IS 2508 : 1992

( Reaffirmed 2004 )

Indian Standard

CONCRETEVIBRATORS-IMMERSIONTYPE--/
GENERALREQUIREMENTS

'

( Third Revision )

UDC

666*97*03?16

@ BIS 1992

BUREAU
MANAK

August 1992

OF
BHAVAN,

INDIAN

STANDARDS

9 BAHADUR
SHAH
NEW DbLHI 110002

ZAFAR

MARG
Price Gromp 2

Construction

Plant and Machinery

Sectional Committee,

HMD 18

FOREWORD
This Indian Standard ( Third Revision ) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the
draft finalized by the Construction Plant and Machinery Sectional Committee had been approved
by the Heavy Mechanical Engineering Division Couccil.
The compaction of concrete by vibration has revolutionized
the concept of concrete technology,
making possible practical use of low slump, stiff mixes for production of high quality concrete with
Immersion vibrators are
required degree of strength, density, durability and impermeability.
most commonly used for compaction of plain as well as reinforced concrete and are known for
their efficacy and ease of operation even in thin and narrow sections, intricate forms, and sections
with closely spaced reinforcement.
This standard has been prepared with a view to providing
guidance both in the manufacture and purchase of concrete vibrators of immersion type capable
of giving satisfactory performance.
Pneumatic or electrically driven motor in head type immersion vibrators and flexible shaft driven
immersion vibrators of size larger than 90 mm are not covered in the standard although some of
the provisions may also apply to these types of vibrators.
The prime mover to be used with the vibrator shall be of sufficient power to ensure required
performance.
The prime mover may be with internal combustion engine or electric motor conforming to relevant Indian Standards.
It may be mounted on a suitable base. A suitable device
foistarting or stopping the vibrator without disconnecting the flexible shaft from the prime mover
may also be provided.
The moving parts of the vibrator shall be suitably encased and appropriate
safeguards against
accident be provided.
Suitable earthing and other safety arrangements
shall also be provided
for the electrical motors and components in accordance
with the provisions of relevent Indian
Standards.
This standard was first published in 1963 and subsequently revised in 1968 and 1980. The present
revision has been done with a view to incorporate modifications necessary as a result of experience
In this revision, provisions relating to pendulum type of
gained with the use of this standard.
immersion vibrators have been added.
A mere measurement of amplitude and frequency may not always yield a firm basis for judging
the efficiency of an immersion vibrator.
On the other hand, a direct measurement
of the degree
and uniformity of compaction of concrete achieved with such a vibrator would give a more convincing and fairer appreciation of its performance.
However, in view of large number of variables
involved, it has not been found feasible as yet to prescribe in this standard a simple and practical
method of test for direct measurement of compaction
characteristics.
Further the Sectional
Committee has also appreciated that even the requirements in regard to amplitude and frequency
may considerably vary from case to case and, therefore, the attempt in this standard has been
made to lay down, only the limiting ranges to the operational and performance
characteristics
besides the physical dimensions of the vibrators, on the basis of available technical literature on
the subject, experience and the current manufacturing practices in the country.
In the preparation of this standard, considerable
Research Institute, Roorkee.

assistance

has been given by Central

Building

For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with,
the final value, observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded
off in accordance with IS 2 : 1960Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised ). The
number of significant places retained in the rounded off value should be the same as that of the
specified value in this standard.

IS 2505:1992

Indian Standard
,CONCRETE VIBRATORS - IMMERSION TYPE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
( TfzirdRevision )
1 SCOPE

3 TERMINOLOGY

1.1This standard lays down the requirements

for materials, sizes, construction
and performance of concrete vibrators of immersion type,
flexible shaft driven and up to 90 mm size.

3.1 Amplitude of Vibration

:2 REFERENCES

Maximum displacement from its mean position

measured at the centre of the length of vibrating
needle.
It is usually expressed as half of its
total displacement.

2.1The following Indian Standards are necessary

.adjuncts to this standard.

3.2 Bottom Cap

Cap fitted at the lower end of the vibrating
needle casing ( see Fig. 1A and 1B ).

Title

IS No.

