Le Chatelier Mould

Le Chatelier Mould — Cement Soundness Testing

The Le Chatelier Mould is used to determine the soundness of cement — its tendency to expand after setting due to free lime or magnesia content — as per IS 4031 Part 3 and EN 196-3. The split brass cylinder with two pointed indicator arms is filled with a cement paste, immersed in water, and after boiling the expansion is measured as the increase in distance between the indicator tips, ensuring the cement will not cause cracking or disruption in hardened concrete.

JS Civil Lab Solutions supplies Le Chatelier moulds for cement testing laboratories and quality control at cement plants and ready-mix facilities.

Specifications

• Material: Springy brass or bronze sheet, 0.5 mm thick
• Construction: Split cylinder with two indicator arms (pointers)
• Internal diameter: 30 mm; height: 30 mm (IS 4031 Part 3 standard)
• Indicator length: 165 mm from the split center to pointer tip
• Compliance: IS 4031 Part 3, IS 269, EN 196-3, ASTM C151 (autoclave method alternative)

Testing Procedure

Fill the lubricated mould with cement paste of standard consistency, cure in water for 24 hours, measure initial indicator distance, then boil for 3 hours and measure final distance. Expansion (difference) must not exceed 10 mm per IS 269 for OPC.

Order

Contact JS Civil Lab Solutions at +91 93596 24761 for individual moulds or complete soundness test sets with water bath.