Initial and Final Setting time of Cement

 Krishna  October 6, 2017  6 Comments

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Setting time of cement:

When cement is mixed with water, it hydrates and makes cement paste. This paste can
be moulded into any desired shape due to its plasticity. Within this time cement
continues with reacting water and slowly cement starts losing its plasticity and set
harden. This complete cycle is called Setting time of cement.

Initial Setting time of Cement:-

The time to which cement can be moulded in any desired shape without losing it
strength is called Initial setting time of cement

Or
The time at which cement starts hardens and completely loses its plasticity is called
Initial setting time of cement.

Or
The time available for mixing the cement and placing it in position is an Initial setting
time of cement. If delayed further, cement loses its strength.

For Ordinary Portland Cement, The initial Setting Time is 30 minutes.

Final setting time of Cement:-
The time at which cement completely loses its plasticity and became hard is a final
setting time of cement.

Or

The time taken by cement to gain its entire strength is a Final setting time of cement.

For Ordinary Portland Cement, The Final Setting Time is 600 minutes
(10hrs).
Significance of calculating Initial and final setting time of cement:-
Well, After mixing cement with water, it takes time to place the cement paste in
position,  initial setting time possess a primary role in strength & it is mandated that
cement paste or concrete is placed in position before it crosses initial setting time.
i.e.,30mins. And it shouldn’t be disturbed until it completes Final setting time i.e.,
600mins for Ordinary Portland Cement.

Also Read:-How to calculate Normal or standard consistency of cement

Factors that affect 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.

Calculation of Initial and Final Setting time of Cement:-

As Per  IS: 4031 (Part 5) – 1988.  Initial and final setting time of cement is calculated
using VICAT apparatus conforming to IS: 5513 – 1976,
Apparatus Required:-
Weighing balance of 1000g with accuracy 1g and Measuring cylinder of 200ml, VICAT
apparatus, VICAT Mould, Glass plate, the plunger of 10mm dia and Hand Trowel, stop
watch
Procedure:-
1. Take 400g of cement and place it in a bowl or tray.
2. Now add water of Start the stopwatch at the moment water is added to the
cement. Water of quantity 0.85P.times (Where P is the Standard consistency of
cement) is considered.
3. Now fill the mix in Vicat mould. If any excessive paste remained on Vicat mould
is taken off by using a trowel.
4. Then, place the VICAT mould on non porous plate (Glass plate) and see that the
plunger should touch the surface of VICAT mould gently.
5. Release the Plunger and allow it to sink into the test mould.
6. Note down the penetration of the plunger from the bottom of mould indicated on
the scale.
7. Repeat the same experiment at different positions on the mould until the plunger
should stop penetrating 5 from the bottom of the mould.
The time period elapsed between the moment water is added to the cement and the
time, the needle fails to penetrate the mould of 5mm when measured from the bottom
of the mould, is the initial setting time of cement.
Now replace the needle (plunger) by the one with an annular attachment. The cement is
assmed as finally set When, upon applying the needle gently to the surface of the test
mould, the needle makes an impression therein, while the attachment fails to do so. The
time period between the moment water is added to the cement and the time at which
needle makes an impression on the surface of the mould, while the attachment fails to
do so, is the final setting time of cement.
 
  Home
 Setting Time of Cement | Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement Test | Initial
Setting Time of Cement | Final Setting Time of Cement

Setting Time of Cement | Initial and

Final Setting Time of Cement Test |
Initial Setting Time of Cement | Final
Setting Time of Cement7 min read
 What Is Setting Time of Cement?
 Initial Setting Time of Cement
 Final Setting Time of Cement
 Tests On Cement
 Significance of Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement
 Factors Affecting Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement
 IS Code for Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement
 Apparatus
 Test Procedure for Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement
o Practical Calculations
o Standard Values of Initial and Final Setting Time for Various
Cement
 Watch Video: Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement Test
 FAQs:
o Initial Setting of Cement
o Final Setting Time of Cement
o Initial and Final Setting Time of OPC Cement?
o Initial setting time of PPC cement?
o Setting Time of Cement
o Setting Time Test of Cement

What Is Setting Time of Cement?

