This document summarizes a laboratory experiment to test the soundness of cement using the Le Chatelier apparatus. The test involves making a cement paste, placing it in the apparatus, and measuring the expansion after immersion in water at room temperature for 24 hours and then boiling water for 1 hour. The expansion is calculated and compared to specifications in standards which limit expansion to 10mm. Testing cement soundness ensures the cement will not excessively expand after setting, which could cause cracking.

1. University of Salahaddin/ College of Engineering 2015-2016
Dept. Of Dams & Water resources Engineering By: Goran Adil
Construction Material 1
Test No. 4
Test Name: Soundness of Cement.
Introduction:
The unsoundness of cement is caused by undesirable expansion of some of its constituents,
sometimes after setting. The large change in volume accompanying expansion results in
disintegration and sever cracking. The unsoundness is due to the presence of free lime and
magnesia in the cement. The chief tests for soundness are the Le Chatelier and Autoclave tests.
Purpose:
To find the expansion of cement paste at standard consistency, using Le Chatelier apparatus.
Materials:
1- Ordinary Portland cement.
2- Water.
Apparatus:
1- Le Chatelier apparatus consist of Small brass cylinder split along its generatix, two
indicators with two pointed ends are attached to the cylinder on either side of the split.
2- Two glass plate.
3- Small weight.
4- Balance.
5- Water bath.
6- Container, Hand gloves, Trowel, and Scoop, Glass Graduates.
Procedure:
1. Prepare the paste by adding the amount of water required for standard consistency of the
paste to 200 gm of cement.
2. Mixing for 4±1/4 minutes.
3. Fill the cylinder with cement paste.
4. The cylinder placed on glass plate and covered by another glass plate.
5. Put the small weight on the glass plate.
6. Immerse the cylinder in water (20±1 o
C) for 24 hours.
7. Take out the cylinder from the water bath and measure the distance between the two
indicators.
8. The cylinder mould immersed in boiling water brought to the boil in 25 to 30 minutes and
immersing for one hours.
9. Take out the cylinder from the water bath, let it to cool then measure the distance between
the two indicators.

2. University of Salahaddin/ College of Engineering 2015-2016
Dept. Of Dams & Water resources Engineering By: Goran Adil
Construction Material 2
Calculation:
Expansion = first reading – second reading
Specification:
Specification I.S.S. (5/1984) BS 12:1991
Expansion ≤ 10 mm ≤ 10 mm
Note: If the expansion exceeds a specified value, a further test is made after the cement has been
spread and aerated for 7 days. The result of second expansion test should be less than 5 mm.
Discussion:
- Compare the test results with the standard specifications.
- What is the significance of this test?

3. University of Salahaddin/ College of Engineering 2015-2016
Dept. Of Dams & Water resources Engineering By: Goran Adil
Construction Material 3
Data Sheet
Soundness of Cement
Test No.: 4
Test name: Soundness of Cement
Name of the student:
Group No.:
Date:
Group
No.
Distance between the two indicators Expansion
mm1st
reading 2nd
reading
Average expansion =
Results: