A practical guide on how to select the right Concrete Compression Testing Machine
Concrete Compression Machines apply a compressive force to ensure that different types of concrete specimens meet design and structural strength requirements.
Concrete Compression Machines are versatile testing equipment, vital for any concrete testing laboratory. They come in a wide variety of configurations, and we know that selecting the right concrete compression machine can be a headache. Yet, it is the only way to shape the success of your concrete production. Today’s technical advancements have improved the level of efficiency, performance and accuracy for testing concrete, masonry and cement specimens.
Compression machines can be equipped with a variety of accessories to test different types of specimens and comply with a multitude of Standards, EN or ASTM.
To help you navigate the complexity of choosing the right testing equipment, here is a four-step guide.
1. Select your Standard of Reference
Do you need an EN or ASTM compliant compression machine, or simply a generic compression machine not requiring any Standards compliance?
It’s important to select a concrete compression machine that complies with ASTM C39 and other applicable ASTM and AASHTO standards, like AASHT T22, or with EN 1239-4.
Our load frames are stiff, both longitudinally and laterally and they can assure uniform specimen loading, reduces explosive failures, and generally will have a longer service life. Explosive failures, especially with high-strength concrete samples, can produce shocks to the hydraulic and electronic systems, causing damage and loss of calibration.
2. Select the Specimen type and size
The size and type of the testing specimen influence the maximum strength the machine should be capable of. CONTROLS Concrete compression machines are designed to test concrete cylinders and concrete cubes, also, they can be used to test different materials such as Cement, Masonry and others. When selecting the specimen, it’s vital to identify what range of strengths you expect to test and are there specific precautions to consider, because using a specimen with higher design strengths can be prone to explosive failure.
These failures can be very dangerous to the operator due to flying fragments and may shock the electronic and hydraulic systems of the machines. All our compression machines are designed with safety in mind and they are equipped with protective fragment guard doors and other safety features. What are the specimen sizes you will be testing? The size of the compression machine’s should be sufficient to accommodate the maximum size specimen tested, but we strongly advise you to get in contact with us in case there is a particular specimen to be tested.
3. Select control unit
At CONTROLS we have multiple solution, and you can use the following comparison table to choose the right solution for you. All our control unit are now automatic, and we explain in details why in our blog section: https://www.controls-group.com/eng/blog/compression-testing-automation.php
Our wide range pass from entry level automatic compression machine for standard compression test, high performance automatic compression machines with smart connectivity to your laboratory network, LIMS and other devices, or our new generation of automatic compression machine for advanced tests such as Modulus of elasticity and strain control for Fiber Reinforced Concrete characterization.
Before embarking on your next purchase or upgrade, download and fill this short Compression Machine Checklist and send it to sales@controls-group.com for a tailored evaluation of your testing needs and personalized recommendations.
"*" indicates required fields
