How much water is added to the cement for the setting time test?

0.85 times the water required to produce a cement paste of standard consistency (0.85 P).

What is the criteria to determine the initial setting time?

The time elapsed since water was added to the cement until the 1 mm Vicat needle fails to pierce the test block to a point 5.0 ± 0.5 mm measured from the bottom of the mould.

How do you know when the final setting time is reached?

When the needle equipped with an annular attachment makes an impression on the paste, but the circular cutting edge of the attachment does not.

What is the standard testing environment condition?

The test must be conducted at a temperature of 27 ± 2 °C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5 %.

IS 4031 Part 4

: 1988

Methods of Physical Tests for Hydraulic Cement - Part 4: Determination of setting time

CurrentEssentialTesting MethodMaterials Science · Cement

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This part of IS 4031 specifies the physical testing method to determine the initial and final setting times of hydraulic cement using the Vicat apparatus. It establishes standard conditions for gauging cement paste, needle specifications, and penetration depth criteria to identify when cement transitions from a plastic state to a hardened state.

Describes the procedure for determining the initial and final setting times of hydraulic cement using the Vicat apparatus.

Quick Reference Values

water requirement0.85 P (where P is water required for standard consistency)

test temperature27 ± 2 °C

relative humidity room65 ± 5 %

relative humidity moist closet≥ 90 %

initial set penetration target5.0 ± 0.5 mm from the bottom of the mould

final set needle collar diameter5 mm

Practical Notes

Ensure the gauging time is exactly between 3 and 5 minutes.

The 0.85 P water requirement must be strictly followed, requiring standard consistency (IS 4031 Part 3) to be performed first.

For final setting time, the test is complete only when the central needle makes an impression but the circular cutting edge of the annular collar fails to do so.