Consistency Test Of Cement: Importance, Procedure, and Interpretation of Results

What Is Standard Consistency of Cement?

The standard consistency of cement paste is defined as the percentage of water added To the 300gm weight of cement.

which will permit a Vicat plunger having a 50 mm length and 10 mm diameter to penetrate in cement paste to a depth of 33-35 mm from the top of the mold.

Reference: Consistency Test of Cement IS Codes – IS: 5513-1976,  IS: 4031 ( Pat 4 ) – 1988,

Read More: Soundness Test Of Cement – Procedure And Results

Importance of Consistency Test of Cement

The consistency test of cement is an essential test that determines the amount of water required to make a cement paste of standard consistency.

It helps in achieving the desired workability and strength of the concrete mix. The test is performed to ensure the consistency of the cement paste, which is necessary for its proper hydration and subsequent strength development.

Test 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. Specific Gravity Test of Cement
7. Tensile Strength Test
8. Chemical Composition Test

Apparatus

• Vicat apparatus
• Balance
• Gauging Trowel,
• Stop Watch

Procedure of Consistency Test of Cement

The procedure of the consistency test of cement is straightforward and can be performed in a laboratory or on the construction site. The following are the steps involved in the test:

1. The standard consistency of any cement is achieved when cement permits the Vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 33 to 35 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mold.

2. First of all, take about 300 gm of cement into a tray and is mixed with a known percentage of water by weight of cement.

Let’s start with 26% of water and then it is increased by 2% until the normal consistency is achieved.

3. Prepare cement paste by adding 26% of water to 300 gm of cement and mixing it well taking care that the time of mixing is not less than 3 minutes, nor more than 5 min and the mixing shall be completed before any sign of setting occurs.

The mixing time shall be counted from the time of adding water to the dry cement until commencing to fill the mold.

4. Fill the Vicat mold having 80mm diameter and 50mm height with this paste, mold shall be resting upon a non-porous plate (glass plate).

After completely filling the mold with cement paste level the top surface removes any extra cement from the top and makes it smooth. Sometimes, shaking should be done to remove any extra air.

5. Place the cement paste-filled mold together with the non-porous resting plate, under the consistency test plunger in the Vicat apparatus.

6. Now, Lower the plunger such that it touches the top surface of mould filled with paste, and quickly release, allowing it to sink into the paste. This process shall be done quickly after filling the mould.

7. Observe the penetration value on the Vicat apparatus scale. It should be around 33 to 35 mm from the mould filled with cement paste. It is not, then increase the % of water and repeat the above steps.

8. Repeat the whole process with varying % of water to cement, until the penetration value comes to 33 mm to 35 mm from the top of mould toward the bottom of the mould.

Read More: Fineness Test Of Cement Procedure And Importance

Cement Consistency Calculation

• Weight of cement = 300 gm,
• % of water = 26% to 38 % (normal consistency of OPC range between this)
• Take 26% of water for the test, then the amount of water to be added in 300 gm of cement will be

= 300 x 26%

= 300 x (26/100)

= 78 ml

• Then add 78 ml of water to 300 gm of cement, prepare well mix and test.
• If the test is not successful, increase % of water by 28 %.
• Take 28% of water for a test, then the amount of water to be added in 300 gm of cement will be

= 300 x 28%

= 300 x (28/100)

= 84 ml

• Then add 78 ml of water of 300 gm of cement prepare a good mix and test.

Observation Table

Conclusion / Result:  The Standard consistency of cement =

Points to be Noted

1. The time of mixing cement paste should not be less than 3 minutes and not more than 5 minutes. Mixing time is the time elapsing from the time of adding water to the dry cement until commencing to fill the mold.
2. The cement consistency test should be conducted at room temperature 27^oC +/- 2^oC
3. Assure that there should be no vibration on the working table.
4. The plunger should be cleaned during every repetition.

Interpretation of Results

The results of the consistency test of cement are interpreted based on the depth of penetration of the Vicat apparatus plunger into the cement paste.

The followings are the different types of consistency and their corresponding depth of penetration:

1. Dry or stiff consistency: The depth of penetration is less than 5 mm.
2. Normal consistency: The depth of penetration is between 5 to 7 mm.
3. Soft consistency: The depth of penetration is between 7 to 10 mm.
4. Very soft consistency: The depth of penetration is between 10 to 15 mm.
5. Fluid consistency: The depth of penetration is more than 15 mm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the consistency test of cement is a crucial test that ensures the quality and strength of the concrete mix.

It is essential to perform this test to achieve the desired workability and strength of the concrete. The procedure of the test is simple and can be performed in a laboratory or on a construction site.

The results of the test are interpreted based on the depth of penetration of the Vicat apparatus plunger into the cement paste.

We hope this comprehensive guide on the consistency test of cement has provided you with valuable information and helped you understand the importance and procedure of the test.

FAQs

Watch Video

You May Also Like:

• Specific Gravity Test of Cement – Procedure, Result
• Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement Test -Procedure & Result
• Soundness Test of Cement – Procedure and Results
• Fineness Test of Cement Procedure and Importance