Introduction

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.

Initial and final setting time test

Theory

Setting

In the setting process very little chemical reaction takes place. It only includes the shape acquisition
due to evaporation of water. During the setting process the cement remains in the fluid or the semi-
fluid state and there is very little or no gain in strength. Finer the cement particles more will be the
hydration and therefore it will lead to quick settlement.
Hardening

Hardening is the rate of gain of strength due to the chemical reaction. It also refers to the strength
of the concrete after a specified interval of time.

Initial setting time

The time elapsed between the initial contact of cement and water and the time when a 1mm2 cross-
section needle gives a reading between 4-7mm from the bottom in a standard Vicat apparatus is
known as initial setting time of that particular cement paste.

Determine the penetration of the 1-mm needle at the start. If a penetration reading of 4-7mm is
obtained then note down the time as the initial setting time otherwise keep checking the penetration
reading after every 10min thereafter until a penetration reading of 4-7 mm is obtained which will
be the initial setting time of the cement.Make each penetration test at least 5 mm away from any
previous penetration and at least 10 mm away from the inner side of the mold.
Final setting time

It is the time elapsed between the initial contact of cement and water and the time when the smaller
needle (1mm2 cross-section and 0.5mm deep) completely penetrates into the paste and the outer
metal attachment of 5mm diameter does not leave an impression on the cement paste.

Now fix the final setting time plunger in which the smaller needle has the diameter of 1mm and
the diameter of the outer needle is 5mm. Drop the rod of the Vicat apparatus and note down the
time when the smaller 0.5 mm diameter needle completely penetrates into the paste and the outer
needle leaves no impression on the cement surface.

Objective
 To determine the initial and final setting times of cement
Apparatus
 Dry cement
 Distill water
 Spatula
 Steel plate
 Stopwatch
 Vicat apparatus

Procedure
1. 500g of cement is mixed with 150ml distill water on glass using spatula.
2. Gauging is done for 4 minutes and fill into mould.
3. The mould is then filled on non-porous plate, the paste is smooth off and shaken for trap
air to escape.
4. The mould is placed below the needle.
5. The needle is released and ensure needle pierce through the paste.
6. Add more cement and record the time when the needle failed to pierce through as initial
setting time.
7. The needle is replaced with an annular ring.
8. The needle is lower on the paste.
9. Time recorded when annular ring fails to make impression on paste as final setting time
 Data Collection and Recording

A. Initial Setting Time

Trail Test Start Needle C depth Result

(min) (mm) (5 ± 1mm from bottom)
(From 0s)
Start Stop Start Stop
1. 16.36 16.46 0 0
2. 16.46 16.56 0 5

B. Final Setting Times

Trail Test start Needle F Pattern Result

(min) (mm)
(From 0s)
Start Stop Needle Ring
1. 16.56 17.26  
2. 17.26 17.56  
3. 17.56 18.26  
4. 18.26 18.56  
5. 18.56 19.26  
6. 19.26 19.56  
 Data Analysis (Calculation and Results)

A. Initial Setting Time

Trail Test Start Needle C depth Result

(min) (mm) (5 ± 1mm from bottom)
(From 0s)
Start Stop Start Stop
1. 16.36 16.46 0 0
2. 16.46 16.56 0 5

 Result = 6mm and the time taken for this test is 20 minutes.

B. Final Setting Times

Trail Test start Needle F Pattern Result

(min) (mm)
(From 0s)
Start Stop Needle Ring
1. 16.56 17.26  
2. 17.26 17.56  
3. 17.56 18.26  
4. 18.26 18.56  
5. 18.56 19.26  
6. 19.26 19.56  
 Result = The time taken in this test for needle’s pattern remained and ring’s
pattern disappeared is 3hours 26 minutes.
Discussion

The purpose of this experiment done is to understand the time taken for cement hardening and
setting. Setting of cement is to gain strength of cement. Cement hardening done to ensure the
cement turns into shape wanted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the result we get for initial setting time is 20 minutes and final setting time is
3hours and 26 minutes. There are many reason affecting the factor of the result some like man
made errors. Other reasons can be included is temperature, the type of cement use, and failure of
machine due to ages.
Reference
 https://www.scribd.com/document/365995453/Determination-of-the-Initial-and-Final-
Setting-Times-of-Cement
 https://knowledge4civil.wordpress.com/2016/12/22/determination-of-initial-and-final-
setting-of-time/
 https://civilblog.org/2013/05/04/initial-final-setting-time-is-4031-part-5-1988/
 https://www.qasimshinwari.com/determine-the-initial-setting-time-final-setting-time-and-
consistency-of-the-cement/

Appendix

APPENDIX I: Pouring water into cement.

APPENDIX II: Mixing the cement and water to become like paste.
APPENDIX III: Put the paste into a small steel cup.

APPENDIX IV: Recording when annular ring fails to make impression on paste as final setting
time.