Experiment 2
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sisacs2002Experiment 2
Uploaded by
sisacs2002Engineering Materials Sessional
Course Code: CE 2102
Presented by-
Nadira Islam Nila
Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
Northern University of Business & Technology Khulna
Experiment No – 02
Determination of Initial Setting Time of Cement with
Vicat’s Apparatus
Initial Setting Time: The time elapsed 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 is added to
the cement, and the time when the paste has completely lost its plasticity and has
attained sufficient firmness to resist certain pressure.
Significance of Initial and Final Setting Time of
Cement
•It is required that cement does not lose its plasticity too early or too late. If cement set
too early, there is insufficient time for transportation and place concrete.
•If cement set too late then there is a delay in construction work. Also, concrete will not
get sufficient strength early and the formwork removal process delayed.
•The proper setting time required for the stiffening of cement paste to a defined
consistency.
•It is indirectly related to the chemical reaction of cement with water to form an
aluminum–silicate compound.
•Initial setting time is an important time to know for concrete transportation, placing,
and curing.
•Initial setting time also utilized to delay the process of hydration or hardening.
•The final setting time utilized for the safe removal of scaffolding or form.
Factors Affecting Initial and Final Setting Time of
Cement
The fineness of cement, the presence of salts in sand, atmospheric conditions. For
example, cement requires a temperature of 27°c to complete Hydration, during winters
the climate is low which stops the hydration and takes a longer time to set harden.
Fig: Apparatus for Setting time
Procedure of Initial Setting Time of Cement:
Preparation of Cement Paste:
Mix 300 gm of cement with 0.85P of water (P = the percentage of mixing water required
for normal consistency) following the procedure described in Experiment 01.
Test for Initial Setting Time
Place the test block confined in the mould and resting on the non-porous plate, under
the rod bearing the needle.
Lower the needle gently until it comes in contact with the surface of test block and
quick release, allowing it to penetrate into the test block.
In the beginning the needle completely pierces the test block. Repeat this procedure
i.e. quickly releasing the needle after every 10 minutes till the needle fails to pierce
the block for about 5 mm measured from the bottom of the mould. Note this time
(T2).
DATA SHEET
Experiment Name : Determination of Normal Consistency of Cement with Vicat’s Apparatus.
Experiment Date :
Student’s Name :
Student’s ID :
Year/ Semester :
Section/ Group :
Cement: _________________ gm. Water added: ________________ mL.
Trials Time (min) Depth of Penetration (mm)
1 0 40
2 10 40
3 20 40
4 30 39
5 40 37
6 50 35
Calculation:
Initial setting time = T2-T1
Where,
T1=Time at which water is first added to cement
T2=Time when needle fails to penetrate 5 mm from bottom of the mould
Result:
Initial setting time is ______________ min
Report
Objective/ Objectives
Introduction
Reference Standard – (ASTM C187)
Scope
Related Terms- (Initial Setting Time, Final Setting Time)
Apparatus
Procedure- Should be in passive voice
Data Sheet
Graph
Calculation
Results
Discussion