Experiment 2
Determination of Initial Setting Time of Cement with
Vicat’s Apparatus
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2.1 Objective:
The objective of this experiment is to determine the initial setting time of cement.
2.2 Introduction:
Cement, when mixed with water, forms slurry, which gradually becomes less plastic with the
passage of time and finally a hard mass is obtained. In this process, a stage is reached when
the cement paste is sufficiently rigid to withstand a definite amount of pressure. Cement, at
this stage to have set and the time required to reach this stage is termed “Setting time”.
The term ‘‘Setting” is used to describe the stiffening of the cement paste. Setting of cement
refers to changes of cement paste from a semi-liquid to rigid state. Setting differs from
Hardening of cement which refers to the gain of strength of a set cement paste; although
during setting the cement paste acquires some strength.
2.3 Reference Standard:
This test method conforms to the ASTM standard requirements of specification C191. As per
ASTM C150, Ordinary Portland Cement should have the initial setting time not less than 45
minutes & final setting time not more 375 minutes.
2.4 Scope:
The purpose of this test is to ascertain the time to be allowed to pass, between mixing of
concrete and placing in position in structures. In actual construction dealing with cement,
mortar or concrete, certain timeis required for mixing, transporting and placing. During this
time cement paste, mortar, orconcrete should be in plastic condition.The constituents and
fineness of cement ismaintained in such a way that the concrete remains in plastic condition
for certain minimumtime. Once the concrete is placed in the final position, compacted and
finished it should lose itsplasticity in the earliest possible time so that it is least vulnerable to
damages from externaldestructive agencies.
Cement paste setting time is affected by a number of items including: cement fineness, water-
cement ratio, chemical content (especially gypsum content) and admixtures. Setting tests are
used to characterize how a particular cement paste sets. For construction purposes, the initial
set must not be too soon and the final set must not be too late.
2.5 Related Terms:
Initial Setting Time: The timeelapsed between the moments that the water is added to the
cement to the time that the paste starts losing its plasticity, stiffening to a certain degree. It
marks roughly the end of the period when the wet mix can be molded into shape.
Final Setting Time: The time elapsed between the moment the water isadded to the cement,
and the time when the paste has completely lost its plasticity and hasattained sufficient
firmness to resist certain pressure.
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2.6 Apparatus:
Same as for the determination of normal consistency of cement (see Experiment 01).
2.7 Test Conditions:
Temperature and Humidity:
1. 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.
2. Maintain the temperature of the mixing water at 23.0 ± 3.0°C.
3. The relative humidity of the mixing room shall not be less than 50 percent.
2.8 Procedure:
Preparation of Cement Paste:
Mix 650 gm of cement with the percentage of mixing water required for normal consistency
following the procedure described in Experiment 01.
Molding Test Specimen:
Same procedure as in the preceding test (Experiment 01). Immediately after molding, place
the test specimen in the moist closet or moist room and allow it to remain there except when
determinations of time of setting are being made.
Time of setting determination:
1. Allow the time of setting specimen to remain in the moist cabinet for 30 min after
molding without being disturbed. Determine the penetration of the 1-mm needle at
this time and every 15-min thereafter for Ordinary Portland Cement (Type I & every
10 min for Rapid Hardening Cement, Type III) until a penetration of 25 mm or less is
obtained.
2. For the penetration test, lower the needle of the rod until it rests on the surface of the
cement paste. Tighten the set screw and set the indicator at the upper end of the scale,
or take an initial reading. Release the rod quickly by releasing the set screw, and
allow the needle to settle for 30 sec; then take the reading to determine the
penetration.
3. No penetration test shall be made closer than1/4 in. (6.4 mm) for any previous
penetration and no penetration test shall be made closer than 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) from
the inside of the mold. Record the results of all the penetration tests and, by plotting
penetration tests and, by interpolation or by plotting penetration vs. setting time curve,
determine the time when a penetration of 25 mm is obtained. This is initial setting
time.
4. The final setting time is when the needle does not sink visibly into the paste or the
first penetration measure that does not mark the specimen surface with a complete
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circular impression. Verify final set by performing two additional penetration
measurements on different areas of the specimen surface.Replace the needle of the
Vicat apparatus by the needle with an annular attachment. The cement shall be
considered as finally set when, upon applying the needle gently to the surface of the
test block, the needle makes an impression there on, while the attachment fails to do
so.
Calculation:
Calculate the time required for 25 mm penetration from a Plot of penetration (in mm) against
time (in min.) in plan graph paper. This time is arbitrarily defined as the initial setting time.
2.9 Precautions:
1. All the apparatus shall be free from vibration during the penetration test.
2. Take care to keep the 1-mm needle straight, and the needle must be kept clean as the
collection of cement on the sides of the needle may retard the penetration, while
cement on the point (tip) may increase the penetration.
3. The time of setting is affected not only by the percentage and the temperature of the
water used and the amount of kneading the paste received, but also by the temperature
and humidity of the air, and its determination is therefore only approximate.
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DATA SHEET
Experiment Name : Determination of Initial Setting Time of Cement with Vicat’s
Apparatus.
Experiment Date :
Student’s Name :
Student’s ID :
Year/ Semester :
Section/ Group :
Cement: _________________ gm.
% of Water Added: __________ Added Water: ___________________ ml
Time (min) Penetration Comments Time (min) Penetration Comments
(mm) (mm)
Sample Calculation:
Result:
Initial setting time for the given sample of cement (from graph) =
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Comments:
Course Teacher :
Designation :
________________________
Signature of the Teacher
Discussion:
Assignment Questions:
1. What is the significance of setting time?
2. Distinguish between “hardening” and setting.
3. Does this cement satisfy ASTM standard requirements for initial setting time?
4. What is quick setting cement?
5. How does the fineness affect the time of setting?
6. What is the function of a retarder?
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