ADDIS ABABA

UNIVERSITY
EIABC
BMC ASSIGNMENT
Arch section 1

GROUP MEMBERS
1-ABDULHAMID MEKETE UGR/6409/15
2- AMAR AHMED UGR/2268/15
3- AYMEN NESRE UGR/9215/15
4-DAWUD SULTAN UGR/6236/15
5-MUAZ MOHAMMED UGR/5299/15

SUBMITTED TO – MR. ABENET

SUBMISSION DATE - JAN24/2024
Setting time of cement

The setting time of cement refers to the time it takes for cement paste to harden and
gain its initial strength.
Different types of cement, such as ordinary Portland cement (OPC) or blended cements,
may have different setting times. There are two main stages of the setting process:
initial setting and final setting.
1. Initial setting: It refers to the time when the cement paste starts to harden and
lose its plasticity. The initial setting time is the time taken for the cement paste
to reach a state where it can resist a certain amount of load without undergoing
any significant deformation. It can also be expressed as the time to which cement
can be moulded to any desired shape without losing its strength. Typically, the
initial setting time for cement is around 30 minutes to a few hours.
The initial setting time is an essential parameter in construction because it determines
when the cement can be safely handled, further construction operations can be carried
out, and it also affects the finishing techniques.
2. Final setting: It refers to the time when the cement paste becomes hard and
achieves sufficient strength to be considered as a solid material. The final setting
time is the time taken for the cement paste to completely harden, develop its full
strength and provide structural support. The final setting time for cement is
several hours( from 10 hours) to a few days.
To control the setting time of cement, various admixtures can be used. Retarders are
used to delay the setting time, while accelerators are used to speed it up. These
admixtures can be useful in construction projects where specific setting times are
required to meet the project's needs.

Factors Affecting Setting Time:

1. Cement composition:

I) Mineral makeup- different minerals in cement react at different rates. For

example, Tricalcium aluminate (C3A) sets quickly while dicalcium silicate (C2S)
sets relatively slower. So, a cement with a high composition of a mineral with
slow setting time sets slowly and a cement with high composition of a mineral
with high setting time sets fast.

II) Fineness: a cement which is finely grounded will have have higher surface
area for hydration and chemical processes which leads fast setting time and vice
versa with larger particles.

2. Water-cement ratio: The amount of water used in the mix relative to the amount of
cement affects the setting time. Higher water-cement ratios generally result in longer
setting times as it will take longer time for the water to evaporate.
3. Temperature: The ambient temperature during the curing process can significantly
influence the setting time. Higher temperatures tend to accelerate the setting time, while
lower temperatures can delay it.

4. Chemical admixtures: these are chemicals added to cement to modify its

characteristics like setting time. Additives like calcium chloride shorten the setting
time while retarders like citric acid delay it.

5. Adverse conditions: Unfavorable environmental conditions, such as high humidity

or excessive moisture in the aggregates, can affect the setting time of cement. They can
hinder the evaporation of water, prolong the curing process, and potentially lead to
delayed or improper setting.
6. Cement quantity: The amount of cement used in a concrete mix can also influence
the setting time. Higher cement content generally leads to faster setting times, as there
is a larger amount of cement available for hydration.
 Measuring setting time
step-by-step process for measuring the setting time:
1. Preparation of Cement Paste: A cement paste is prepared by mixing the cement
with a specific amount of water. The water-cement ratio used should be based on
the requirements of the test or the relevant cement standard.
2. Vicat Apparatus Setup: The Vicat apparatus consists of a Vicat needle, a Vicat
mold, and a Vicat plunger. The Vicat mold is filled with the prepared cement paste,
and the surface is leveled.
3. Initial Setting Time Test: The initial setting time is determined first. The Vicat
needle, which has a specified diameter and weight, is gently lowered vertically onto
the surface of the cement paste. The needle is released, and the time is noted when
the needle no longer makes an impression on the paste and the needle fails to
penetrate the paste to a specific depth, typically 5 mm. This time is recorded as the
initial setting time.

4. Final Setting Time Test: After determining the initial setting time, the final
setting time is measured. The Vicat plunger, which has a larger diameter and weight
than the needle, is gently lowered onto the surface of the cement paste. The plunger
is released, and the time is noted when the plunger no longer makes an impression
on the paste and the plunger fails to penetrate the paste to a specific depth, typically
1 mm. This time is recorded as the final setting time.
 5. Recording and Reporting: The initial and final setting times are recorded in
minutes and reported in the test results. It's important to follow the specific
procedures outlined in relevant cement standards, such as ASTM C191 or EN
196, to ensure accurate and consistent measurement of the setting time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the setting time of cement is a crucial characteristic that determines its
usability in construction applications. Several factors can affect the setting time of
cement, including the composition of the cement mix, ambient temperature and
humidity, water-cement ratio, and the presence of admixtures. These factors influence
the hydration process, which leads to the formation of a solid and cohesive mass.
Various methods are available to measure the setting time of cement, such as the Vicat
apparatus and the penetration resistance test. Accurate measurement of setting time is
essential to ensure proper handling, placement, and curing of cement-based materials,
ultimately ensuring the durability and strength of the constructed structures.