ISO 10545-5:1996

Overview

ISO 10545-5:1996 specifies a laboratory test method to determine the impact resistance of ceramic tiles by measuring the coefficient of restitution. The method uses a controlled ball‑drop (ball‑release) apparatus to drop a steel ball onto a tile fixed to a concrete block and records rebound height or the time between bounces. The measured rebound is converted to the coefficient of restitution (e), which is used to assess damage (indentation, cracking, edge chipping) after impact.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Test method for impact resistance of ceramic tiles by measurement of coefficient of restitution.
• Test specimens: Minimum of five tile pieces (typical facial size 75 mm × 75 mm) taken from five tiles; smaller tiles may be assembled to the same area.
• Apparatus:
  • Chrome steel ball, diameter 19 ± 0.05 mm.
  • Ball‑release apparatus with electromagnet, guide tube and heavy base.
  • Test unit support to clamp tile fixed to concrete block using epoxide resin adhesive.
  • Optional electronic timing device (microphone) to measure time between impacts.
• Concrete blocks and assembly: Concrete blocks (~75 × 75 × 50 mm) made from dense gravel‑sand; blocks are conditioned and tiles are bonded with an epoxy adhesive using spacer pegs during curing.
• Procedure:
  • Ball released from 1 m above tile face.
  • Measure rebound height to ±1 mm or measure time between two bounces to compute rebound height.
  • Calculate coefficient of restitution (e) from the ratio of velocities or equivalently from rebound and drop heights.
• Assessment: Examine tile surface for visible indentation or cracking (minor Hertzian cracks not visible at 1 m may be ignored). Note edge chipping or surface relief damage.
• Calibration: Example calibration uses five test units with 8 ± 0.5 mm unglazed tiles resulting in an average rebound height of (72.5 ± 1.5) cm, corresponding to e = 0.85 ± 0.01.
• Test report: Must reference ISO 10545-5, describe tiles, list individual and average coefficients of restitution, and record any observed damage.

Applications and users

• Who uses it: Ceramic tile manufacturers, quality control laboratories, materials engineers, test houses and certification bodies.
• Practical uses:
  • Evaluate tile resistance to mechanical shock during handling, transport and installation.
  • Compare formulations and bodies (porcelain, glazed, unglazed) for product development.
  • Support compliance documentation for product specification and customer acceptance.

Related standards

• ISO 10545 series (Parts 1–17) - complementary tests for ceramic tiles: sampling, dimensions, water absorption, breaking strength, abrasion, thermal properties, frost and chemical resistance, coefficient of friction, etc. Refer to the ISO 10545 family for a complete test program on ceramic tile performance.

Keywords: ISO 10545-5, ceramic tiles, impact resistance, coefficient of restitution, ball‑drop test, tile testing, epoxy adhesive, concrete block, steel ball, rebound height.