Compression machines for strength tests on concrete cubes, cylinders and blocks
How can you select the compression machine suitable for your need?
The compression machines have to be selected depending on the specimens stregth, shape and dimensions. This requirements determines the capacity of the frame, the type of spherical seat and the platen dimension.
The other important feature is the power and control unit which refers not only to International Standard requirements on load application, strength measurement and accuracy, but also to the level of automation.
Here below we show Controls concrete compression machines categories, devided by the reference standard to be followed.
Compression machines according to EN 12390-4 and EN 772-1
- DIGIMAX 3: a semi-automatic compression tester;
- PILOT: automatic compression tester;
- AUTOMAX: super automatic compression tester.
- 2000, 3000 and 4000 kN capacity for cylinders and cubes,
- 5000 kN capacity for blocks;
Compression machines according to ASTM C39, C140, C1314 and AASHTO T22
ASTM C39 and AASHTO T22 refers to compression tests on cylinders, while ASTM C140 and C1314 on blocks. Both standards states very strict geometrical requirements for the spherical seats, accomplished by the following models.
- WIZARD 2: a semi-automatic compression machine;
- PILOT: automatic compression machine (high stiffness model, recomended for central and research laboratories, available too);
- AUTOMAX: super-automatic compression machine (high stiffness frame).
- 125,000, 250,000, 335,000, 450,000 and 660,000 lbf capacity for cylinders;
- 660,000 lbf capacity for blocks.
General utility compression machines
These models features a rigid welded steel construcion or four column high stiffness frame.
- WIZARD 2: a semi-automatic compression tester;
- PILOT: automatic compression tester;
- 1500, 2000 and 3000 kN capacity for cylinders;
- 2000 and 3000 kN capacity for blocks.
Compression frames
The approach to a modular system can be very convenient to big laboratories that choose a single console for the control of different type of testing frames (compression, flexural and small capacity farmes).
In this cases the frames available for compression tests have to be selected with the same criteria described above (reference standard, sample dimensions and shape).
According to them we propose the following capacity models:
- EN models of 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 kN capacity for cubes, cylinders and blocks;
- ASTM models of 125'000, 250'000, 335'000 and 660'000 lbf capacity for cylinders (2000 kN is available as high stiffness four column welded frame too);
- general utility models of 1500, 2000, 3000 kN capacity for cubes, cylinders and blocks (2000 kN is available walso as high stiffness four column welded frame too)
Compression machines power control systems
Control unit and pump group are also available separately and they allows to retrofit existing anymake old frames or complete machines (see "Compression frames") using a modern and sophisticated console that ensures high accuracy and reliability.
Our console range is composed by semiautomatic and automatic system, allowing to satisfy any customer requirements:
- DIGIMAX, a semi-automatic digital power control system (PCS) to be connected to one (or two, as option) frames
- PILOT, an entry level automatic power control system (PCS) to be connected to one (or two, as option) frames
- AUTOMAX, the fully automatic power control system (PCS) to be connected to two (or three, as option) farmes
