Introduction
Standard consistency of cement is defined as that consistency which permits the Vicat
plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould in this test.
Consistency is a certain minimum quantity of water is required to mixed with cement so as to
complete chemical reaction between water and cement, less water than this quantity would
not complete chemical reaction thus resulting in reduction of strength and more water would
increase water cement ratio and so would reduce its strength. So, correct proportion of water
to cement is required to be known to achieve proper strength while using cement in structure.
This can be found out knowing standard consistency of cement paste.
Objective : This is designed to determine the amount of water required for a normal
consistency of cement.
Theory : According to MS 522:1997, the cement paste shall be of normal consistency when
the rod of the Vicat settles to a point of 10mm below the original surface in 30 seconds after
being released. The penetration depth of the rod into the cement paste is determined by the
amount of water added to the paste.
Apparatus :
1. Vicat apparatus.
Diagram 1.
2. Stop watch.
Diagram 2.
3. Measuring cylinder.
Diagram 3.
4. Mixing plate.
Diagram 4.
5. Trowel.
Diagram 5.
6. Ordinary Portland Cement.
Diagram 6.
7. Water.
Procedure :
(a) Preparation of cement paste.
1. A 500g sample of cement shall be placed on a smooth non-absorbent surface and a
crater formed in the center.
2. A measured quantity of 130ml clean water shall be poured in to the crater, and the
cement on the outer edge shall be turned into the crater within 30 seconds by the aid
of a trowel.
3. After an additional interval of 30 seconds for the absorption of the water, during
which interval the dry cement around the outside of the cone shall be lightly trowels
over the remaining mixture to reduce the evaporation losses and to promote
absorption.
4. The operation shall be completed by continous, vigorous mixing, squeezing, and
kneading with the hand for 1.5 minutes.
5. During the operation of mixing, the hands shall be protected by snug-fitting rubber
gloves.
(b) Molding Test Specimen.
1. The cement paste, prepared as decribed in paragraph (a), shall be quickly formed into
the ball with the glovesd hands and tossed six times from one hand to the other,
maintaining the hands about 150mm apart.
2. The ball, resting in the palm of one hand, shall be pressed into larger end of the
conical ring G, held in the other hand, completely filling the ring with paste.
3. The excess at the larger end shall then removed by a single movement of the palm of
the hand.
4. The ring shall then be placed on its larger end on a lightly oiled glass plate H. The
excess paste at the smaller end is sliced of at the top of the ring by a single oblique
stroke of a sharp edged trowel held at a sight angle with the top of the ring, and the
top smoothened, if necessary with a few light touches of the pointed end of the trowel.
During these operations of cutting and smoothing, care shall be taken not to compress
the paste.
(c) Consistency Determation.
1. The paste confined in the ring, resting on the plate, shall be centered under rod B, the
plunger end C of which shall be brought in contact with the surface of the paste and
the set screw E tightened.
2. Then the moveble indicator F shall be set to upper zero mark of the scale for an initial
reading taken, and the rod is released 30 seconds after completion of mixing.
3. The apparatus shall be freeof all vibrations during the test.
4. The paste shall be of normal consistency when the rod settle to a point of 10mm
below the original surface in 30 seconds. After being released.
5. Trial pastes shall be made with varying percentages of water until the normal
consistency is obtained. Each trial paste shall made with cement.
Safety awareness :
1. Using the rubber gloves while doing the test to protect hands from injury.
2. Using the google while doing the test to protect eyes form injury.
3.
Result :
Volume of water Weight of water : Depth of penetration from the base plate
(mm)
(ml) Cement (%)
1 2 3 Average
1. 130 26% 40.0 40.0 39.5 39.83
2. 140 28% 40.5 39.0 39.0 39.50
3. 150 30% 41.0 41.0 41.0 41.00
Analysis :
1.
