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IS 10837:1984 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for moulds and accessories for determination of density index (relative density) of cohesionless soils. This standard specifies the requirements and dimensions for the apparatus, including moulds and accessories, used for determining the density index (relative density) of cohesionless soils in a laboratory. It covers two sizes of moulds for different particle sizes and details the associated equipment like vibrating tables and pouring devices.
moulds and accessories for determination of density index (relative density) of cohesionless soils
Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
Directly specifies moulds of nearly identical size and accessories for determining maximum index density.
BS 1377-4:2022BSI, United Kingdom
MediumCurrent
Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. Compaction-related tests
Covers apparatus for determining maximum and minimum density, but specifies different standard mould sizes (1L and CBR).
ISO 17892-2:2014ISO, International
MediumCurrent
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Laboratory testing of soil — Part 2: Determination of bulk density
Specifies apparatus for minimum and maximum density, but provides performance-based guidance on mould size rather than fixed dimensions.
ASTM D4254-16(2023)ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
Specifies accessories (e.g., funnels) used with the IS 10837 moulds for determining minimum index density.
Key Differences
≠IS 10837 and ASTM D4253 specify two standard mould volumes (approx. 2830 cm³ and 14160 cm³). In contrast, BS 1377-4 specifies a 1-litre mould and a CBR mould (approx. 2305 cm³).
≠ISO 17892-2 uses a performance-based approach, recommending mould diameter be at least 5 times the maximum particle size, rather than prescribing fixed mould volumes like IS 10837.
≠IS 10837 specifies minimum wall thicknesses for its moulds (10 mm and 12 mm). ASTM D4253 is less prescriptive, requiring the mould to be 'sufficiently rigid' and providing suggested, not mandatory, thicknesses.
≠For the minimum density test, ASTM D4254 provides more detailed dimensional guidance for the pouring funnels based on particle size than the general specification in IS 10837.
Key Similarities
≈The primary mould volumes specified in IS 10837 (2830 cm³ and 14160 cm³) are nominally identical to the 0.1 ft³ and 0.5 ft³ moulds in ASTM D4253.
≈All standards specify equipment for the same fundamental purpose: determining the maximum and minimum index densities of cohesionless soils to calculate the density index (relative density).
≈The principle of using a surcharge weight and guide sleeve to apply a standard confining pressure during vibration for the maximum density test is common across IS, ASTM, and BS standards, with a target pressure around 14 kPa (2 psi).
≈All referenced standards require the moulds to be constructed from rigid metal (e.g., steel) with smooth internal surfaces to prevent deformation and ensure test consistency.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Small Mould Volume
2830 cm³
2830 ± 90 cm³ (0.1 ft³)
ASTM D4253-16(2023)
Large Mould Volume
14160 cm³
14200 ± 425 cm³ (0.5 ft³)
ASTM D4253-16(2023)
Small Mould Internal Diameter
152.4 mm
152.4 ± 1.3 mm
ASTM D4253-16(2023)
Large Mould Internal Diameter
280 mm
279.4 ± 1.3 mm
ASTM D4253-16(2023)
Surcharge Pressure for Max Density
14 kPa (from IS 2720-14)
14.0 ± 0.2 kPa
ASTM D4253-16(2023)
Small Mould Wall Thickness (Min)
10 mm
Suggested ≥ 9.5 mm (3/8 in)
ASTM D4253-16(2023)
Alternative Mould Type
Not specified
1 L mould or CBR mould
BS 1377-4:2022
Mould Size Selection Criteria
Two fixed volume options
Based on max particle size (Dmax)
ISO 17892-2:2014
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Capacity of small mould2500 cm³
Inside diameter of small mould150 mm
Capacity of large mould15000 cm³
Inside diameter of large mould280 mm
Recommended vibrating table frequency50 Hz
Surcharge pressure to be applied140 g/cm² (approx 14 kPa)
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Moulds
Key Clauses
Clause 3.1 - Moulds
Clause 3.2 - Vibrating Table
Clause 3.3 - Pouring Devices
Clause 3.4 - Surcharge Base-Plate and Surcharge Weights
Frequently Asked Questions3
What are the two standard mould sizes specified?+
A small mould of 2500 cm³ capacity (150mm dia) and a large mould of 15000 cm³ capacity (280mm dia) are specified (Table 1).
Which test is this equipment used for?+
This equipment is used for the determination of density index (relative density) of cohesionless soils as per the procedure in IS 2720 (Part 14).
When should the large mould be used?+
The large mould (15000 cm³) should be used when the maximum particle size of the soil is between 19 mm and 75 mm (Clause 3.1.1).