How to Check Cement Quality
Cement quality checks also called field tests on cement are carried out to check the quality of cement supplied at the site. This check provides an idea of cement quality based on color, touch and feel, and other tests.
The following are tests used for cement quality check on site,
1. Color Test of Cement
The cement should be uniform throughout the bag. It should be a grey or light greenish shade.
2. Presence of Lumps
The cement must be free from small lumps. Such lumps are formed due to the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere. If any bag is found to have such types of lumps should be rejected.
3. Cement smoothness Test
The cement should give a smooth feeling when touched or rubbed in between fingers and if it is felt rough, it indicates adulteration with sand.
4. Cement Temperature Test
As you immerse your hand in cement it should feel cement feels cool and not warm.
Read More: All Cement Tests and Their Procedure
5. Float Test/ Water Sinking Test
For this test, you should throw some small or handful quantity of cement into the full of water bucket then you can notice the cement particles float for some time before sinking it.
6. Setting Test
In this test, cement is mixed with water and made into a paste on a piece of a glass plate. This thick paste is kept underwater for 24 hours. It should set and not crack.
7. Strength of Cement Test
A cement block of size 25 mm ×25 mm and 200 mm long is prepared and it is immersed for 7 days in water. After that, it is placed on supports 15cm apart and it is loaded with a weight of about 34 kg. The Cement block should not show signs of failure.
8. Date of Packing
We know that the strength of cement reduces with time, so it is important to check the manufacturing date of the cement. Normally the cement should be used 90 days from the date of manufacturing.
Points to Check on a Cement Bag Before Buying
1. Check the Manufacturer Name and Trademark
On a cement bag, you have to check the manufacturer’s name and its registered trademark. If the name and trademark are not properly printed or there is any spelling mistake, then the cement bag may be duplicated.
2. IS Mark
We must check the ISI mark printed in black color on the cement bags. The ISI mark ensures about quality of cement that meets the requirements as per Indian standards or that the cement packed in the bag has fulfilled every requirement of the specifications.
3. Cement Grade
We must check the grade and type of cement printed on a cement bag. On the cement bag’s front side there should be mentioned OPC 53 words also.
For example ‘Ordinary Portland Cement, 53 Grade ’Ordinary Portland Cement, 53-S Grade whichever is applicable.
4. Cement Brand Name
Specified brand name of Cement bag. It is important to check cement is of a reputable brand. We must also verify the delivery sheet provided by the brand, to know the technical details of the product.
5. MRP of Cement Bag
MRP (maximum retail price) Check is also important to check on a cement bag. The supplier or manufacturer can fool us by selling the cement bag for a price more than MRP.
Therefore verifying the MRP before buying the cement bag will help the consumer to avoid any kind of fraud.
6. Use No Hooks
On the Standard brand of Cement, there is a printed ‘Use no Hooks’ or symbol on the cement bag.
7. Batch/Control Unit Number
Check there should be batch/control unit numbers in terms of the week; the month and year of packing must be printed on the cement bag.
It is secure to use a cement bag that is recently packed, usually less than 3 months.
8. Additive Details
Check if the type and percentage of performance improver are added and if added must be printed on the cement bag.
9. Reference IS Code
Reference IS code number should be printed on the cement bag. For example, if you have ordered OPC 53 grade cement, then “IS-12269-1987” should be printed on the cement bag.
if you have ordered Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), “IS 1489-1991” should be printed on the cement bags.
The above-mentioned points are essential to check on a cement bag, before buying it. This information will help you to ensure the cement bags are from a standard manufacturer.
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Useful info….
Cement Quality Check