The construction industry is often involved in a wide range of tests that require different test equipment. In addition to simple compression tests, test standards such as ASTM C39, ASTM C109, ASTM C469, and ASTM C1609 are among the test methods that can be followed to determine the mechanical properties of concrete specimens.
Mechanical testing of concrete
Specimens of concrete of specified dimensions are prepared, cast-cured, subjected to appropriate instructions or standardization to determine whether the mechanical properties of concrete specimens meet the strength and deflection requirements for the intended use, and tested under the approved test method. A manual or automated analysis generates a resistance report at the end of the test.
Automating specific tests and how to achieve them
The benefits of self-monitored concrete testing include reduced testing time, elimination of data entry errors, and faster delivery of results. Automation has automatic control of machines and automatic calculation of tested properties. If the machine is controlled, it will be operated by the controller or its software. You enter the test routines to be run and the analyzes to be calculated into the system, and the results are generated automatically.
An important note is that adding digital indicators to manual operating systems can achieve certain functions with full automation.
The reliable indicator combines customer and contractor data, mix ratio and site data with calculated compressive strength data, such as ultimate load and ultimate strength, along with user-selected dates and times. It can be combined with parameters such as number of samples, sample shape, etc. and corruption.
Some tags also allow the use of a specific test program. Test results are transferred to a computer running database software and imported automatically.
Also Read: The Different Kinds of Cement Testing Equipment
Is manual or automated operation better for concrete testing?
Often a manually operated system is sufficient for a given test application. However, some testing standards governing the concrete industry require stress rate feedback that manual operation cannot achieve.
Some concrete tests require a load factor that can be verified throughout the test, as concrete is sensitive to the load factor in terms of its compressive strength. Some ASTM standards, such as ASTM C39, specify or limit the load factor to specific values or ranges to ensure consistency within and between laboratories.
Cement test apparatus Equipped with the correct numerical indicators, the average load factor can be calculated and reported as required by ASTM C39, even when tested on manually operated machines. Depending on the digital indicator you choose, you can generate data, load and voltage vs time curves, and other functions that are particularly useful for the concrete industry.
A digital scale does not control the tester, so the operator must manually adjust the valves to achieve the set speed. Therefore, standards requiring continuous testing at low speeds with manually operated systems cannot be strictly followed. It is recommended to use a servo controller with a control unit to control the movement of the machine for such tests. Cement testing equipment specifically designed for concrete testing, closed-loop hydraulic servo testing machines and electromechanical universal testing machines that can be used to perform various material tests.
Cement testing machine manufacturers offer a wide range of concrete testing equipment, including indicators for use with existing manual control systems, control units for servo-controlled machine reassembly, Mega Force concrete testing systems designed explicitly for concrete testing and hydraulic testers. Tests are performed on a single system with accurate and reproducible results.
