MAPÚA UNIVERSITY

School of Civil, Environmental, and

Geological Engineering

Experiment Number 3 :
Time Setting of Cement

Submitted by:
Laya,Marxlenin Francisco
2019133606
CE152P-2 E02

Submitted to:
Engr. Nald Ruzle Esmeralda
CE152P-2 Course Instructor

Date of Submission: March 8 2023

 Experiment Number 3 : Time Setting of Cement
Laya,Marxlenin Francisco

(School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering, Mapúa University, Philippines)

Results and Analysis

As might be concluded from the name of the experiment, Portland cement was a
component of the study being conducted out. In line with the results of an earlier
investigation, 200 milliliters of water and 650 grams of Portland cement sieve were
thoroughly combined in a mixing container until they reached the appropriate
consistency. After getting the cement and water ready to be mixed, we started timing
the production of cement paste at 1:10 p.m. and recorded the results. It was successful
in producing the paste and shaping it into cement paste pats of the appropriate diameter
and thickness. Since the initial setting was recorded to have occurred at 2:00 p.m., the
first setting was computed to be forty minutes (0:40) in accordance with what was
specified in the computations. We employed the Gillmore Needle Apparatus to carry
out a series of tests on the cement paste in order to determine the cement's ultimate
and initial setting times. These results will be presented in the following paragraphs. The
group took note of the conclusion of the performance, which began at 3:30 p.m. and
continued for a total of 2 hours and 39 minutes . The group arrived to the conclusion
that the amount of kneading done on the cement paste, the temperature of the
surrounding environment (given that the workspace for the group is cool), and the
percentage of water all have a significant role in determining how long it takes for the
cement to set.
Discussion

When you combine water and cement, you end up with a slurry that grows thinner and
thinner as it mixes. As time passes, it will eventually turn into a solid mass, but before
that it will get more malleable. The cement paste has developed to a particular stage.
when it is sufficiently rigid to withstand a predetermined amount of pressure while the
procedure is being performed. The time it takes to get to this point is referred to as the
time it takes to create a schedule. The setting is divided into two distinct halves. time,
specifically the time for the initial setup as well as the time for the completion of the
setting. These standards have to meet all of the following requirements: A cement must
be in compliance with the ASTM standard C266 in order for it to be considered robust
and long-lasting. when it is put to use appropriately. Combining 500 grams of cement
with water to make a cement paste (which is the type of cement paste that has a flat top
and tapering edges and a thin edge) on a glass plate in order to conform to its
measurements and tolerances, such as having a base diameter of three inches, a top
diameter of two inches, and a thickness of half an inch, results in the production of a
cement paste. The Gillmore needle is a specific type of needle that can be utilized for a
number of different applications. We are able to determine the exact moment that the
needle made contact with the cement for the first time (since we knowhow long it took).
The time is recorded at the point in which the needle can no longer be struck in the
cement. The cement's setting time equals the difference in time between the two times
that were reported.

Significance

The process of hydration in cement begins when water is added to the cement mixture.
After that, it creates a paste that, depending on how fluid it is, can be shaped into a
variety of different forms. When the water that was added to the cement continues to
react with it, the cement becomes more rigid and loses its ability to deform. The
difference between the first setting time and the final setting time is that the initial setting
time informs us how long the cement has been in its plastic state, while the final setting
time tells us how long the cement has been hardened. Cement is the material that is
most frequently utilized in the production of mortar and concrete for use in construction
and building endeavors. However, when the cement and water have been mixed
together, it takes some time before the cement can be used. The amount of time it takes
for cement to reach its first setting time is a crucial factor in determining its strength.
Before the cement paste has had a chance to finish the first phase of its hardening,
which lasts for thirty minutes, it has to be moved to the desired site. It takes ordinary
Portland cement approximately 600 minutes to reach its ultimate setting point; during
this time, the cement should not be disturbed in order to acquire its full stiffness and
tensile strength. The amount of time necessary for hydration and subsequent hardening
varies greatly depending on the type of cement being used. Because of this, it is
extremely important to know when they begin setting and when they finish. This
highlights how critical the cement's initial and final setting times are to its overall
performance.

Conclusion

The consistency of cement and the amount of time it takes for it to set can be affected
by a wide variety of factors, such as a lack of cement and high levels of humidity. The
used kind of cement will experience a change in consistency if it has been subjected to
the elements for an extended period of time.The rate at which Portland cement hardens
is influenced both by temperature and by the humidity of the surrounding air. The initial
setting time is forty minutes, which is the amount of time that passes between the
addition of water to the cement and the point at which the Gillmore needle is able to
penetrate the cement paste. This occurs after the cement has been mixed with water.
The total amount of time needed for the paste to harden completely is 2 hours and 39
minutes. This is the amount of time that elapsed between the addition of water to the
cement and the time when impressions of 1 mm and 5 mm needles were created on the
paste in the mold.As a result of this, in order to evaluate the amount of time required for
cement to set, we need to run our test on cement that has the same consistency
throughout. Through the utilization of a formula and the reliance on the cement's
consistency ranging from 24–32%

Application

The time setting of cement refers to the process of hardening or setting of cement after
mixing with water. The setting time of cement is an essential property that affects the
workability, strength, and durability of concrete. The setting time of cement can be
adjusted by adding certain additives to the mix.

Here are some applications of time setting of cement:

• Construction: The time setting of cement is crucial in construction as it

determines the workability of the concrete mix. The setting time of cement can be
controlled by adding certain chemicals or admixtures, which can help in slowing
down or accelerating the setting time of the cement. This property is useful in
 situations where there is a need to adjust the setting time of cement to
accommodate the needs of the project.

• Cold weather concreting: In cold weather conditions, the setting time of cement
can be prolonged, leading to delays in construction work. In such cases,
additives can be added to the cement mix to accelerate the setting time, ensuring
that the concrete sets quickly, reducing the waiting time for the concrete to cure.

• Underwater concrete: In underwater concrete construction, the setting time of

cement is essential, as it determines the amount of time available for the
concrete to be placed and finished before it starts to set. The use of additives can
help to prolong the setting time of cement in underwater construction, allowing for
more time to complete the concrete work.

• Decorative concrete: Decorative concrete work requires precise control of the

setting time of cement to achieve the desired finish. By adjusting the setting time
of cement, it is possible to achieve different textures, finishes, and colors, making
it an essential property in decorative concrete work.

In summary, the time setting of cement is an essential property that can be adjusted to
suit different construction needs. By controlling the setting time of cement, it is possible
to achieve specific properties, such as workability, strength, and durability, making it a
critical aspect of construction.