Gillmore Needle Apparatus

The Gillmore Needle Apparatus is used as an alternative method to determine the initial and final setting times of cement paste, primarily referenced in ASTM standards. The apparatus consists of a stand holding two needles of different weights and tip diameters — a lighter needle for initial set and a heavier needle for final set. The needles are lowered onto the surface of a cement paste pat at intervals, and the setting time is recorded as the point when the needle no longer leaves a visible indentation on the paste surface. It is commonly used in laboratories following ASTM-based testing protocols.

For determination of setting time of hydraulic cement.

The apparatus comprises the following: –

ⅰ) One base with a central vertical rod having two horizontal cross-arms. The lower cross arm is adjustable in height.

ii) Initial Needle 2.12.mm dia, 113.4 g weight.

iii) Final Needle 1.06 mm dia, 453.6 g weight.