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ishankukreti3
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Practical 1b: Construction Materials and Components of a Building

Objective
Aim: Examine the suitability of cement through various field tests.

FIELD TESTS ON CEMENT

Theory:
Cement is a crucial material in construction, acting as a binder in concrete and mortar. Its
quality directly affects the strength, durability, and longevity of structures. Therefore,
performing field tests is essential to ensure the cement's suitability before using it in
construction.

Types of Cement:
1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC):
OPC is the most common type of cement used globally. It is available in three grades, each
classified based on its compressive strength, measured in megapascals (MPa):

- OPC 33 Grade Cement:


- Characteristics: This grade is used for general construction purposes where the
structural load is low. It has a compressive strength of 33 MPa after 28 days of curing.
- Indian Standard: IS 269:2015.
- Applications: Ideal for plastering, flooring, and masonry work.

- OPC 43 Grade Cement:


- Characteristics: This grade offers a compressive strength of 43 MPa after 28 days. It is
commonly used in general construction work where the demand for strength is moderate.
- Indian Standard: IS 8112:2013.
- Applications: Suitable for residential buildings, precast concrete products, and other
similar applications.

- OPC 53 Grade Cement:


- Characteristics: This is a high-strength cement, with a compressive strength of 53 MPa
after 28 days. It is used in applications where high early strength is required.
- Indian Standard: IS 12269:2013.
- Applications: Ideal for high-rise buildings, bridges, and structures requiring high
strength.

Types of Field Tests Performed on Cement:


Following are the field tests that can be conducted on cement to determine its suitability for
construction work:

1. Fineness Test
2. Water Bucket Test
3. Touch and Feel Test
4. Color Test
5. Presence of Lumps Test

1. Fineness Test on Cement

Objective:
To assess the fineness of cement.

Materials Required:
100g of cement
90µm sieve

Procedure:
1. Weigh 100g of cement.
2. Place it on a standard 90µm sieve.
3. Sieve the cement for 15 minutes.
4. Weigh the residue left on the sieve.
5. Calculate the percentage of residue.

Observations:
For good quality cement, the residue should not be more than 10%.

2. Water Bucket Test

Objective:
To evaluate the purity and quality of cement.

Materials Required:
A bucket of water
A handful of cement

Procedure:
1. Take a handful of cement and throw it into the bucket of water.
2. Observe whether the cement floats or sinks.

Observations:
Good quality cement should sink immediately and not float on the water.

3. Touch and Feel Test

Objective:
To assess the fineness and smoothness of cement by touch.

Materials Required:
A small quantity of cement
Procedure:
1. Rub a small quantity of cement between your fingers.
2. Feel for the fineness and smoothness.

Observations:
Good quality cement should feel smooth and not gritty.

4. Color Test

Objective:
To determine the quality of cement based on its color.

Materials Required:
A sample of cement

Procedure:
Observe the color of the cement sample.

Observations:
Good quality cement should be uniform grey in color.

5. Presence of Lumps Test

Objective:
To check the presence of lumps in cement which may indicate moisture absorption.

Materials Required:
A sample of cement

Procedure:
Inspect the cement for any lumps.

Observations:
Good quality cement should be free from lumps.

RESULTS:
Based on the field tests conducted, assess whether the cement is of suitable quality for
construction purposes.
Complete Observation and Result

Record the observations and results for each test in a tabular format.

Test Observation Result

Water Bucket Test Cement floats/sinks Floats/Sinks

Touch and Feel Test Fineness and smoothness Fine/Smooth/Rough

Color Test Color of the cement Uniform Grey/Other

Presence of Lumps Visual inspection Free from lumps/Contains lumps

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Ensure that the cement is stored properly to avoid moisture absorption.
2. Conduct the tests in a clean environment to avoid contamination.

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