Concrete Compression Testing Machine: A Complete Selection Guide
Concrete is required mainly for construction purposes. The material is cast in different forms like slabs, hollow blocks, solid blocks, columns, and so on. Before handing it over to the suppliers and distributors, the strength and durability of the concrete are to be tested. Concrete is the hardest of all construction materials. And hence, ensuring its strength, endurance, and longevity is very important.
That’s where compression machines come to the rescue. These machines are used to test the different attributes of the concrete which gave been manufactured and left to harden. Compressive forces are applied from the side to check whether or not the concrete will crumble into pieces or will develop cracks.
Using the concrete compression testing machine, material strength and other aspects of concrete are checked and the data is collected for future reference. Since several types of compression testing tools are there, it can be a little hard to choose one. It is for this reason we have explained some of the factors that need to be considered when you are looking for the best machine.
Load Frame Size and Rigidity
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| Concrete Compression Testing Machine |
Every compression testing machine comes with a frame structure where the load needs to be placed. For example, machine A might have a frame structure for short concrete cylinders while machine B is capable of fitting in slender and long cylinders. Both these machines will test the strength and endurance of the concrete. But they have different frame sizes according to the type of sample to be tested.
So, make sure that the size of the frame of the concrete compression testing machine is suitable for the concrete sample to be tested. As the frame needs to be closed after placing in the concrete element, you need to ensure that the frame has high rigidity and endurance to bear the pressure. The frame should be able to prevent explosive accidents or internal damage due to compression testing of concrete samples.
Type of Sample to be Tested
The next thing you need to consider is the sample to be tested. Usually, the concrete compression testing machine is used for examining the material strength and durability of the cylinders. However, you can also the concrete slabs, blocks, and other sample forms. Based on the type of sample you want to test, you need to choose the most compatible machine. Make sure that the compression force has the right psi rating according to the sample's strength.
Type of Compression Testing that Needs to be Done
There are different types of compression tests that can be done on the concrete. The choice of the concrete compression testing machine will depend on the process you are relying on. We have listed some of the major testing techniques used in the industries.
- Rebound hammer test or ASTM C805
- Penetration resistance test or ASTM C803
- Pulling out a test or ASTM C900
- Ultrasonic velocity test or ASTM C597
The structure and features of the testing machine will depend on the approach you want to implement. So do not forget to check the testing method compatibility of the machine you have considered.
Manual or Automated Data Recording
Whenever you conduct compressive tests on concrete, the data or reading is to be noted. These data sets are then used for analyzing the concrete materials and make improvements in the design. Now, there are two ways of collecting data from the concrete compression testing machine.
- Manual data collection is suitable only for single sample testing.
- For bulk material testing, choosing a machine with an automated data recording feature is recommended.
Usually, the automated data recording work is done by the processor memory. That’s why you need to choose efficient software.
Conclusion
Concrete compression testing machine helps find the compressive strength along with other properties of concrete, thus helping in verifying if the concrete is suitable for use. Every concrete manufacturing business needs to invest in these machines to check the quality of concrete.
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