Vicat Apparatus

What is Vicat Apparatus?

Vicat apparatus is a penetration device used in testing
of hydraulic cements and similar materials to
determine their normal or standard consistency. It is
also used to determine the initial setting time and
final setting time of hydraulic cements and similar
materials.
What is Vicat Apparatus Used for
Vicat apparatus is generally used to determine the
required quantity of water to produce a cement paste
of normal or standard consistency. It is also used in
the tests for initial setting time of cement or concrete
and final setting time of cement or concrete. This unit
can be modified for testing to determine a false set of
cement or mortar paste.
Explanation of Vicat Apparatus
The Vicat's apparatus for consistency test of cement
paste consists of a frame having a movable rod with a
cap at one end and at the other end any one of the
following attachment, which are interchangeable:
Explanation of Vicat Apparatus
 Needle for determining the initial setting time
 Needle for determining the final setting time
 Plunger for determining the standard consistency
Parts of Vicat
Apparatus
with
Explanation
Parts of Vicat Apparatus with
Explanation
1. Needles
• For Initial Setting Time
The needle is having a cross sectional area of 1mm 2. The
end of the needle is flat
• For Final Setting Time
The other two needles are made to freely fall into a Vicat
mould filled with the cement paste and the amount of
penetration of the needles of plunger of 10 mm diameter
can be noted using the vertical graduations from 0 mm to
50 mm.
Parts of Vicat Apparatus with
Explanation
2. Plunger for Standard Consistency
Plunger is made of polished brass with a projection at
the upper end for insertion into the movable rod. The
lower end is flat.
3. Movable Rod
Movable rod carries an indicator which moves over a
graduated scale attached to the frame (certain models
have an additional attachment of dash pot, which
facilitates lowering of movable rod slowly).
Parts of Vicat Apparatus with
Explanation
4. Graduated Scale
Graduated scale is 40 mm in length and the shortest
division of scale is 1 mm.
5. Vicat Mould
 Single Mould

The Vicat mould is in the foam of a frustum of a cone

having an internal diameter of 60 ± 0.5mm at the top,
70 ± 0.5 mm at the bottom and height 40 ± 0.5 mm.
Parts of Vicat Apparatus with
Explanation
 Split type Vicat Mould
The split type Vicat mould is used as an alternative to
single mould. This mould consist of a split ring
having an internal diameter 80 ± 0.1mm and a height
40 ± 0.5mm. A non-porous base plate is provided.
The split mould is provided with a suitable clamping
ring.