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Have questions about your materials testing equipment? We have the answers to these questions and much more right here! Check back monthly for long-form blog posts, how-to guides and infographics. We’ll address industry insights, the operation and maintenance of specific equipment, and our product line recommendations, all designed to better serve you.
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Increase the overall performance of your basic or manual concrete compression testing machine by upgrading to automatic operation with an Automatic Controller Retrofit. Learn more about the benefits of automatic operation and see how easy it is to install a Retrofit to your existing compression machine.
The two most popular types of end treatment for cylindrical concrete specimens are sulfur mortar capping and neoprene compression pads. Both have their advantages. Neoprene pads are convenient and reusable many times over. Sulfur mortar is economical when testing large numbers of cylinders, and is often the preferred end treatment for cylinders because of its long history of use. Reliable strength results and consistent display of fracture patterns are predictable and well understood. In this article, we go over the equipment and techniques used for sulfur mortar capping.
Unconfined compressive strength is a standard geotechnical test performed on cohesive soil samples in construction materials testing laboratories. Straightforward sample preparation and a rapid, uncomplicated procedure makes unconfined compression tests cost-effective when fundamental strength values are adequate for design.
Testing the properties of hardened concrete is central to evaluating a structure, whether it is decades old or still under construction. In-place testing of concrete is a significant part of assessing an existing structure's safety and physical condition for routine maintenance before modifications. This blog post will discuss in-place and nondestructive methods and equipment to measure concrete strength.
In this month's blog post we will focus on standard-cure cylinders made for compressive strength acceptance testing. Including the importance of cylinder testing, a quick guide on the procedure, and the equipment needed in the field and lab.
Laboratory load frames perform multiple test methods on a variety of soil, asphalt, and cement materials simply by changing prescribed components used for load and distance measurements. This blog post introduces Gilson’s innovative Servo Control Load Frames and explores important considerations for selection of a suitable load frame and testing components for your applications.
Nondestructive concrete testing determines the quality and properties of hardened concrete to assess its condition and safety. Read this blog to learn about in-place and nondestructive methods and equipment used to measure concrete strength.
The Concrete Test Hammer is a critical part of your tool kit when assessing potential problems in concrete structures, but it can also create problems if expected to perform beyond its capabilities. This blog post outlines the proper way to use this tool for establishing strength estimates and relationships by comparison.
Comparing the differences between sulfur mortar capping and the use of neoprene pads with metal retainer rings will help you select the ideal procedure for your application.
