---
title: "Setting versus hardening of cement"
subject: "Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure:setting-vs-hardening"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/setting-vs-hardening
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Setting versus hardening of cement

Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure · Chapter 1: Introduction to concrete and concrete materials

- Asked in: 2081 Bhadra, 1 marks
- Video: [Setting and Hardening of Cement || Role of Gypsum || Concrete Technology](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6M71WJZQL0) — Bhardwaj Chemistry
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/setting-vs-hardening
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/concrete_technology_and_masonry_structure/chapter-1

## Question

What is the basic difference between setting and 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.

## Answer

**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.

## Check yourself

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

1. Setting is:
   A. Gain of strength over months
   B. Heat release
   C. Drying
   D. Stiffening from plastic to rigid state without significant strength
   Answer: D. Measured by Vicat needle. (Key point: Setting)

2. Hardening is:
   A. Subsequent strength gain as hydration continues
   B. Initial stiffening
   C. Cracking
   D. Bleeding
   Answer: A. Measured by compressive strength tests. (Key point: Hardening)

3. Setting is a change of:
   A. Strength, hardening is state
   B. State, hardening is development of strength
   C. Colour
   D. Weight
   Answer: B. They are different stages. (Key point: Difference)

## Related in Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure

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- [OPC versus PPC](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fconcrete_technology_and_masonry_structure%3Aopc-vs-ppc) — Concrete Technology and Masonry Structure, chapter 1

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