FINAL DRAFT UGANDA 
STANDARD  
  FDUS EAS 148-3 
First  Edition  
2018-mm-dd 
 
 Reference number  
FDUS EAS 148-3: 2017 
© UNBS 201 8 
  
Cement — Test methods — Part 3: Determination of setting 
times and soundness  
 FDUS EAS 148 -3:2017 
ii                © UNBS  2018  - All rights reserved  
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. U sers are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2018  
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microf ilm, without prior written 
permission from UNBS.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to  
The Executive Director  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards  
P.O. Box 6329  
Kampala  
Uganda  
Tel: +256 41 7 333 2 50/1/2 
Fax: +256 41 4 286 1 23 
E-mail: info@unbs.go.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  
 FDUS EAS 148 -3:2018 
© UNBS  2018  - All rights reserved                 iii National foreword  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and 
Cooperatives established under Cap 327, of the Law s of Uganda, as amended.  UNBS is mandated to co -
ordinate the elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the N ational Enquiry Point on TBT Agreement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and c onsists of representatives of 
consumers, traders, academicians, manufacturers, government and other stakeholders.  
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The commi ttee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
This Uganda Standard, US EAS 148 -3: 2017, Cement — Test methods — Part 3: Determination of setting 
times a nd soundness , is identical with and has been reproduced from an East African Standard, EAS 148 -3: 
2017 , Cement — Test methods — Part 3: Determination of setting times and soundness , and adopted as a 
Uganda Standard.  
The committee responsible for this docu ment is Technical Committee UNBS/TC 3, Building and construction .  
This standa rd cancels and replaces US 100 -3:2016, Cement — Test methods — Part 3: Determination of setting 
times and soundness (2nd Edition) , which has been technically revised.  
   EAS 148-3: 201 7 
ICS 91.100.10  
© EAS 2017                                                                                                                        Second Edition 201 7  
 
EAST AFR ICAN STANDARD  
Cement  — Test methods  — Part 3: Determination of setting times and 
soundness  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 FDUS EAS 148 -3:2018 
© UNBS  2018  - All rights reserved                 iii   
 EAS 148-3: 201 7 
ii © EAC 2017 – All rights reserved  
 Copyright notice  
This EAC document is copyright -protected by EAC. While the reproduction of this document by 
participants in the E AC standards development process is permitted without prior permission from EAC, 
neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form for 
any other purpose without prior written permission from EAC.  
Requests fo r permission to reproduce this document for the purpose of selling it should be addressed 
as shown below or to EAC’s member body in the country of the requester:  
© East African Community  2017 — All rights reserved  
East African Community  
P.O.Box 1096  
Arusha  
Tanzania  
Tel: 255 27 2504253/8  
Fax: 255 27 2504481/2504255  
E-mail: eac@eachq.org  
       Web: www.eac -quality.net  
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.  
Violators may be persecuted  EAS 148-3: 201 7 
© EAC 2017 – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  iv 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  1 
4 Laboratory equipment and materials  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 1 
4.1 Laboratory  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  1 
4.2 Equipment and materials  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  2 
5 Standard consistence test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  2 
5.1 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  2 
5.2 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  3 
6 Setting time test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 6 
6.2 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  6 
6.3 Determination of initial setting time  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 7 
6.4 Determination of final setting time  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 7 
7 Soundness test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 8 
7.1 Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  8 
7.2 Procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  9 
7.3 Report  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  10 
7.4 Retest  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  10 
A.1 Test principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 11 
A.2 Initial setting time procedur e ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  11 
A.3 Report - Initial setting time  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  11 
A.4 Final setting time procedure  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  11 
A.5 Report -Final setting time  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  11 
 EAS 148-3: 201 7 
iv © EAC 2017 – All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
Development of the East African Standards has been necessitated by the need for harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of products and services in the East African Com munity. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are exchanged 
within the Community will be removed.  
In order to achieve this objective, the Community established an East African Standards Committee mandated 
to develop and issue East African Standards.   
The Committee is composed of representatives of the National Standards Bodies in Partner States, together 
with the representatives from the private sectors and consumer organization s. Draft East African Standards 
are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the Partner States. The comments 
received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of standards, in accordance with the procedures 
of the Comm unity.  
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
EAS 148 -3 was prepared by Technical Committee EASC/TC/026, Cement, limes, clay and related products.  
In the preparation of this East African Standard, reference was made to the following standard:  
EN 196 -3: 2005 +A1:2008 ; Methods testing cement — Part 3: Determinati on of setting times and 
soundness  
The assistance derived from the above source is hereby acknowledged with thanks.  
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (EAS 148 -3: 2000) which has been technically 
revised . 
EAS 148 consists of the foll owing parts, under the general title Cement — Test methods:  
Part 1:  Determination of strength  
Part 2: Chemical analysis  
Part 3: Determination of setting times and soundness  
Part 4: Quantitative determination of constituents  
Part 5: Pozzolanicity test for p ozzolanic cement  
Part 6: Determination of fineness  
Part 7: Methods of taking and preparing samples of cement  
Part 8: Heat of hydration -Solution method  
 EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  EAS 148-3:2017 
 
