FINENESS OF CEMENT

1. Objective
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. The fineness of grinding has increased over the
years. But now it has got nearly stabilized. Different cements are ground to different fineness. The
particle size fraction below 3 microns has been found to have the predominant effect on the strength at
one day while 3-25 micron fraction has a major influence on the 28 days strength. Increase in fineness
of cement is also found to increase the drying shrinkage of concrete.

Fig. 1: Specific Surface versus Compressive Strength of Cement

Fineness of cement is tested in two ways:

(a) By sieving.
(b) By determination of specific surface (total surface area of all the particles in one gram of cement)
by air-permeability apparatus. Expressed as cm 2/gm or m2/kg. Generally Blaine Air permeability
apparatus is used.

2. Apparatus Required

Fig. 2: Cement

The samples of the cement shall be taken according to the requirements of IS

3535:1986 and the relevant standard specification for the type of cement being
tested. The representative sample of the cement selected as above shall be
thoroughly mixed before testing.

Fig. 3: Balance

Balance be capable of weighing up to 10 g to the nearest 10 mg.

Fig. 4: Sieve

It comprises a firm, durable, non-corrodible, cylindrical frame of 150 mm to 200

mm nominal diameter and 40 mm to 100 mm depth, fitted with 90 micron mesh
sieve cloth of woven stainless steel, or other abrasion-resisting and non-
corrodible metal wire.
The sieve cloth shall comply with the requirements of IS 460 (Part 1):1985 and
IS 460 (Part 3):1985 and shall be free of visible irregularities in mesh size when
inspected optically by the methods of IS 460 (Part 3):1985. A tray fitting beneath
the sieve frame and a lid fitting above it shall be provided to avoid loss of material
during sieving.
 Fig. 5: Brush

A nylon or pure bristle brush, preferably with 25 mm to 40 mm bristle for cleaning

the sieve.

3. Reference
IS 4031(Part 1):1996 (Second Revision). Reaffirmed-2021 Methods of Physical Tests for Hydraulic
Cement: D e t e r m i n a t i o n o f F i n e n e s s b y D r y S i e v i n g .

4. Procedure
1. Agitate the sample of cement to be tested by shaking for 2 min in a stoppered jar to disperse
agglomerates. Wait 2 min. Stir the resulting powder gently using a clean dry rod in order to distribute
the fines throughout the cement.
2. Fit the tray under the sieve, weigh approximately 10 g of cement to the nearest 0.01 g and place it
on the sieve, being careful to avoid loss. Disperse any agglomerates. Fit the lid over the sieve.
Agitate the sieve by swirling, planetary and linear movement until no more fine material passes
through it. Remove and weigh the residue. Express its mass as a percentage, R 1, of the quantity
first placed in the sieve to the nearest 0.1 percent. Gently brush all the fine material off the base of
the sieve into the tray.
3. Repeat the whole procedure using a fresh 10 g sample to obtain R 2. Then calculate the residue of
the cement R as the mean of R1, and R2, as a percentage, expressed to the nearest 0.1 percent.
4. When the results differ by more than 1 percent absolute, carry out a third sieving and calculate the
mean of the three values.
5. Check the sieve after every 100 sieving as per para 4.4.2 of IS: 4031 (Part 1).

5. Observation and Reporting of Result

1. The fineness of a given sample of cement is ____ %
2. Report the value of R, to the nearest 0.1 percent, as the residue on the 90 micron sieve for the
cementtested.

The standard deviation of the repeatability is about 0.2 percent and of the reproducibility is about
0.3percent.
 INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME OF CEMENT
1. Objective
For convenience, initial setting time is regarded as the time elapsed between the moments that the
water is added to the cement, to the time that the paste starts losing its plasticity. The final setting
time is 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 definite
pressure. The temperature of moulding room, dry materials and water shall be maintained at 27 ± 2°C.
The relative humidity of the laboratory shall be 65 ± 5 percent.

2. Apparatus Required

Fig. 1: Balance

On balance in use, the permissible variation at a load of 1000 g shall be ± 1.0 g.

The permissible variation on new balance shall be one-half of this value. The
sensibility reciprocal shall be not greater than twice the permissible variation.

Fig. 2: Vicat's Apparatus

Vicat apparatus should confirm to IS: 5513-1996. It consists of an arrangement

to hold the plunger of 10 mm diameter and two other needles which are made
to freely fall into a mould filled with the cement paste and the amount of
penetration of the needles of plunder can be noted using the vertical graduations
from 0 mm to 50 mm.

Fig. 3: Stop Watch

Fig. 4: Gauging Trowel

Gauging trowel conforming to IS : 10086-2021

3. Reference
IS 4031(Part 5):1988 Methods of Physical test for Hydraulic Cement: Determination of Initial and Final
Setting Times (First revision). Reaffirmed- 2019

4. Procedure
4.1 Preparation of Test Block

1. Prepare a neat cement paste by gauging the cement with 0.85 times the water required to give a
paste of standard consistency. Potable or distilled water shall be used in preparing the paste. The
paste shall be gauged in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in IS:4031 (Part 4)-1988.
2. Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement. Fill the Vicat mould with a
cement paste gauged as above, the mould resting on a nonporous plate. Fill the mould completely
 and smooth off the surface of the paste making it level with the top of the mould. The cement block
thus prepared in the mould is the test block.
3. Immediately after moulding, place the test block in the moist closet or moist room and allow it to
remain there except when determinations of time of setting are being made.

4.2 Determination of Initial Setting Time

1. Place the test block confined in the mould and resting on the non-porous plate, under the rod bearing
the needle ( C ); lower the needle gently until it comes in contact with the surface of the test block
and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate into the test block. In the beginning, the needle will \
completely pierce the test block.

Fig. 5: Needles used in Vicat's Apparatus

2. Repeat this procedure until the needle, when brought in contact with the test block and released as
described above, fails to pierce the block beyond 5.0 ± 0.5 mm measured from the bottom of the
mould. The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement and the time at
which the needle fails to pierce the test block to a point 5.0 ± 0.5 mm measured from the bottom of
the mould shall be the initial setting time.

4.3 Determination of Final Setting Time

1. Replace the needle (C) of the Vicat apparatus by the needle with an annular attachment (F).
2. 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 thereon, while the attachment fails to do so.
3. The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the cement and the time at which the
needle makes an impression on the surface of test block while the attachment fails to do so shall be
the final setting time.
4. In the event of a scum forming on the surface of the test block, use the underside of the block for
the determination.

5. Observation and Recording

Weight of given sample of cement is ________ gms
Volume of water addend (0.85 times the water required to give a paste of standard consistency) for
preparation of test block ________ ml
The normal consistency of a given sample of cement is _______ %

S. No. Setting Time (second) Penetration(mm)

1
2
3

Table 1: Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement

6. Conclusion / Result
1. The initial setting time of the cement sample is found to be ….. (shall be reported to the nearest five
minutes.)

2. The final setting time of the cement sample is found to be ….. (shall be reported to the nearest five
minutes.)
 SOUNDNESS TEST OF CEMENT

1. Objective

It is very important that the cement after setting shall not undergo any appreciable change of volume.
Certain cements have been found to undergo a large expansion after setting causing disruption of the
set and hardened mass. This will cause serious difficulties for the durability of structures when such
cement is used. The unsoundness in cement is due to the presence of excess of free lime than that could
be combined with acidic oxide at the kiln. It is also likely that too high a proportion of magnesiumcontent
or calcium sulphate content may cause unsoundness in cement. Soundness of cement may be
determined by two methods, namely Le-Chatelier method and autoclave method.

In the soundness test a specimen of hardened cement paste is boiled for a fixed time so that any
tendency to expand is speeded up and can be detected. Soundness means the ability to resist volume
expansion.

2. Apparatus Required

Fig. 1: Le-Chateliers Apparatus

Le- Chatelier apparatus conforming to IS: 5514-1996

Fig. 2: Schematic of Le-Chateliers Apparatus

Consist of a small split cylinder of spring brass to other non-

corrodible metal of 0.5mm thickness forming a mould of 30mm
internal diameter and 30mm high. On either side of the split, two
indicators are brazed suitably with pointed ends made of 2mm
diameter brass wire in such a way that the distance of these ends
tothe centre of the cylinder is 165mm. The split cylinder will be kept
between two glass plates. The temperature of the moulding room,
dry materials and water shall be maintained at 27±2°C The relative
humidity of the laboratory shall be 65 ± 5 percent. The moist closet
or moist room shall be maintained at 27 ± 2°C and at a relative
humidity of not less than 90 percent.

