definitions & history

manufacture

hydration

classification

types

TESTS

field examination

lab tests

Initial setting time is the time interval for which the cement products remain in plastic conditions. As such, activities such as mixing, transporting, placing, compacting & finishing should be completed within the  Initial setting period. The purpose of Initial setting time  limit is to  ensure that the user will have sufficient time to place and finish concrete after mixing.

Final setting time can be understood as the time elapsed between the moment the water is added to the cement, to the time when the paste has completely lost its plasticity. After placement, compaction & finishing of concrete, it is desirable that the concrete loses its plasticity in earliest possible time so that it becomes less vulnerable to damages from external agencies.

These tests  determine compliance to the setting time limits specified by relevant code/ standards.