1 © EAC 2017 – All rights reserved  
 Cement — Test methods — Part 3: Determination of setting 
times and soundness  
1 Scope  
This East African Standard specifies the methods for determining standard consistence, setting times and 
soundness of cements.  
The method applies to common cement and to other cements and materials. It may not apply to other cement 
types that have a very short initial setti ng. It describes the reference methods and allows the use of alternative 
procedures and equipment, as indicated in notes, provided that they have been calibrated against the 
reference methods. In the event of dispute, only the reference equipment and proce dures described in this 
Final Draft East African Standard are used.  
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated referenc es, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
EAS 148 -1; Cement — Test methods — Part 1:  Determination of strength  
EAS 148 -6; Cement — Test methods  — Part 6: Determination of fineness  
3 Principle  
Cement paste of stan dard consistency has a specified resistance to penetration by a standard plunger. The 
water required for such a paste is determined by trial penetrations of pastes with different water contents.  
The setting time is determined by observing the penetration o f a needle into cement paste of standard 
consistency until it reaches a specified value.  
The soundness is determined by observing the volume expansion of cement paste of standard consistency as 
indicated by the relative movement of two needles.  
4 Laborator y equipment and materials  
4.1 Laboratory  
The laboratory in which specimens are prepared and tested shall be maintained at a temperature of (20 ± 2) 
°C and a relative humidity of not less than 50 %.  
The temperature and relative humidity of the air in the la boratory and the temperature of the water in the 
storage containers shall be recorded at least once per day during working hours.  
Cement, water and apparatus used to make and test specimens shall be at a temperature of (20 ± 2) °C.  EAS 148-3: 201 7 
© EAC 2017 – All rights reserved  2 
 NOTE  See Annex A for sto rage conditions to be applied when testing setting times by alternative methods  Where 
temperature ranges are given, the target temperature at which the controls are set shall be the  middle value of the range.  
4.2 Equipment and materials  
4.2.1  General  
4.2.1.1 Balance,  capable of weighing to an accuracy of ± 1 g 
4.2.1.2  Graduated cylinder or burette , capable of dispensing to an accuracy of ± 1 mL  
4.2.1.3 Mixer , conforming to FDEAS 148 -1 
NOTE  A more homogeneous paste is produced at the lower limit of toleranc e for the clearance between the  blade 
and the bowl.  
4.2.1.4 Water , distilled or deionized water shall be used for making the specimens. Drinking water may be 
used for storing and boiling specimens  
4.2.1.5 Timer , capable of measuring to an accuracy of ± 1 s  
4.2.1.6  Ruler , capable of measuring to an accuracy of ± 0.5 mm  
4.2.2  Requirements  for equipment  
The tolerances shown in Figures 1 and 2 are important for correct operation of the equipment in the testing 
procedure. When regular control measurements show t hat the tolerances are not met, the equipment shall be 
rejected, adjusted or repaired. Records of control measurements shall be kept.  
Acceptance measurements on new equipment shall cover mass, volume, and dimensions to the extent that 
these are indicated i n this document paying particular attention to those critical dimensions for which 
tolerances are specified.  
In those cases where the material of the equipment can influence the results, the material is specified and 
shall be used.  
The approximate dimensio ns shown in the figures are provided as guidance to equipment manufacturers or 
operators. Dimensions which include tolerances are obligatory.  
5 Standard consistence test  
5.1 Apparatus  
Use the manual Vicat apparatus as shown in Figure 1(a)  and 1(b) with the  plunger shown in Figure 1(c) . The 
plunger shall be of non -corrodible metal in the form of a right cylinder of at least 45  mm effective length and of 
(10 mm ± 0.05) mm diameter.  The total mas s of moving parts shall be (300  ± 1) g. Their movement shall be 
truly vertical and without appreciable friction, and their axis shall coincide with that of the plunger.  
The Vicat mould (see Figure 1 (a)  to contain the paste under test shall be of hard rubber, plastic or brass. It 
shall be of cylindrical or preferably t runcated conical form ( 40 ± 0.2) mm deep and shall have an internal 
diameter of (75 ±10)  mm. It shall be adequately rigid and shall be provided with a base -plate larger than the 
mould and at least 2.5 mm thick, constructed of impermeable material resistant  to attack by cement paste, for 
example p lane glass.  
NOTE 1  Moulds of other metals may be used provided that they are of the specified depth and that their use has been 
calibrated against the specified mould.  EAS 148-3: 201 7 
3 © EAC 2017– All rights reserved  
 NOTE 2  It is recommended that the laboratory us es base plates of equal thickness in order that the scale of the Vicat 
apparatus has only to be adjusted once for several determinations . 
5.2 Procedure  
5.2.1  Mixing the cement paste  
Weigh, to an accuracy of ±1 g, by means of the balance (4.2.1.1), 500 g of  cement and a quantity of water, for 
example125 g. When water is measured by volume using the graduated cylinder or burette (4.2.1.2) it shall be 
dispensed to an accuracy of ± 1 mL. Mix each batch of paste mechanically using the mixer (4.2.1.3.). The 
timin g of the various mixing stages refers to the times at which mixer power is switched on/off and shall be 
maintained within ± 2 s.  
With the mixer in the operating condition:  
a) place the water and cement into the bowl taking care to avoid loss of water or cemen t; complete  the 
addition within 10 s;  
b) immediately start the mixer at low speed whilst starting the timing of the mixing stages. In addition, 
record the time to the nearest minute as ‘zero time’;  
NOTE  Zero time’ is the point from which the initial (see 6.2)  and final (see 6.3) setting times are calculated . 
c) Stop the mixer after 90 s for 30 s during which remove by means of a suitable rubber or plastics 
scraper all the paste adhering to the wall and bottom part of the bowl and place it in the middle of the 
bowl; 
d) restart the mixer and run at low speed for a further 90 s. The total mixer running time shall be 3 min.  
NOTE  Any other mixing method may be used provided that it has been calibrated against the reference method.  EAS 148-3: 201 7 
© EAC 2017 – All rights reserved  4 
 