Initial setting time gives an idea about how
fast cement can start losing its plasticity and the final setting
time of cement gives an idea about how much cement takes to
lose its full plasticity and gain some strength to resist pressure.

Initial Setting Time of Cement

It is the time elapsed between the moments that the water is
added to the cement, to the time that the paste starts losing its
plasticity.

Final Setting Time of Cement

It is the time elapsed between the moment the water is added to
the cement and the time when cement paste loses its
plasticity completely and
has attained sufficient firmness to resist certain definite pressure. 

Read More: What Is Cement And History Of Cement

Tests On Cement

The following tests are conducted on cement in the laboratory

are as follows:

1. Fineness Test of Cement
2. Consistency Test of Cement
3. Setting Time Test of Cement
4. Soundness Test of Cement
5. Heat of Hydration Test
6. Speicific Gravity Test of Cement
7. Tensile Strength Test
8. Chemical Composition Test

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.

IS Code for Initial and Final Setting Time of

Cement
As Per  IS: 4031 (Part 5) – 1988.  The initial and final
setting time of cement is calculated using the VICAT apparatus
conforming to IS: 5513 – 1976.

Apparatus
Apparatus Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement
1. Balance – The permissible variation at a load of 1000 g shall be
± 1.0 g.

2. Vicat Apparatus – Vicat apparatus should confirm to IS: 5513-

1976.

3. Stop Watch

4. Gauging or Mixing Trowel

5. Glass Plate

6. Enamel tray

Read More: Consistency Test Of Cement Test, Calculation &

Result
Test Procedure for Initial and Final Setting
Time of Cement
Preparation of Test

1. Consistency of cement shall be tested before conducting a test

to find out % of the water required by the weight of
cement as normal consistency of cement (P).

2. Take about 400 gm of cement and add water about 0.85x P (P

is % water required for normal consistency of cement)

3. Mix water with cement quickly in a short time about 3 min to 5

min. Start the stopwatch at the instance when water is added to
the cement. Record this time (T1).

4. Now, fill this prepared cement paste in Vicat apparatus mould

having a diameter of 80 mm and a height of 50 mm resting
on non –porous glass plate. Properly fill and smooth off the top
surface of mould and level it.

I. Procedure of Initial Setting Time of Cement

1. For determining the initial setting time of cement, place this
mould filled with cement paste below the Vicat apparatus and fit
the needle used for testing the initial setting time.

2. Lower the bottom of the needle such that it touches the top

of cement paste filled in mould.

3. Remove the locking pin from the top and quick release the

needle, allowing it to penetrate into the cement paste.

4. At the beginning, the needle
penetrates and touches the bottom of mould. Repeat this process,
like quickly releasing the needle after every 2 minutes till
the needle fails to penetrate the cement paste for about 5
mm measured from the bottom of the mould.
5.  Note Time (T2) when needle fails to penetrate 5 mm from
the bottom of mould.

II. Procedure of Initial Setting Time of Cement

1. For determining the final setting time of cement replace the

needle with another needle having angular ring attachment.

2. Now, slightly release this needle on the surface of cement

paste and observe that it is making an impression of the ring on
the surface or not. Not the time when need fails to make
an impression of the surface of cement paste. (T2)

Calculation of Initial and Final Time:

Initial setting time of cement = Time when needle

fails to penetrate 5 m from the bottom of mould.(T2)  –
The time when added to cement (T1)

Final setting time of cement = Time when angular

need ring impression stop on cement paste (T3) – Time
when water added to cement (T1)
Read More: Soundness Test Of Cement – Procedure And Results

Practical Calculations

Suppose, Consistency of cement (P)  = 30%  and Weight of

cement = 400 kg

Water to be added in cement = (0.85 x P ) x 400 =  (0.85 x 30%)

x 400 = 102 ml

Time when water added to cement = 7:00 am

Time, when needle fails to penetrate less than 5

mm from the bottom of mould = 7:45, am

Initial Setting Time  of Cement = 7:45 am  – 7:00 am  = 45 min.

