HOW TO CHECK QUALITY OF CEMENT AT SITE?

HOW TO CHECK QUALITY OF CEMENT AT SITE?

Cement is one of the most important materials

used in construction. The strength of a

structure depends upon several factors,

cement quality is one of them. To achieve the

desired strength of concrete and to increase

the longevity of structure good quality cement

should always be used.

So it is important to check the quality of

cement before using. In our previous article,

we have already discussed the different types

of cement and their uses in construction.

Today we will discuss how to check the quality

of cement at site.

To check the quality of cement we need to

pass some easy tests which are described

below.

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To check the quality of cement we need to

pass some easy tests which are described

below:

1. DATE OF PACKING:

The strength of cement decreases with time.

First of all, check the manufacturing date in

the bag before using. Generally, cement should

be used before 90 days from the

manufacturing date. The percentage of strength

loss of cement is given in the below table.

Age of cement. %reduction of strength

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3 months. 20-30

6 months. 30-40

12 months. 40-50

2. CEMENT COLOR:

The cement should be uniform in color. Good

quality cement should have gray color with

greenish shade.

3. CHECK FOR LUMPS:

No lumps should be present in the cement.

Lumps are formed due to absorption of

moisture from the climate.

4. RUBBING TEST:

Cement should feel smooth while rubbing in

between fingers. If it gives a rough feeling that

means cement is mixed with sand.

5 TEMPERATURE TEST:

Simply insert your hand into the cement bag,

it should give cool feeling if its quality is

good. Otherwise, you may feel warm because

of hydration reaction.

6. FLOAT TEST:

Take some amount of cement and throw it in

water. The cement should float for sometimes

before it sinks in the water.

7. SETTING TEST:

Make a thick cement paste with water and

immerse it in water for 24 hours. It should be

set and should not develop cracks.

8. STRENGTH TEST:

Prepare a cement block of 25 mm x 25 mm

and 200 mm in length. Now submerge it in

water for 7 days. Now place it on supports 15

cm apart and load it with 34 kg weight. Block

made from good cement will not show any signs of failure.