Cement tests can be divided into field tests and laboratory tests. Laboratory tests include fineness test, standard consistency test, setting time test, compressive strength test, soundness test, and tensile strength test. The fineness test measures the mean size of cement grains and finer cement results in earlier strength development but more shrinkage and cracking. The standard consistency test determines the percentage of water required to form a cement paste using a Vicat apparatus. The setting time test uses the Vicat apparatus to detect when cement paste reaches its initial and final set. The compressive strength test forms cement mortar cubes which are tested at 3 and 7 days to determine strength. The soundness test uses a Le-Chatelier apparatus to

2. Cement test can be divided into
two types
 Field Tests
 Laboratory Tests
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3.  There should not be lumps and colour should
be greenish grey.
 Should give cool feeling.
 Should give smooth feeling when taken
between fingers.
 Cement particle should float for some time
before sinking
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4.  Fineness Test
 Standard Consistency Test
 Setting Time Test
 Compressive Strength Test
 Soundness Test
 Tensile Strength Test
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5.  Measurement of mean size of grains in
cement.
 Strength in cement depends on cement
fineness.
 Finer cement – quicker action with water –
early strength.
 Shrinkage and cracking of cement increase
with fineness of cement.
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6.  Sieve Test
 Air-permeability Test
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7.  Weigh 100 grams of cement and take it on IS
sieve No. 9 (90 micron).
 Remove the air set lumps by fingers.
 Sieve the given sample for 15 minutes.
 Weigh the residue left on sieve which should
be < 10% for ordinary cement.
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9.  More recent method in India.
 Fineness is determined in terms specific
surface of cement.
 Specific surface expressed in cm2/gm or
m2/kg.
 Specific surface cement < 2250 cm2/gm.
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10.  To determine the percentage of water
required for preparing cement paste.
 Done by Vicat apparatus.
 Percentage of water required is 25 to 35%.
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12.  Weigh approximately 400g of cement and mix
with weighed quantity of cement.
 Fill the paste in Vicat mould.
 Lower the plunger till it touches the cement
surface.
 Release the plunger allowing it to sink into paste.
 Repeat the procedure till the gauge shows 5mm
to 7mm.
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13.  To detect the deterioration of cement due to
storage.
 Done using Vicat apparatus.
 Prepare cement paste and fill the Vicat
mould.
 Start the stop watch the moment water is
added to cement.
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14.  Place the block under rod bearing the needle.
 Lower the needle so that its touches the
surface.
 Release the needle – penetrates the paste.
 Repeat the procedure till 5mm+or- 0.5mm
from the bottom of the mould.
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15.  Replace the needle
 When the needle creates impression but
attachment fails to do so.
 Then cement is considered as final set.
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16.  To determine the compressive strength.
 Cement (1) + sand (3) for cement mortor.
 Compressive Strength=11.5 N/mm2 (3days )
and 17.5 N/mm2 (7days )
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17.  Mixture of cement and standard sand in 1:3 in China dish.
 Mix it by adding water – uniform colour.
 Place the mould over vibrating machine and held by clamps.
 Fill the mould with paste and compact using vibrating machine.
 Keep the mould in water of temerature 27±2o C for 24 hours.
 Remove cube from mould and submerge it in water.
 Test the cubes 3and 7 days (3 cubes each).
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18.  To detect – uncombined lime an magnesia –
expansion of cement.
 Le-chatelier apparatus is used.
 Expansion < 10% for portland cement.

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 Place the apparatus on the glass plate
Fill it with cement paste
Place it in water having temerature 27±2o C for 1 day
Measure the distance separating indicator(d1)
Again submerge the apparatus in same water and bring it boiling
point
Remove the mould and cool and measure the distance (d2)
(d1-d2) gives the expansion of cement.