Fig. 3: Water bath

Water bath with means of heating, capable of containing immersed

Le-Chatelier moulds with specimensand of raising their temperature
from 27±2°C to boiling in 27±3 minutes.

Fig. 4: Vernier Calliper

Vernier Calliper should be able to measure upto 30 mm with least

count of 0.1 mm

Fig. 5: Balance

On balance in use, the permissible variation at a load of 1000 g shall

be ± 1.0 g.The permissible variation on new balance shall be one-
half of this value. The sensibility reciprocal shall be not greater than
twice the permissible variation.
 Weights

The permissible variations on weights in use in weighing the cement shall be as prescribed in Table-1

Table 1: Permissible Variations on Weights

Weight Permissible Variation on Weights in

(g) use Plus or Minus (g)
500 0.35
300 0.30
250 0.25
200 0.20
100 0.15
50 0.10
20 0.05
10 0.04
5 0.03
2 0.02
1 0.01

3. Reference
IS 4031(Part 3):1988 (First Revision) Reaffirmed- 2019 Methods of Physical Test for Hydraulic
Cement: Determination of Soundness

4. Procedure
1. Place the lightly oiled mould on a lightly oiled glass sheet and fill it with cement paste formed by
gauging cement with 0.78 times the water required to give a paste of standard consistency. [refer IS
: 4031 (Part 4)-1988].
2. Cover the mould with another piece of lightly oiled glass sheet, place a small weight on this covering
glass sheet and immediately submerge the whole assembly in water at a temperature of 27 ± 2°C
and keep there for 24 hours.
3. Measure the distance separating the indicator points to the nearest 0.5 mm. Submerge the mould
again in water at the temperature prescribed above.
4. Bring the water to boiling, with the mould kept submerged, in 25 to 30 minutes, and keep it boiling
for three hours. Remove the mould from the water, allow it to cool and measure the distance between
the indicator points.
5. The difference between these two measurements indicates the expansion of the cement. This must
not exceed 10 mm for ordinary, rapid hardening and low heat Portland cements. If in case the
expansion is more than 10 mm as tested above, the cement is said to be unsound.

5. Observation and Recording

Soundness/expansion of cement = L1-L2

L1=Measurement taken after 24 hours of immersion in water at a temp. of 27 ± 20C

L2=Measurement taken after 3 hours of immersion in water at boiling temperature.

Calculate the mean of two values to the nearest 0.5 mm.

6. Discussions
1. In the event of cement failing to comply with the specified requirements, a further test should be made
from another portion of the same sample in manner described above, but after aeration (done by
spreading out to a depth of 75 mm and store it for 7 days in an atmosphere maintained at 27±2°C and
relative humidity of 50 to 80 percent).
2. Volume expansion in cement mortar or in cement concrete is caused by the presence of unburnt lime
(CaO), dead burnt MgO and also CaSO4.
3. By Le-chatelier method we can only find out presence of unburnt lime (CaO).
4. Presence of unburnt lime may develop cracks in the cement because of increase in volume.
5. Free lime (CaO) and Magnesia (MgO) are known to react with water very slowly and increase in volume
considerably, which result in cracking, distortion and disintegration.
 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CEMENT

1. Objective
The compressive strength of hardened cement is the most important of all the properties. Therefore, it
is not surprising that the cement is always tested for its strength at the laboratory before the cement is
used in important works. Strength tests are not made on neat cement paste because of difficulties of
excessive shrinkage and subsequent cracking of neat cement.

2. Apparatus Required

Fig. 1: Standard Sand

Standard Sand to be used in the test shall conform to IS: 650-1991

Fig. 2: Vibration Machine

Vibration Machine conforming to IS: 10080-1982

Fig. 3: Cube Mould

Cube Mould of 70.6 mm size conforming to IS: 10080-1982

Fig. 4: Compression Testing Machine

Compression Testing Machines conform to IS: 14858(2000) and calibrated with

an accuracy of ± 1% as per the requirement of 1828(Class1).

Fig. 5: Balance

On balance in use, the permissible variation at a load of 1000 g shall be ± 1.0 g.

The permissible variation on new balance shall be one-half of this value. The
sensibility reciprocal shall be not greater than twice the permissible variation.

