Saturday, December 28, 2024

Checking the quality of cement on site

📝 Checking the quality of cement on site
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A set of simple tests and standards can be followed that give an initial idea of cement quality before it is used on projects. Here are some ways:

✴️ Eye examination

▪️Color: Cement should be grey color with a light green shade.

▪️Blocking: Cement should not contain large or hard blocks, this indicates it is exposed to moisture.

▪️Texture: When touching cement, it should be smooth, not rough.

✴️ touch test

Take a small amount of cement and rub it between your fingers. If it's as soft and smooth as flour, then it's good. If you feel vulnerable, you may be deceived or influenced by external factors.

✴️ Floating test (drowning in water)

▪️Take a small handful of cement and put it in a bowl filled with water:

▪️If the cement is gradually sinking and it does not melt, it is good.

▪️If it floats on the surface, there may be defects in it or affected by moisture.

✴️ Block test (block)

▪️Press a small amount of cement in your hand:

▪️If the block remains intact and does not crumble easily, this indicates moisture or decrease in quality.

▪️Good cement is easily crumbled.

✴️ Odour test

Stamped cement to ensure there is no moldy smell. The presence of odor indicates that cement is exposed to moisture or damage.

✴️ Initial strength test (cement dough)

▪️Mix a small amount of cement with water to form a dough.

▪️Spread the dough on a smooth surface and notice:

▪️If it cracks quickly or loses its texture, it may be of low quality.

✴️ Cement cubes preparation test (laboratory test)

▪️Make small cubes of cement mix and water and let it dry.

▪️After 24 hours, the cubes are soaked in water for 7 days.

▪️Test the cubes by exposing them to pressure to find out their stamina strength.

✴️ Additional Tips:

▪️Check the date of production of cement, where cement is preferred to be used within 3 months from its date of production.

▪️Make sure to store cement in a dry place away from moisture.

👌 These simple tests give a preliminary idea of the quality of cement on site, but for accurate results, advanced lab tests can be performed.
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