- 2081 Bhadra · 1 mark
Setting versus hardening of cement
Short answer
S etting is the initial stiffening of paste from fluid to rigid without significant strength, measured by Vicat needle. H ardening is the subsequent strength development over time due to continued hydration.
What is the basic difference between setting and hardening of cement?
Setting is the stiffening of the cement paste from a fluid, plastic state to a rigid state, losing its plasticity, but with no significant strength (measured by Vicat needle, in minutes/hours). Hardening is the subsequent gain of strength of the set paste over days and months as hydration continues, measured by compressive strength tests. Setting is thus a change of state, and hardening is the development of strength.
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