---
title: "Standard tests of cement"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 5
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:standard-tests-cement-field-lab"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/standard-tests-cement-field-lab
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Standard tests of cement

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 5: Cement

- Asked in: 2081 Bhadra, 2 marks
- Video: [Laboratory Tests on Cement | Building Materials](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gXtBFguI9c) — Civil Engineering Fanatics
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/standard-tests-cement-field-lab
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-5

## Question

Write down about the standard tests of cement that we conduct in field and laboratory.

## Short answer

Field tests include checking for uniform grey colour, smoothness, cool feel, absence of lumps, no earthy smell, and a paste cake retaining shape after 24 hours under water. Laboratory tests cover fineness (≥225 m²/kg), consistency, setting time (initial ≥30 min, final ≤600 min), soundness (≤10 mm), and compressive strength at 3, 7, 28 days.

## Answer

#### Field tests (quick checks)
- **Colour:** uniform grey with a light greenish shade.
- **Feel:** smooth when rubbed between the fingers, and free from lumps.
- **Hand test:** a hand pushed into the bag feels cool; a handful thrown into water should float for some time before sinking.
- **Lump test:** no hard lumps (lumps mean the cement has absorbed moisture).
- **Smell test:** a paste of cement and water should not smell earthy (which would indicate clay or silt).
- **Setting (block) test:** a cake made with water and kept under water for 24 hours must keep its shape without cracks.

#### Laboratory tests (IS 4031)
1. **Fineness** (sieve or Blaine air permeability): at least 225 m²/kg.
2. **Standard consistency** (Vicat apparatus).
3. **Setting time:** initial at least 30 min; final at most 600 min.
4. **Soundness:** Le Chatelier (at most 10 mm) and autoclave.
5. **Compressive strength:** 70.6 mm mortar cubes at 3, 7 and 28 days.
6. **Specific gravity:** about 3.15 (Le Chatelier flask).
7. **Heat of hydration** and **chemical analysis** (MgO, SO3, insoluble residue, loss on ignition).

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which is a field test of good cement?
   A. Rough lumps
   B. Sinks immediately
   C. Vicat test
   D. Smooth feel, uniform grey colour, no lumps
   Answer: D. Lumps indicate moisture absorption. (Key point: Field test)

2. Minimum fineness of cement by Blaine:
   A. 225 m2/kg
   B. 325 m2/kg
   C. 100 m2/kg
   D. 50 m2/kg
   Answer: A. At least 225 m2/kg. (Key point: Lab fineness)

3. Specific gravity of cement is about:
   A. 2.65
   B. 3.15
   C. 1.5
   D. 7.8
   Answer: B. Found with Le Chatelier flask. (Key point: Specific gravity)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Field tests of bricks](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Afield-tests-of-bricks) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 3, asked 5×
- [Soundness test of cement and procedure](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acement-soundness-test-procedure) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 5
- [Compressive strength test of cement](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acement-compressive-strength-test) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 5, asked 3×
- [Steps of applying cement mortar](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Asteps-applying-cement-mortar) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 6

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