Civil Engineering Today

  Tests for cement   1. Field tests 2. Laboratory tests   1. Field tests of Cement - Following tests may be carried out in the field : A.      Colour B.      Physical properties C.      Presence of lumps D.     Strength E.      Date of Packing   A. Colour - The colour of cement should be uniform. It should be typical cement colour i.e. grey colour with a light greenish shade. This is not not always a reliable test. But it gives an indication of excess lime or clay and the degree of burning. B. Physical properties - Cement should feel smooth when touched or rubbed in between fingers. If the hand is inserted in a bag or heap of cement, it should feel cool and not warm. If a small quantity of cement is thrown into the water, it should float some time before finally sinking. Then, it should sink and should not float on the surface. A thin paste of ...