Carbon
steel castings for
general engineering purposes
( fourth revision )
Steel tubes for structural
1161 : 1979
purposes ( third revision )
Mild steel tubes, tubulars
1239
wrought
steel
( Part 1 ) : 1979 and other
fittings: Part 1 Mild steel
tubes ( fourth revision )
Schedules for wrought steels:
1570
( Part 1 ) : 1978 Part 1 Steels specified by
tensile and/or yield properties ( first revision )
Flexible
shafts
used in
B.6276: 1971
concrete vibratiors
Methods of test for perJ1389 : 1985
formance of concrete vibrators; Immersion type.
1030 : 1989

OUTER

CASING

TOP CAP/

FIG. 1A

3.3 Eccentric Shaft

Rotating shaft with eccentrically
placed mass
designed to produce the required amplitude of
vibration to the vibrating needle ( see Fig. 1A 1.
3.3.1 Rotor and Runner
Rotating members
in the pendulum
type
vibrators
designed to produce the required
amplitude
of vibration
in vibrating
needle
( see Fig. 1B ).
3.4 Flexible Shaft
Shaft consisting of inner core and casing which
transmits rotary motion from prime mover to
eccentric shaft/rotor, runner and vibrating needle
( see IS 6276 : 1971 ).
BOTTOM

LENGTH

OF VIBRATING

CAP

NEEDLE

TYPICAL VIBRATING NEEDLE WITH ECCENTRICSHAFT

CAP

TOP CAP/
FIG.

113

/_

LENGTH

OF VIBRATING

NEEDLE

TYPICAL VIBRATING NEEDLEWITH ROTOR AND RUNNER

1

IS 2505 : 1992
3.5 Frequency
Number of complete cycles of vibration
second of the vibrating needle.

per

self-aligning bearing for pendulum type vibrating needle. The bearings shall conform to
relevant Indian Standards.
4.4.1 Seals

3.6 Inner Core

The oil seal used in pendulum type vibrating.

needle shall be made of good quality rubber
conforming to relevant Indian Standards.

Core of the flexible shaft.

3.7 Inner Core Coupling
Connecting member at either end of the inner
core witb the eccentric shaft/rotor
and runner
of the prime mover.

4.5 The flexible shaft shall conform to IS 6276 :

1971.
5 SIZES

3.8 Needle Coupling

Connecting member in the vibrating needle used
for joining the eccentric shaft/rotor and runner
to inner core coupling of the flexible shaft.
3.9 Outer Casing Coupling
Fitting at either end of the outer core of the
flexible shaft to connect it to the prime mover
or the top cap of the vibrating needle.
3.io Top Cap
Cap which is on driving end/power
vibrator connected by flexible shaft.

5.1 The size of the vibrator shall be denoted

by the nominal outside diameter of the vibrating
needle expressed in mm.
5.1.1 The actual outside diameter of the needle
measure anywhere in its length excluding the
bottom cap shall not differ from the nominal
diameter by more than &2 mm.
5.1.2 The standard nominal outside diameter ofthe vibrating needle shall be as given below:
25, 35, 40, 50, 60, 75, and 90 mm.

end

of

3.11 Tube
Outer casing of the vibrating needle.
3.12 Vibrating Needle
assembly of tube, eccentric shaft/
rote; and runner, dottom cap,. needle coupling,
top cap, etc.
CcmDlete

4 MATERIALS
4.1 The tube of the vibrating needle shall be
seamless steel tube or heavy class ERW tube
conforming
to IS 1161 : 1979 or IS 1239
( Part 1 ) : 1979.
4.2 The bottom cap shall be of carbon steel of
Grade 35C8 of IS 1570 ( Part 1 > : 1978 or cast
steel conforming to Grade I of IS 1030 : 1969
and shall be tempered and hardened to 40 to
50 HRC.
4.3 The eccentric shaft/rotor
shall be made of
carbon steel of Grade 35C8 of IS 1570 (Part 1) :
1978 and shall be tempered.
4.3.1 The runner shall be made of high carbon
steel of Gralde 45C8 of IS 1570 (Part 1) : 1978.
4.4 Bearings
The bearings shall be preferably double row ball
bearing or cylindrical roller bearing, for eccentric
shaft type vibrating needle and double row