 
a) Side mould in upright position for ini tial setting    b) Front view with mould inverted for final setting  
time determination           setting time determination  
 
c) Plunger for standard consistency    d) Needle for initial set  EAS 148-3: 201 7 
5 © EAC 2017– All rights reserved  
  
 
e) Needle with attachment for final set  
Key 
1 Mould  
2 Correcting we ights  
3 Base plate  
4 Container  
5 Water  
6 Air vent ( Ø ≈ 1.5)  
7 Air vent  
8 View from below needle with attachment for determining final setting time  
Figure  1 — Typical manual Vicat apparatus for determination of standard consistence and setting time  
NOTE  Only one correcting weight is required for each Vicat a pparatus if the mass of the plunger and the needles 
with and without the attachment i s always the same e.g. (9.0 ± 0. 5) g. 
5.2.2  Filing mould  
Transfer the paste immediately to the lightly oiled mould, which has previously been placed on a lightly oiled 
base-plate, and fill it up to excess without undue compaction or vibration. Remove any voids in the paste by a 
gently tapping the slightly overfilled mould against the ball of the hand. Remove the excess by a gentle sowing 
motion with a straight -edged impleme nt in such a way as to leave the paste filling the mould and having a 
smooth upper surface.  
NOTE  Some oils have been found to affect the setting time test, mineral based oils have been found to be suitable.  EAS 148-3: 201 7 
© EAC 2017 – All rights reserved  6 
 WARNING  Wet cement paste is highly alkaline and c an cause skin burns. Avoid direct contact with skin during 
manual operation by wearing protective gloves.  
5.2.3  Determination of standard consistency  
Adjust the manual Vicat apparatus with the plunger (Figure 1 c)), attached in advance of the test, by lowe ring 
the plunger to rest on the base -plate to be used and adjusting the pointer or the scale to read zero. Raise the 
plunger to the stand -by position. Immediately after levelling the paste, transfer the mould and base -plate to the 
Vicat apparatus and posit ion it centrally under the plunger. Lower the plunger gently until it is in contact with 
the paste. Pause in that position for between 1 s and 2 s in order to avoid initial velocity or forced acceleration 
of the moving parts. Then release the moving parts quickly and allow the plunger to penetrate vertically into 
the centre of the paste. The release of the plunger shall occur 4 min ± 10 s after zero time. Read the scale at 
least 5 s after penetration has ceased or 30 s after the release of the plunger, whic hever is the earlier.  
Record the scale reading, which indicates the distance between the bottom face of the plunger and the base -
plate, together with the water content of the paste expressed as a percentage by mass of the cement. Clean 
the plunger immediat ely after each penetration.  
Repeat the test with pastes containing different water contents until one is found to produce a distance 
between plunger and base -plate of (6 ± 2) mm. Record the water content of that paste to the nearest 0.5 % as 
the water for standard consistence.  
6 Setting time test  
6.1 General  
The apparatus described in this clause is that used in carrying out the reference method. Automatic setting 
time apparatus conforming to the requirements of the reference method may be used.  
NOTE 1  Othe r automatic or manual setting time apparatus, based on the same test principles, may be used  provided 
that they have been calibrated against the reference method . 
NOTE 2  Experience has shown that the reference method, in which the specimens are tested unde r water, is not 
suitable for some slow setting cements. An alternative metho d of test is set out in Annex A. The specifications for cements 
and other products will state when this alternative method is to be used.  
 
