How to check quality of cement on site

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It is necessary to check the quality of cement on-site at the time of preliminary inspection. It is not possible to check all the engineering qualities of cement on site but there exists some field test that gives us a rough idea of the quality of cement. While on-site we can perform these field tests to judge the quality of cement. These field tests are as follows:

  • Date of packing
  • Color
  • Rubbing
  • Hand Insertion
  • Float Test
  • Smell Test
  • Presence of lumps
  • Shape Test
  • Strength Test

 

FIELD TESTS ON CEMENT

1. DATE OF PACKING

The date of manufacture should be seen on the bag. It is important because the strength of cement reduces with age Generally, the date of manufacturing of cement should not be before 90 days or 3 months.



2. COLOUR

The cement should be uniform in color. In general, the color of cement is grey with a light greenish shade. The color of cement gives an indication of excess lime or clay and the degree of burning.

3. RUBBING

 Take a pinch of cement between your fingers and rub it. It should feel smooth while rubbing. If it is rough, that means adulteration with sand.



4. HAND INSERTION

 Thrust your hand into the cement bag and it should give a cool feeling. It indicates that no hydration reaction is taking place in the bag.

5. FLOAT TEST

 Throw a small quantity of cement in a bucket of water. It should sink and should not float on the surface.



6. SMELL TEST

 Take a pinch of cement and smell it. If the cement contains too much pounded clay and silt as an adulterant, the paste will have an earthy smell.

7. PRESENCE OF LUMPS

 Open the bag and see that lumps should not be present in the bag. It will ensure that no setting has taken place.

8. SHAPE TEST

 Take 100g of cement and make a stiff paste. Prepare a cake with sharp edges and put it on a glass plate. Immerse this plate in water. Observe that the shape shouldn’t get disturbed while settling. It should be able to set and attain strength. Cement is also capable of setting under water, which is why it is called ‘Hydraulic Cement’.

9. STRENGTH TEST

 A block of cement 25 mm*25 mm and 200 mm long is prepared, and it is immersed for 7 days in water. It is then placed on supports 15000 mm apart and it is loaded with a weight of 340 N. the block should not show any sign of failure.


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