Le-Chatelier Mould

The Le-Chatelier Mould is used to determine the soundness of cement — that is, its tendency to expand after setting, which can indicate the presence of free lime, magnesia, or excess calcium sulphate. The mould is a small split cylinder made of thin brass sheet, fitted with two indicator arms/pointers. A cement paste sample is filled into the mould, and after a curing and boiling procedure per the standard method, the movement of the indicator points is measured to assess expansion. Excessive expansion indicates unsound cement unsuitable for construction use.Used for determination of soundness of cement, and class-A and class-B limes.

The apparatus consists of the following :-

ⅰ) One split cylinder 30 mm dia x 30 mm high made of spring brass with two indicator arms.

ii) Two glass plates.

iii) One lead weight approximately 100 gms.