6.2 Apparatus  
6.2.1  Container , for immer sing the filled moulds in water maintained at (20.0 ± 1.0) °C during storage.  
NOTE  Various storage containers may be used providing that the surface of the specimen is immersed in water.  
6.2.2  Temperature controlled enclosure , consisting of a water bath o r cabinet, thermostatically 
controlled at (20.0 ± 1.0) °C, suitable for storing containers (6.2.1).  
6.2.3  Vicat apparatus (manual or automatic) for initial set  
Remove the plunger and replace it by the needle (Figure 1 d)) which shall be of steel and in th e form of a right 
cylinder of effective length of at least 45 mm and diameter (1.13 ± 0.05) mm. The total mass of moving parts 
shall be (300 ± 1) g. Their movement shall be truly vertical and without appreciable friction, and their axis shall 
coincide with  that of the needle.  
Adjust the Vicat apparatus with the needle (Figure 1 d)), attached in advance of the test, by lowering the 
needle to rest on the base -plate to be used, positioned inside the container, and adjusting the pointer or the 
scale to read zer o. Raise the needle to the stand -by position.  EAS 148-3: 201 7 
7 © EAC 2017– All rights reserved  
 6..2.4  Vicat apparatus (manual or automatic) for final set  
Fit the needle with ring attachment of diameter approximately 5 mm (Figure 1 e)) to facilitate accurate 
observation of small penetrations. The total m ass of moving parts shall be (300 ± 1) g. Their movement shall 
be truly vertical and without appreciable friction, and their axis shall coincide with that of the needle.  
NOTE  Automatic setting time apparatus may be used, in which the needle (Figure 1 d)) i s used for  determination of 
final setting times provided that they have been calibrated against the reference method . 
6.3 Determination of initial setting time  
6.3.1  Procedure  
Fill a Vicat mould (see 5.1) in accordance with 5.2.2 with paste of standard con sistence mixed in accordance 
with 5.2.1.  
Place the filled mould and base -plate in the container (6.2.1), add water so that the surface of the paste is 
submerged to a depth of at least 5 mm, and store in the temperature controlled enclosure (6.2.2) at (20,0  ± 
1,0) °C. After a suitable time, position the mould, base plate and container under the needle of the Vicat 
apparatus. Lower the needle gently until it is in contact with the paste. Pause in that position for between 1 s 
and 2 s in order to avoid initial  velocity or forced acceleration of the moving parts. Then release the moving 
parts quickly and allow the needle to penetrate vertically into the paste. Read the scale when penetration has 
ceased, or 30 s after the release of the needle, whichever is the e arlier.  
Record the scale reading, which indicates the distance between the end of the needle and the baseplate,  
together with the time from zero (see 5.2.1). Repeat the penetration on the same specimen at conveniently 
spaced positions, not less than 8 mm f rom the rim of the mould or 5 mm from each other and at least 10 mm 
from the last penetration position, at conveniently spaced intervals of time for example at 10 min intervals. 
Between penetrations keep the specimen in the container in the temperature con trolled enclosure (6.2.2). 
Clean the Vicat needle immediately after each penetration. Retain the specimen if determination of the final 
setting time is to be made.  
NOTE  The time elapsed between ‘zero time’ (see 5.2.1) and the time at which the distance bet ween the needle and 
the base -plate is (6 ± 3) mm, measured to the nearest minute, is the initial setting time of the cement . 
6.3.2  Report  
Report the elapsed time, measured from zero to the time at which the distance between the needle and the 
base -plate is  (6 ± 3) mm, as the initial setting time of the cement, to the nearest 5 min.  
NOTE  Accuracy can be improved by reducing the time interval between penetrations near the setting time . 
6.4 Determination of final setting time  
6.4.1 Procedure  
Invert the filled mould used in 6. 3 on its base -plate so that the tests for final set are made on the face  of the 
specimen originally in contact with the base -plate. Immerse the mould and base -plate in the  container (6. 2.1) 
and store in the temperature controlled enclosure (6.2.2) at (20 .0 ± 1 .0) °C. After a  suitable time, position the 
mould, base plate and container under the needle of the Vicat apparatus.  
Lower the needle gently until it is in contact with the paste. Pause in that position for between 1 s and  2 s in 
order to avoid initial velocity or forced acceleration of the moving parts. Then release the  moving parts quickly 
and allow the needle to penetrate vertically into the paste. Read the scale when  penetration has ceased, or 30 
s after the release of the needle, wh ichever is the earlier.  
Repeat the penetrations on the same specimen at conveniently spaced positions, not less than 8 mm  from the 
rim of the mould or 5 mm from each other and at least 10 mm from the last penetration  position, at 
conveniently spaced interv als of time  for example at 30 min intervals. Between penetrations keep  the EAS 148-3: 201 7 
© EAC 2017 – All rights reserved  8 
 specimen in the container in the temperature controlled enclosure (6. 2.2). Clean the Vicat needle  immediately 
after each penetration.  
Record the time at which the needle first penet rates only 0 .5 mm into the specimen, together with the  time 
from zero (see 5.2.1). This time is that at which the ring attachment first fails to mark the  specimen and may 
be accurately established by reducing the time interval between penetrations near  the final setting time. The 
final setting time shall be confirmed by repeating the test in two other  positions.  
6.4.2 Report  
Report the elapsed time, measured from zero to that at which the needle first penetrates only 0 .5 mm  into the 
specimen, as the final s etting time of the cement, to the nearest 15 min.  
7 Soundness test  
7.1 Apparatus  
7.1.1  Le Chatelier apparatus . The mould shall be of non -corrodible spring metal, for example  brass, with 
indicator needles and shall have the dimensions shown in Figure 2 a). The resilience of the mould shall be 
such that the action of a mass of (300 ± 1) g applied as shown in Figure 2 c) shall increase the distance 
between the indicator ends of the needles by not less than 15.0 mm without permanent deformation.  
 
