How to Test Cement Quality at Site?

What is Cement and Cement Field test for quality and freshness 

What is Cement?

Cement is a binding material called binding agent. We know cement is a main ingredient of building materials.

How Cement Is Made?

Cement is made by grinding together a mixture of limestone and clay, which is then heated at a temperature of 1450°C. What results is a granular substance called “clinker,” a combination of calcium, silicate, alumina and iron oxide.

As we know cement is a main or primary material for any kind of Construction work. We have to check it quality and freshness before using any kind of work with cement. 

There are some field test for finding the quality and freshness of cement.

Freshness Test

• Choose any bag at random.
• Check the manufacturing date printed over the bag.
• It is given as W-for week, M-for month and Y-for year. 
• Ensure that it should not be more than 30 days old.
• Cement Expiry date is 90 days from packing.

Smoothness Test

• Open the cement bag from a corner. Take a pinch of dry cement and rub between the fingers. It should feel silky.

Floating Test

• Take a clean glass jar for measuring.
• Fill it with clear water.
• Take some dry cement and add slowly to the water.
• Good cement floats for a while and then sinks slowly to the bottom.
• Any light weight impurities may remain floating even after the cement sinks. Heavier impurities sink immediately.
• The quality of cement can be affirmed by the floating test.

Lump Test

• To test presence of lumps, take any cement bag at random.
• Fresh cement should be in the powder form only.
• Any cement bag with lumps should be rejected.

Cube Testing On Site

• Prepare 5cm x 5cm x 5cm cube of cement paste.
• Plastic or tin boxes can be used for this purpose.
• Place the cube in water immediately.
• After 24 hours the edges of the cubes should remain sharp and should gain some strength.

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