Time When angular ring needle fails to make impression on

the surface of cement paste = 12:00 pm

Final setting Time of Cement = 12:00 pm – 7:00 am = 5 hr = 300

min.

Standard Values of Initial and Final Setting Time for Various

Cement

There are various types of cement used in the construction

industry. Depending on the types of cement and admixture
used in the manufacturing of cement initial setting time and
final setting time are differs for cement. The standard–setting
time for different types of cement is given below.

Name of Cement Ref. IS Code Initial Setting Time(min) Final Setting Time(Max)
 OPC (33) IS: 269 30 600

OPC (43) IS: 8112 30 600

OPC (53) IS: 12269 30 600

SRC IS: 12330 30 600

PPC IS: 1489.P1 30 600

RHPC IS: 8041 30 600

PSC IS: 455 30 600

High Alumina IS: 6452 30 600

Super Sulphate IS: 6909 30 600

Low Heat IS: 12600 60 600

Masonry Cement IS: 3466 90 1440

IRS – T -40 Railway 60 600

Types of Cement and Their Initial and Final Setting Times
 Basics of Setting Time
When working with cement in any form, i.e. cement mortar, cement concrete
etc. time is required for all process like mixing, transporting, placing,
compacting and finishing. During this process cement mortar/ cement
concrete must be in the plastic stage so that every process can be done
easily. i.e. If It should not set and gain strength because after that it is difficult
to work on it. While preparing and placing cement mortar/ cement concreting
you have to complete all such processes in minimum of 30 minutes, after this
time cement mortar/cement concrete starting to lose its plasticity which is
called initial setting time of cement.

Once cement mortar/cement concrete is placed, it should completely lose its

plasticity. So that external agencies may not harm it. This time should not be
more than 10 hours (600 minutes) which called final setting time of cement.

Definition
The Initial setting time of cement is the time when the cement paste starts
losing its plasticity and final setting time of cement is the time when the
cement paste completely loses its plasticity. Setting time is essential that
cement set neither too rapidly nor too slowly. For OPC, usually the value of
initial setting time is 30 minutes and final setting time is 10 hours.
 Setting Time Test of Cement

Use of Setting Time of Cement

 Initial setting time of cement is important, to know when the cement is
starting to lose its plasticity. It is helpful in determining the time needed for the
concreting process, i.e. transportation, placing and compaction of concrete.
 Final setting time of cement is important to know when the cement
would be set. This testing of cement is helpful to determine safe removal time
of side of form (not vertical support) or scaffolding of concrete.

Standard Guidelines to Determine Setting

Time of Cement
 IS 4031 (Part 5)- 1988
 ASTM C 191
 BS EN 196-3:2005

Determination of Setting Time of Cement as per IS 4031

(Part 5) 1988
Apparatus to determine Setting Time of Cement:
 Followings are the apparatus used in setting time test of cement paste :

01. Vicat Apparatus:

The Vicat apparatus shall consist of

 Vicat apparatus consists a frame has a movable rod with a platform at

one end and the needle which can be attached at the other end.
 Needle:
I) Needle for determining the initial setting time – The needle shall have a diameter
1.13 ±05 mm, 50 ± 1 mm length and flat end.

II) Needle for determining the final setting time – The needle shall be of the same
diameter as a needle for initial setting time, but length shall be 30 ±1, and
connected with a brass covering hollowed out. Hollowed out provide to leave
a circular cutting edge. The cutting edge is 5 ± 0.1 mm in diameter and 0.5 ±
0.1 mm in depth and 0.75 mm in diameter vent hole.

III) Plunger for determining the standard consistency –  Plunger shall be of polished
brass having a diameter of 10 ± 0.05 mm

 Graduated Scale: length of graduated scale is 40 mm and the smallest

division is 1 mm
 Vicat Mould: Mould is having an Internal diameter of 70 ± 5 mm at the
top and 80 ± 5 mm at the bottom and a height of 40 ± 0.2 mm.
02. Weighing Machine: At a load of 1000 g, the allowable variation shall be ± 1.0
g.