NOTE  Provisio n of the two loops shown soldered to the upper half of the mould, on each side of the central split, 
facilitates demoulding of the hardened paste specimen after test.  EAS 148-3: 201 7 
9 © EAC 2017– All rights reserved  
 
 
Figure 2 — Le chatelier apparatus for determination of soundness of cements  
A pair of b ase and cover plates of impermeable material, non -corrodible by cement paste, for example  plane 
glass, shall be provided for each mould. Each plate shall be larger than the mould. The cover plate shall weigh 
at least 75 g; an additional small mass may be p laced on the plate to satisfy this requirement.  
7.1.2  Water bath , with means of heating, capable of containing immersed Le Chatelier specimens and of 
raising the temperature of the water from (20 ± 2) °C to boiling in (30 ± 5) min  
7.1.3  Room or humidity ca binet , of adequate size, maintained at (20 ± 1) °C and not less than 90 % 
relative humidity  
7.2 Procedure  
Prepare a cement paste of standard consistence. Place a lightly oiled Le Chatelier mould on the  lightly oiled 
base -plate and fill it immediately witho ut undue compaction or vibration using only the  hands and a straight -
edged implement, if desired, to level the top surface. During filling, prevent the  split in the mould from 
accidentally opening, e.g. by gentle pressure with the fingers or by use of a  suitable rubber band.  
WARNING 1  Wet cement paste is highly alkaline and can cause skin burns. Avoid direct contact with ski during 
manual operations by wearing protective gloves . 
Cover the mould with the lightly oiled cover plate, add the additional mass, if  necessary, and then  immediately place the 
complete apparatus in the humidity room or cabinet. Maintain it for  24 h ± 30 min at (20 ± 1) °C and not less than 90 % 
relative humidity.  
NOTE 1  The mould may be placed, between its cover plates, with the add itional mass, if necessary, in a water  bath 
and maintained under water for 24 h ± 30 min at (20 ± 1) °C, provided that this procedure has been  calibrated against the 
reference method.  
At the end of the 24 h ± 30 min period measure the distance (A) between the indicator points to the  nearest 0 .5 mm. Then 
heat the mould gradually to boiling during (30 ± 5) min and maintain the water  bath at boiling temperature for 3 h ± 5 min.  
NOTE 2  Where it can be shown that the expansion after a shorter boiling period is the s ame as that after 3 h, such a 
shorter period may be used.  
At the end of the boiling period the distance (B) between the indicator points may be measured, to the  nearest 
0.5 mm.  
WARNING 2  Take care when handling hot specimens. Remove from the heat and allow  the mould to cool to 
laboratory temperature. Measure the distance, C, between the indicator points, to the nearest 0.5 mm.  EAS 148-3: 201 7 
© EAC 2017 – All rights reserved  10 
 7.3 Report  
Record the measurements A and C and calculate the difference (C - A), to the nearest millimetre. If  the 
expansion exceed s the specification limit for the cement a repeat determination shall be carried  out. Report 
the value of (C - A), or the mean of two values when a repeat determination has been  carried out, to the 
nearest millimetre.  
NOTE  Where it can be shown that the co nditions of the test lead to no significant difference between  measurements 
