetrates a cement paste sample to a given
depth or fails to penetrate a cement paste sample. The Vicat needle test is
more common and tends to give shorter times than the Gillmore needle test.
TEST METHOD SET TYPE TIME SPECIFICATION
VICAT INITIAL ≥45 minutes
FINAL ≤375 minutes
GILLMORE INITIAL ≥60 minutes
FINAL ≤600 minutes
SUMMARY
The setting time of cement includes the initial setting time and the
final setting time. The initial time refers to the time that cement turns into
paste by mixing with water and begins to lose its plasticity. And the time that
cement completely loses its plasticity by mixing with water and begins to have
a certain structural strength is known as the final setting time. For ordinary
Portland Cement, the initial setting time is 30 minutes and the final setting
time is 600 minutes (10hrs). All the products off grade at the initial setting
time are spoiled products and those unqualified at the final setting time are
sub-quality products.
The setting time of cement is measured by time determinator. The
sample is the standard cement paste of which the temperature is 20 °C ± 3 °C
and humidity is more than 90%. Various mineral components of the cement
clinker are different in the water consumption of their normal consistency.
The finer the cement is ground, the more water the normal consistency will
need. The normal consistencyofPortlandcementiswithin24%~30%.
The setting time of cement is very important in the construction
projects. The initial setting time should not be too fast in order to ensure that
there is enough time to complete every process, such as casting, before the
initial setting time; and the final setting time should not be too late in order
to enable the cement to complete its setting and hardening as soon as
possible after pouring and tamping to make the next process occur earlier.