5.1.3 Length of the Vibrating Needle

The length of the vibrating needle shall be
measured from the outer end of the bottom cap
to the joint between needle casing and upper
eccentric housing.
Tolerance on the length
shall be f5 mm.
NOTE -The
following
standard
lengths in mm
are recommended
for selection of suitable length,
depending upon the nature of the job required.
These sizes have been recommended
arbitrarily,
purely with a view to aiding rationalized
production
by limiting the number of sizes:
350, and
375, 650.
400, 425,475,
575,600,
300, 325. 625,

500, 525, 550,

5.1.4 Mass
The mass of the vibrating
needle shall be
expressed in kilograms and shall conform to the
following
minimum
values for needles
of
different sizes:
Size of the Vibrator

Mass

mm
25
35
40
50
60
75
90

kg
1

NOTE - The mass of the vibrating needle

the chuck of the flexible shaft guard ring.

2
2
3
4
5
6
excludes

IS 2505:1992
6 CONSTRCCTION

7 PERFORMANCE

6.1 Vibrating Needle

7.1 Operational Characteristics

6.1.1 Tube
The wall thickness of the tube at the threaded
portion, measured from the root of the thread
shall not be less than the following:
Size of the Vibrator

Wall Thickness

mm
25

mm
15
15

35

40
50
60
75
90

15

20
25
30
30

6.1.2 Bearings
These shall be of adequate size and suitably
mounted, preferably press fitted on the shaft
so as to take both radial and axial loads. The
bearings and the eccentric shaft assembly shall
be such as to enable the removal of the shaft for
repairs and replacement.

REQUIREMENTS

The vibrating needle shall be so designed that

when tested for operationa
characteristics shall
be in accordance with IS 11389 : 1985 and with
the provision given in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. The
requirements given in 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 shall be
checked on selected samples on the basis of
suitable sampling scheme.
7.1.1 Frequency
The operational frequency ( see 3.5 ) under no
load state ( operation in the air ) shall be not
less than 100 Hz and should preferably
be
higher. This is 100 Hz to 270 Hz related to the
amplitude of vibration and the concrete mix
proportions and workability.
7.1.2

The optimum amplitude ( see 3.1 ) under

no load state ( operation ) measurement
in the
middle
the vibrating
needle for different sizes
of needleof shall
be as under.
Dnmeter

Vibrating
Needle

Of F~~r~~~?fr AmPzitu$Lmm)
( Hz 1

(mm)

Type

6.1.3 Concentricity
The eccentric shaft or rotor upon assembly shall
be such that all components are eccentric about
their respective
centre
lines, where bearing
journals
and housing
are concerned.
This
requirement may, however, be suitably modified
for vibrating needles designed on the principle
of the conical pendulum combined with that of
epicyclic gears.
6.1.4 The vibrating needle shall be completely
sealed against entrance of moisture or dust.
6.2 Flexible Shaft
6.2.1 The inner core shall be of adeauate strength
to transfer the power. The out& casing shall
be capable of holding the needle securely without stretching under normal conditions of use
in construction
and without damage to the core.
The outer casing shall be provided with adequate
insulated covering.
6.2.2 Coupling
or
threading
arra?gement
between the flexible shaft and the vibrating
needle shall be designed to prevent disengagement of the needle from the shaft during its
operation.
6.2.3 The length of the flexible shaft shall be
expressed in metres and shall be either 4 or 6 m
or as required and shall be measured from
extreme end of both couplings.