B and C, the difference (B - A) may be reported since this reduces the time needed for the test.  
7.4 Retest  
Should the fresh cement fail to meet the specified soundness requirement  it may be retested after  storage. 
For this purpose, spread out the cement in a layer of approximately 70 mm thickness and  store for seven days 
in an atmosphere maintained at (20 ± 2) °C and not less than 50 % relative humidity.  Then retest the cement 
acco rding to 7.2.  EAS 148-3: 201 7 
11 © EAC 2017– All rights reserved  
 Annex A  
(informative)  
 
Alternative method for setting time tests  
A.1 Test principle  
The equipment used and the specimen preparation procedure are as described in Clause 6 but with the 
additional requirement for a room or humidity cabinet of a dequate size and maintained at (20 ± 1) oC and not 
less than 90 % relative humidity.  
NOTE  The specifications for cements and other products will state when this alternative method is to be used.  
A.2 Initial setting time procedure  
Calibrate the Vicat appara tus with the needle,  attached in advance of the test, by lowering the needle to rest 
on the base -plate to be used and adjusting the pointer to read zero on the scale. Raise the needle to the 
stand -by position.  Fill a Vicat mould in accordance with 5.2  with paste of standards consistence mixed in 
accordance with 5.2.1.  
Place the filled mould and base -plate in the room or humidity cabinet and after a suitable time, position the 
mould, base -plate and container under the needle of the Vicat apparatus, lower the  needle gently until it is in 
contact with the paste.  Pause in that position for between 1  s and 2  s in order to avoid initial velocity or forced 
acceleration of the moving parts. Then release the moving parts quickly and allow the needle to penetrate 
vertically into the paste. Read the scale when the penetration has ceased, or 30 s  after the release of the 
needle, whichever is the earlier.  
Record the scale reading, which indicates the distance between the end of the needle and the base -plate, 
together the time from zero.  Repeat the penetration on the same specimen at conveniently spaced positions, 
not less than 8  mm from the rim of the mould or 5  mm from each other and at least 10 mm from the last 
penetration position, at conveniently spaced intervals of ti me, for example  at 10  min intervals. Between 
penetrations keep the specimen in a room or humidity cabinet. Clean the Vicat needle immediately after each 
penetration. Retain the specimen if determination of the final setting time is to be made.  
A.3 Report - Initial setting time  
Report the time measured from zero at which the distance between the needle and the base -plate is (6  ± 3) 
mm as the initial setting time of the cement to the nearest 5 min.  
A.4 Final setting time procedure  
Invert the filled mould and f ollow the procedure described in 6. 4 with the specimen held in the room or 
humidity cabinet at controlled humidity.  
A.5 Report -Final setting time   
Report the time measured from zero at which the needle first penetrates only 0.5 mm into the specimen as the 
time of the cement, to the nearest 15  min. EAS 148-3: 201 7 
© EAC 201 7 – All righ ts reserved  
  
 Bibliography  
[1] EN 196 -3: 2005 +A1:2008 ; Methods testing cement — Part 3: Determination of setting times and 
soundness