Concrete Penetrometer (Spring Type)

Concrete Penetrometer – Setting Time of Fresh Concrete

The Concrete Penetrometer (Spring Type) measures the penetration resistance of the mortar fraction of fresh concrete to determine initial and final setting times at construction sites and RMC plants. It provides a practical, site-based alternative to the Vicat needle method for setting time of concrete mortar.

Why Measure Setting Time?

Knowing when concrete starts to set and ultimately sets is critical for: scheduling form stripping times, planning concrete placement sequences in hot or cold weather, evaluating the effect of admixtures, and ensuring concrete is not re-vibrated after initial set. ASTM C403 defines initial set at 3.5 MPa and final set at 27.6 MPa penetration resistance.

Penetrometer Specifications

• Spring mechanism for consistent load application
• Needle sizes: 1/40, 1/20, 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, 1 in² (6 interchangeable)
• Maximum load: 600 lb (approximately 2670 N)
• Reading scale: 0–600 lb with 10 lb divisions
• Rugged steel body, suitable for site and lab

How to Use

1. Wet sieve fresh concrete through a 4.75 mm sieve to isolate mortar fraction
2. Place in 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm container
3. At regular time intervals, penetrate the appropriate needle to 25 mm depth
4. Read the penetration resistance and plot against elapsed time
5. Determine initial and final setting times from the graph

Standards

ASTM C403, IS 8142, BS EN 480-2.

Contact JS Civil Lab Solutions at +91 93596 24761 for pricing and needle set availability.