Cement and Supplementary cementitious materials – Initial Setting Time and Final setting Time of Cement Test

Test Procedure for Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement

Preparation of Test:

1. Find out % of the water required by the weight of cement for normal / standard consistency of cement (Let it be P gm or percent).

2. Take about 400 gm of cement and add water about 85 percent of water that was required for normal consistency.

3. Mix water with cement quickly in a short time about 3 min to 5 min. Start the stopwatch at the instance when water added to the cement. Record this time (T1).

4. Now, fill Vicat apparatus mould with the paste.

Procedure of Initial Setting Time:

• Place the mould in Vicat apparatus in such a way that the needle just touches the surface Release the needle and note down the penetration. Go on repeating the test at interval of two minutes till the pentation is upto 5 mm from bottom. Let it happen after time T2

• The difference in the two time readings, T1 and T2 in minutes Is initial setting time in

• Procedure of Final Setting Time:

1. For determining the final setting time of cement replace the needle with another needle having annular space.

2. On releasing the needle makes impression on the surface. Go on repeating the process.

3. Note the time when the needle makes no impression on the surface. Let it be T3.

Final setting time of cement = (T3) –T1)  in minutes

Test Format for Initial final Setting Times For  cement