Cement Tests

Setting time
-The setting and hardening of cement is a continuous process, but two points are distinguished for test
purposes.
-The initial setting time is the interval between the mixing of the cement with water and the time when the
mix has lost plasticity, stiffening to a certain degree. It marks roughly the end of the period when the wet
mix can be molded into shape.
-The final setting time is the point at which the set cement has acquired a sufficient firmness to resist a
certain defined pressure. Most specifications require an initial minimum setting time at ordinary
temperatures of about 45 minutes and a final setting time no more than 10 to 12 hours.
-In the testing of most cements, a minimum strength at 3 and 7 days and sometimes 28 days is specified,
but for rapid-hardening portland cement a test at 1 day also is sometimes required. For high-alumina
cement, tests are required at 1 and 3 days.

Soundness of cement
soundness is nothing but volumetric change of the cement .Presents of chemicals such as
CaO,MgO will react with the water present in the cement paste and it will increase the volume of
cement paste while hardening.It may causes cracks in the building to avoid that it is necessary to
find the soundness of cement before using that.It may vary to each type of cement even for each
batch.Soundness should not exceed 10mm for OPC.
Fineness of cement
The fineness of cement has an important bearing on the rate of hydration and hence on
the rate of gain of strength and also on the rate of evolution of heat. Finer cement offers a
greater surface area for hydration and hence faster the development of strength.

Sieve analysis of aggregates
Sieve analysis helps to determine the particle size distribution of the coarse and fine
aggregates.This is done by sieving the aggregates as per IS: 2386 (Part I) 1963. In this
we use different sieves as standardized by the IS code and then pass aggregates through
them and thus collect different sized particles left over different sieves.
Crushing value test
This test helps to determine the aggregate crushing value of coarse aggregates as per IS:
2386 (Part IV) 1963. The apparatus used is Cylindrical measure and plunger, Compression
testing machine, IS Sieves of sizes 12.5mm, 10mm and 2.36mm
as per is code it should not be more than 25% for wearing surfaces & 45% for non wearing
surfaces.
Abrasion value test
This test helps to determine the abrasion value of coarse aggregates as per IS: 2386 (Part
IV) 1963.
The apparatus used in this test are Los Angles abrasion testing machine, IS Sieve of size
1.7mm, Abrasive charge 12 nos. cast iron or steel spheres approximately 48mm dia. and
each weighing between 390 and 445g ensuring that the total weight of charge is 5000 +25g
and Oven.
Sample Preparation
The test sample should consist of clean aggregates which has been dried in an oven at 105
to 110oC to a substantially constant weight and should conform to one of the gradings
shown in the table below:
according to AASHTO 90 LAAV for base course should be less than 40% and for sub base
course it should be less than 50%.

Flakiness and Elongation Test (BS 812
The type of rocks and the type of crushing machine highly determine the shape and sizeof the
aggregates produced. Elongated and flaky stones are normally not very suitablefor road works since the
shape and the size make them difficult to compact. As such theflakiness and elongation test must be
carried out to determine the suitability of thematerial.
Compressive strength of concrete
Out of many test applied to the concrete, this is the utmost important which gives an idea
about all the characteristics of concrete. By this single test one judge that whether
Concreting has been done properly or not. For cube test two types of specimens either
cubes of 15 cm X 15 cm X 15 cm or 10cm X 10 cm x 10 cm depending upon the size of
aggregate are used. For most of the works cubical moulds of size 15 cm x 15cm x 15 cm
are commonly used.