Fig. 6: Graduated Glass Cylinders

Graduated glass cylinders of 150 to 200 ml capacity. The permissible variation on

these cylinders shall be ± 1 ml. The main graduation lines of the cylinders shall be
in circles and shall be numbered. The least graduations shall extend at least one
seventh of the way around, and, intermediate graduations shall extend at least
one-fifth of the way around the cylinder. The graduation lines may be omitted for
the lowest 5 ml.
3. Reference
IS 4031(Part 6):1988 ( F i r s t r e v i s i o n ) , R e a f f i r m e d - 2 0 1 9 - Methods of Physical Tests for Hydraulic
Cement- Determination of CompressiveStrength of Hydraulic Cement other than Masonry Cement

4. Procedure
1. Preparation of test specimens - Clean appliances shall be used for mixing and the temperature of
water and that of the test room at the time when the above operations are being performed shall
be 27 ± 2°C. Potable/distilled water shall be used in preparing the cubes.
2. The material for each cube shall be mixed separately and the quantity of cement, standard sand
and water shall be as follows:
Cement 200 g and Standard Sand 600 g
Water ((P/4)+3.0) percent of combined mass of cement and sand, where P is the percentage of water
required to produce a paste of standard consistency determined as described in IS : 4031 (Part 4)-
1988
3. Place on a nonporous plate, a mixture of cement and standard sand. Mix it dry with a trowel for one
minute and then with water until the mixture is of uniform colour. The quantity of water to be used
shall be as specified in step 2. The time of mixing shall in any event be not less than 3 minand
should the time taken to obtain a uniform cooler exceed 4 min, the mixture shall be rejected and the
operation repeated with a fresh quantity of cement, sand and water.
4. Moulding Specimens - In assembling the moulds ready for use, treat the interior faces of the mould
with a thin coating of mould oil.
5. Place the assembled mould on the table of the vibration machine and hold it firmly in position by
means of a suitable clamp. Attach a hopper of suitable size and shape securely at the top of the mould
to facilitate filling and this hopper shall not be removed until the completion of the vibration period.
6. Immediately after mixing the mortar in accordance with step 1 & 2, place the mortar in the cube
mould and prod with the rod. Place the mortar in the hopper of the cube mould and prod again as
specified for the first layer and then compact the mortar by vibration.
7. The period of vibration shall be two minutes at the specified speed of 12000 ± 400 vibration per
minute.
8. At the end of vibration, remove the mould together with the base plate from the machine and
finish the top surface of the cube in the mould by smoothing the surface with the blade of a trowel.
9. Curing Specimens - keep the filled moulds in moist closet or moist room for 24 ± 1 hour after
completion of vibration. At the end of that period, remove them from the moulds and immediately
submerge in clean fresh water and keep there until taken out just prior to breaking.
10. The water in which the cubes are submerged shall be renewed every 7 days and shall bemaintained
at a temperature of 27 ± 2°C. After they have been taken out and until they arebroken, the
cubes shall not be allowed to become dry.
11. Test three cubes for compressive strength for each period of curing mentioned under the relevant
specifications (i.e. 3 days, 7 days, 28 days)
12. The cubes shall be tested on their sides without any packing between the cube and the steel
plattens of the testing machine. One of the plattens shall be carried on a base and shall be self-
adjusting, and the load shall be steadily and uniformly applied, starting from zero at a rate of 35
N/mm2/min.

5. Observation and Recording

Avg.
Age Cross Compressive
Sr. Load Compressive
of Sectional Strength
No. (N) Strength
Cube Area(mm2) (N/mm2)
(MPa)
1
3
2
days
3
4
7
5
days
6
7
28
8
days
9

Table 1 : Recordings during Compressive Test on Cement

6. Calculation
The measured compressive strength of the cubes shall be calculated by dividing the maximum load applied
to the cubes during the test by the cross-sectional area, calculated from the mean dimensions ofthe section
and shall be expressed to the nearest 0.5 N/mm2. In determining the compressive strength, do not consider
specimens that are manifestly faulty, or that give strengths differing by more than 10 percent from the average
value of all the test specimens. After discarding specimens or strength values, if less than two strength values
are left for determining the compressive strength at any given period, a retest shall be made.
1. The average 3 Days Compressive Strength of given cement sample is found to be …..…..
2. The average 7 Days Compressive Strength of given cement sample is found to be …..…..
3. The average 28 Days Compressive Strength of given cement sample is found to be …..…..