Determination of Initial and Final Setting Times

INTRODUCTION
Initial setting time duration is required to delay the process of hydration or hardening. Final
setting time is the time when the paste completely loses its plasticity. It is the time taken for
the cement paste or cement concrete to harden sufficiently and attain the shape of the mould in
which it is cast.

THEORY
In actual construction dealing with cement paste, mortar, concrete, certain time is required for
mixing, transporting and placing. During this time the cement mixture should be in a plastic
condition. The time period for which the cement mixture should remain in plastic condition is
known as setting time.

OBJECTIVES
To determine the initial setting time of cement. This test is required to understand the time
cement takes for initial setting between mixing and transporting and placing of concrete.

APPARATUS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Vicat apparatus
Balance of 1kg capacity and sensitivity of 1 gms
Gauging trowel
Cement specimen to be tested
Potable water
Measuring jar
Stop watch

PROCEDURE
(i) Prepare a paste of cement 500g with 140ml water required for the consistency.
(ii) The gauging time should be a 3-5 minute.
(iii) After gauging properly filled it in the Vicat mould and level it with the help of trowel.

Figure: a set of vicat apparatus

Determination of Initial Setting time of Cement

1. Place the test block confined in the mould and resting on a non-porous plate, under the
road bearing Needle C for initial Setting time of cement. Lower the needle gently to bring
it in contact with the top surface of the test block and quickly release, allowing it to
penetrate into the test block.
2. In the beginning, the needle will completely pierce the test block.
3. Repeat the procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with test block and
released as mentioned above, fails to pierce the block to a point beyond 5 to 7 mm
measured from the bottom of the mould.

Final Setting time of cement

1. Replace the Needle C with Needle F i.e with the annular attachments.
2. Place the test block confined in the mould and resting on a non-porous plate, under the
rod bearing Needle F for Final Setting time of cement. Lower the needle gently to bring it
in contact with the top surface of the test block and quickly release.
3. Repeat the procedure until the point needle makes and impression.

DATA COLLECTION
Initial setting time
Trail

1
2

Test start
(min)
(from 0s)
Start
10.16
10.26

Needle C depth
(mm)
Stop
10.26
10.36

Start
0
0

Stop
0
4

Result
( 5 1mm from bottom

0
4

Final setting time

Trail

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Test start
(min)
(From 0s)
Start
10.36
11.06
11.36
12.06
12.36
13.06
13.36

Needle F Pattern
(mm)
Stop
11.06
11.36
12.06
12.36
13.06
13.36
14.06

Time of Starting the experiment =10.14

Time at taking initial setting reading =10.36

Time at taking final setting reading = 14.06

Start

Stop

Result

Initial Setting Time = 22 minutes

Final Setting Time = 3 hours and 32 minutes

DISCUSSION

It is essential that cement set neither too rapidly nor too slowly. In the first case there
might be insufficient time to transport and place the concrete before it becomes too rigid. In
the second case too long a setting period tends to slow up the work unduly, also it might
postpone the actual use of the structure because of inadequate strength at the desired age.

Setting should not be confused with hardening, which refers to the gain in mechanical
strength after the certain degree of resistance to the penetration of a special attachment
pressed into it.

Setting time is the time required for stiffening of cement paste to a defined consistency.

Indirectly related to the initial chemical reaction of cement with water to form aluminumsilicate compound.

Initial setting time is the time when the paste starts losing its plasticity.

Initial setting time test is important for transportation, placing and compaction of cement
concrete.

Initial setting time duration is required to delay the process of hydration or hardening.

Final setting time is the time when the paste completely loses its plasticity.

It is the time taken for the cement paste or cement concrete to harden sufficiently and
attain the shape of the mould in which it is cast.

Determination of final setting time period facilitates safe removal of scaffolding or form.

During this period of time primary chemical reaction of cement with water is almost
completed.

CONCLUSION
After Performing the experiment we have concluded the results that the initial setting time of
cement is 22 mins and final setting time of cement paste is 3 hrs & 32 mins. As the Initial and
Final setting time is coming in between the prescribed range , it means that the experiment is
performed accurately. The requirements of temperature and humidity were not taken into account
in the lab. Usually in fields a larger initial setting time is preferred so that we can mix, transport
and place the concrete easily as some times concrete mixers have to transport concrete to some
places which are not very close to the concrete plant and in the same time a smaller value of the
final setting time is always preferred in order to avoid large expenditures on the form work or
shuttering as it plays a vital role in the economy of a construction project.

REFERENCES
https://prbdb.gov.in/files/Quality%20Control%20Training/Tests%20on%20Cement/Initial%20&
%20Final%20Setting%20Time%20Test/DETERMINATION%20OF%20INITIAL.pdf
http://civilblog.org/2013/05/04/initial-final-setting-time-is-4031-part-5-1988/

APPENDIX

Test block tested by using needle C.

Test block tested by using needle F.

Final result after test by using needle C and needle F.