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IS 10078:1982 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for jolting apparatus for testing cement. This standard specifies the requirements for the design, dimensions, and performance of a jolting apparatus. This apparatus is used to compact standard mortar cube specimens for determining the compressive strength of cement.
Specification for jolting apparatus for testing cement
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Cement, Concrete, Aggregates and RCC
! Ensure the apparatus is installed on a rigid, level concrete foundation to prevent rocking, which can significantly affect compaction and lead to inaccurate strength results.
! Regularly verify the drop height (15mm) and frequency (60/min) as wear of the cam and plunger can alter these critical parameters over time.
! The total mass of moving parts (20kg) is crucial for standard compaction energy. Do not use non-standard or modified moulds or clamps.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
cementmortar
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 196-1:2016CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Methods of testing cement - Part 1: Determination of strength
Specifies the jolting apparatus for compacting mortar prisms to determine cement strength.
ISO 679:2009ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Methods of testing cements — Determination of strength
The parent international standard on which EN 196-1 and other national versions are based.
ASTM C348-21ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Hydraulic-Cement Mortars
Specifies a jolting apparatus for 40x40x160 mm prisms, but with different parameters.
BS EN 196-1:2016BSI (British Standards Institution), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Methods of testing cement. Determination of strength
The UK's adoption of the European standard EN 196-1, specifying the same apparatus.
Key Differences
≠The total mass of the moving parts (table, arms, and mould) is significantly different. IS 10078 specifies 6.85 ± 0.45 kg with an empty mould, whereas EN 196-1 specifies 20 ± 0.5 kg with a filled mould and hopper, resulting in a much higher moving mass and compaction energy for the EN apparatus.
≠The specified minimum hardness for the stop faces where the table drops is lower in the Indian Standard (≥400 HV) compared to the European Standard EN 196-1 (≥600 HV), which may affect long-term wear and performance.
≠IS 10078 is more prescriptive about the drive mechanism, suggesting a motor power of approx. 75 W, while EN 196-1 is more performance-based, focusing on achieving the correct jolting frequency without specifying motor power.
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental principle of operation is identical: a motor-driven cam lifts a table assembly which then falls freely under gravity to compact the mortar specimen.
≈The specified drop height (cam lift) is identical in both IS 10078 and EN 196-1, at 15.0 ± 0.3 mm.
≈The jolting frequency is effectively the same, specified as 1 jolt per second (60 jolts in ~60 seconds).
≈The primary application is the same: to compact cement mortar into 40 mm x 40 mm x 160 mm prism moulds for subsequent strength testing (flexural and compressive).
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Mass of Moving Parts
6.85 ± 0.45 kg (table + empty mould)
20.0 ± 0.5 kg (table + filled mould + hopper)
EN 196-1:2016
Drop Height
15.0 ± 0.3 mm
15.0 ± 0.3 mm
EN 196-1:2016
Jolting Frequency
60 ± 2 jolts in 60 ± 5 s
60 jolts in 60 ± 2 s
ISO 679:2009
Hardness of Stop Plate
Not less than 400 HV
Not less than 600 HV
EN 196-1:2016
Nominal Mould Dimensions
40 x 40 x 160 mm (Ref: IS 10086)
40 x 40 x 160 mm
ISO 679:2009
Camshaft Speed
One revolution per second
One revolution per second
EN 196-1:2016
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Total mass of moving parts (table, mould, clamps)20.0 ± 0.5 kg
Frequency of jolts60 jolts in 60 seconds
Height of drop15.0 ± 0.3 mm
Internal dimensions of cube mould70.6 mm
Motor speed for drive mechanismApproximately 1440 rev/min
Hardness of contact faces on cam and plungerNot less than 55 HRC