--7

Eccentric
Shaft

25-35
40-60
75-90

200-270
150-200
100-150

Pendulum
Tvne
Vibztion

Vibration
085-055 065-040
11O-0.75 085-055
1.60-l 30 120-095

7.2 Range of Action

The area of the range of action of the vibrating

needle measured in accordance with IS 11389 :
1985 in concrete with maximum nominal size of
aggregate not more than 20 mm and of workability 074 to 082 compacting factor shall be
not less than 100 times the cross sectional area
of the needle.
7*3 Leakage Test
The vibrator shall be operated for one hour in
75 mm slump concrete to determine its ability
to operate with the needle submerged and to
determine if the needle is completely sealed
against the entrance of concrete, mortar and/
or water. After one hour of op-_ration, the
vibrator
needle shall be disassembled
and
examined for presence of concrete, mortar and/
or water inside the vibrator head, The presence
of either concrete, mortar and/or water on the
inside mechanism shall be the cause for rejection.
It shall be a type test.
7 4 Endurance Test

The vibrator shall be operated continuously

for
20 hours with not more than 2 stoppages of
3

IS 2505:1992
safety requirem:nts
and lubrication
of the
vibrator and the prime mover shall be given.

15 minutes required for change of prime mover

in a barrel of crushed stone aggregate, sand and
water simulating a concrete mix. The minimum
size of the barrel shall be such that the crosssectional area is at least equal to the range of
action; the depth being at least twice the length.
The vibrator shall be able to complete this test
without any break down. It shall be a type
test.
8 INSTRUCTION

9 MARKING

9.1Each vibrator shall have firmly attached

mark
it a
information:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

SHEET

8.1 An instruction sheet containing instructions

relating to installation, maintenance including

plate

bearing

the

to
following

Manufacturers name or trade-mark,

Vibrator reference number,
Type and rating of the power unit,
Year of manufacture, and
Frequency and amplitude.

Stindard Mark

The use of the Standard Mark is governed by the provisions of the Bureau of Indian
Act, 2986 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder. The Standard Mark on
products covered by an Indian Standard conveys the assurance that they have been produced
to comply with the requirements of that standard under a well defined system of inspection,
testing and quality control which is devised and supervised by BIS and operated by the producer.
Standard.marked
products are also continuously
checked by BIS for conformity to
that standard as a further safeguard.
Details of conditions under which a licence for the use
of the Standard Mark may be granted to manufacturers or producers may be obtained from
the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Standards

Bureau of Indian Standards

BIS is a statutory institution established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, I986 to promote
harmonious development of the activities of standardization,
marking and quality certification of
goods and attending to connected matters in the country.
Copyright
BIS has the copyright of all its publications. No part of these publications may be reproduced in
any form without the prior permission in writing of BIS. This does not preclude the free use, in
the course of implementing the standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sizes, types or
grade designations. Enquiries relating to copyright be addressed to the Director ( Publications ), BIS.
Revision of Indian Standards
Indian Standards are reviewed periodically and revised, when necessary and amendments, if any,
are issued from time to time. Users of Indian Standards should ascertain that they are in possession
of the latest amendments or edition. Comments on this Indian Standard may be sent to BIS giving
the following reference :
Dot : No.

HMD

.-. _

18 ( 3443 )
Amendments Issued Since Publication
Date of Issue

Amend No.

BUREAU

OF INDIAN

Text Affected

STANDARDS

Headquarters:
Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002
Telephones : 33101 31, 331 13 75

Telegrams : Manaksanstha
( Commcih to all Offices )

Hegional Offices :

Telepholle
3310131
331 13 75

Eastern : l/14 CT.I. T. &h&me VII M, V. I. F. Road, Man&ktsla

CALCUTTA 7iNO54
Hotthetn

: SC0 445-446, Sector 35-C, CHANDIGARH

Southern

: C. I. T. Campus, IV Cross Road, MADRAS 600113

Western : Manakalaya, E9 MIDC, Marol,

BOMBAY 400093

16m6

Andheri ( East )

37 $4 99,
37 86 26,

37 85 61,
37 86 62

I 53 23
38 43,
84

53 16 40,

t 235
255 02
15 19,
16,

235 23
64 42,
15

t 632 92
78 91,
95,

632 78 92
58,

Branches : AHMADABAD,
BANGALORE,
BHOPAL, BHUBANESHWAR,
COIMBATORE,
FARIDABAD, GHAZIABAD,
GUWAHATI,
HYDERABAD,
JAIPUR,
KANPUR,
LUCKNOW, PATNA, THIRUVANANTHAPURM.

Printed at Swatantra Bharat Press, Delhi, India