How to Test the Consistency of Cement

 Definition: The standard consistency of cement paste is the level of water required, where the plunger infiltrates into the cement paste of about 5mm to 7mm from the base of the shape and in the other word consistency of cement is the base measure of water required to start a synthetic response among water and cement to frame a paste.

A Minimum quantity of water required to initiate the chemical reaction between water and cement to form a paste is known as consistency of cement. The cement consistency which will allow the Vicat plunger to penetrate to 5-7 mm point from the bottom of Vicat mould is known as standard consistency. For reference purposes, the standard consistency of a Portland cement fluctuates between 25–35%.

Significance: We as a whole realize that the strength of concrete relies upon the quality Cement. To get the necessary cement strength, we need to include the perfect measure of water. Water underneath standard security won't start the concoction response among water and cement, which will build the strength of cement.

Water less than the standard consistency would not initiate the chemical reaction between water and cement resulting in the strength of cement. Water more than the consistency results in excess water and strength reduction. That’s why it is important to know the standard consistency of cement material. On the other hand, overabundance of water over steadiness brings about abundance moisture and loss of strength. In this manner it is essential to know the standard consistency of cement.

Different tests on cement:

1. Fineness test of Cement by dry sieving method with 90 micron strainer
2. Adequacy test of cement by Le Chatelier

Reasons for the Test: We know that the cement we used on our site is mostly affected by the following

1. Weather Conditions.
2. Excessive combination of Silica. One of the cement ingredients which determines the initial and final setting time of cement paste.
3. The fineness of cement.
4. Manufacturing Defects.

By Standardising the consistency of cement, we know how much water is required to produce an effective cement which will eventually produce good quality concrete. Standard Consistency of an ordinary Portland cement varies between 25-35%. That means we need 25% of water in volume to make a standard consistency of cement.

For Example, If we need to calculate the amount of water required for a 200 g of cement which has 30% consistency means then we need 200*30% = 60g water to prepare a standard consistency. This is what we are going to find in this test.

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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