Setting Time Of Concrete Test

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Setting Time of Concrete

First of all, understand the fact that the Setting Time of Concrete and the setting time of cement are two different parameters. For finding out the setting time of cement we use standard Vicat apparatus and this test is performed in a laboratory in control of temperature.

Both the final and initial setting of cement indicate the quality of cement. The Setting Time of Concrete completely differs from the setting time of cement. The setting time of cement does not match or compare the cement setting time with which the concrete is made.

The concrete setting time mostly depends upon the w/c ratio, temperature conditions, type of cement, use of mineral admixture, use of plasticizer, in particular, retarding plasticizer. The significance of setting the parameter of concrete is more important for site engineers than setting the time of cement.

For keeping the concrete we use retarding plasticizers, which increase the setting time of concrete, and the duration up to which concrete remains in the plastic condition is of special interest.

Concrete Setting Time Test

The concrete setting time is determined by using a penetrometer test. This test is conducted as per IS 8142 of 1976 and ASTM C – 403.

setting time of concrete — Setting Time of Concrete

In this test, an apparatus used has a minimum lateral dimension of about 150mm and a depth is also 150mm. To perform this test there is 6 plungers or penetration needle with bearing areas of 645, 323, 161, 65, 32, and 16 mm2.

Each needle is placed at a distance of 25 mm from the bearing area. A device with hydraulic force is provided to measure the force required to cause penetration of the needle.

The procedure of the Concrete Setting Time Test

The following steps need to be followed for setting the time of concrete,

Take a sufficient quantity of fresh concrete mix sample and sieves it through a 4.75 mm sieve.
The mortar sample passed through the sieve is collected.
This mortar is then compacted by rodding, tapping, rocking, or by vibrating.
Level the surface and keep it covered to prevent the loss of moisture.
Remove bleeding water, if any, using a pipette. Insert a needle of appropriate size, depending upon the degree of the setting of the mortar in the following manner.
Bring the bearing surface of the needle in contact with the mortar surface.
Gradually and uniformly apply a vertical force downwards on the apparatus until the needle penetrates to a depth of 25 ± 1.5 on, as indicated by the scribe mark.
The time taken to penetrate 25 mm depth could be about 10 seconds.
Record the force required to produce 25 mm penetration and the time of inserting from the water is added to the cement.
Calculate the penetration resistance by dividing the recorded force by the bearing area of the needle. This is the penetration resistance.

For the subsequent penetration avoid the area where the mortar has been disturbed. The clear distance should be two times the diameter of the bearing area. The needle is inserted at least 25 mm away from the wall of the container.

Plotting of Graph

setting time of concrete ghraph — **Setting Time of Cement**

Plot a graph of penetration resistance as ordinate and elapsed time as abscissa.
The test conducted must determine 6 penetration resistances.
Continue the tests until one penetration resistance of at least 27.6 MPa is reached.
Plot these penetration resistance values on the graph and connect each point.
Now draw a horizontal line from penetration resistance equal to 3.5 MPa.
The point of intersection of this with the smooth curve is read on the x-axis which gives the initial setting time.
Similarly, a horizontal line is drawn from the penetration resistance of 27.6 MPa, and the point it cuts the smooth curve is read on the x-axis which gives the final set.

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