03. Stop Watch

04. Gauging Trowel

05. Measuring Cylinder

06. Tray
 Vicat Apparatusto Determine Setting Time of Cement

Procedure to Determine Setting Time of Cement

 Take 400 gm of cement for making a paste.
 The required quantity of water is 0.87 P, P = consistency of water. Water
should be potable or distilled water. You can determine consistency from
the standard consistency test of cement.
 Prepare a paste of weighed quantity of Cement and water.
 Maintain the time of gauging, gauging time is not less than 3 minutes
and not more than 5 minutes. The gauging must be completed before any sign
of setting occurs.
 Start a stop-watch at the instant when water is added to the cement.
The gauging time is started to count from the time of adding water to the dry
cement.
 The mould resting upon a non-porous plate, fill it with this paste
 After completely filling the mould, smoothen the surface of the paste,
making it level with the top of the mould. The mould may be slightly shaken for
remove the air.

(a) Initial Setting Time of Cement

 Place the mould under the rod bearing the needle. (needle for
determining the initial setting time)
 Lower the needle slightly until it comes in contact with the surface of
the test block and quickly release, allowing it to penetrate the test block.
 In the starting, the needle will completely penetrate the test block.
 Repeat this procedure until the needle fails to penetrate the block to the
5.0 ± 0.5 mm 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 penetrate the test block to the
5.0 ± 0.5 mm from the bottom of the mould is called the initial setting time.

(b) Final Setting Time of Cement

 To determine the final setting time the first needle is replaced by the
(needle for determining the final setting time) needle with an annular
attachment.
 When applying the needle gently to the surface of the mould, the needle
makes an impression thereon.
 Cement called as final set while the attachment fails to make an
impression on the surface of the test block.
 The period elapsing between the time when water is added to the
cement and the time at which the needle fails to make an impression on the
surface of the test block is called the final setting time.

Points to be Taken Care of

 Clean apparatus shall be used for the experiments.
 Temperature and Humidity- experiment shall be conducted at 27 ± 2°C
temperatureand65 ± 5 percent of the relative humidity of the laboratory
 All the appliances shall be free from vibration during the test.
 Take care of the needle; it should keep straight during the experiment.
 If there are any scum forming on the surface of the test block, use the
underside of the block for the determination.

Test Result
 Initial Setting Time of Cement – Note down the time, when needle fails to
penetrate 5 – 7 mm from the bottom of the test block. This time is denoted as
an initial setting time of cement.
 Final Setting Time of Cement – Note down the time, when needle fails to
make an impression on the surface of the test block. This time is denoted as a
final setting time of cement.
 Acceptance criteria – Recommended result for various types of cement to
their setting time gives by standard guidelines are as follows:

If your test value is not in a rage of the recommended result, there many
reasons behind it, such that some chemical composition may have changed
during production (manufacturing defect), fault in the testing apparatus, error
in testing etc. In that case, you have to take care of the timing of work with it.
 If the initial setting time less than this value, all the process, i.e. mixing,
transporting, placing complete within the time otherwise cement
paste/concrete/mortar starts to getting set. If the final setting time is more
than this value, you will have to retain scaffolding and the sides of the form,
until the cement paste/concrete/mortar is completely rigid and will have to be
careful to start the curing time.

Quantity Required to Determine Setting Time of Cement

 500 gm (400 gm for mould + 100 gm supposed to wastage) cement is
required to determine setting time of cement
 If due to any adverse factor, i.e. first experiment fails then that is
necessary to make another sample, in that case, we need extra cement.

Cost to Determine Setting Time of Cement

 Cost of setting time test of cement is around Rs. 200 to 400. Cost
generally depends on the various factors, i.e. area where test is conducted, the
urgency of test results, numbers of the test, relation with client etc.

Frequency to Determine Setting Time of Cement

 Setting time test is conducted per every 50 MT cement used and also
when the source, type and brand of cement is changed.
 Test frequency may be changed according to different standard
guidelines.