Concrete Selection Guide

This guide is designed to help you select the appropriate concrete testing equipment for your specific needs. Choosing the right equipment is crucial for ensuring accurate and reliable test results, which are essential for quality control, research, and compliance with industry standards. Here’s a breakdown of common concrete properties and the equipment used to test them:

• • • • Compressive Strength:

• • • • Test: Compression Test
      • Equipment: Compression Testing Machine, Concrete Cylinder Molds, Capping Compound/Grinder
      • Considerations: Machine capacity (kN), platen size, data acquisition capabilities, standards compliance (ASTM C39, EN 12390).

• • • • Flexural Strength (Modulus of Rupture):

• • • • Test: Flexural Test (Beam Test)
      • Equipment: Flexural Testing Machine (Beam Testing Machine)
      • Considerations: Machine capacity, adjustable span length, loading rate control, standards compliance (ASTM C78, EN 12390).

• • • • Workability/Consistency:

• • • • Test: Slump Test, Flow Table Test (for SCC)
      • Equipment: Slump Cone, Tamping Rod, Base Plate, Flow Table
      • Considerations: Adherence to standard dimensions (ASTM C143, EN 12350-2 for Slump; EN 12350-5 for Flow Table).

• • • • Air Content:

• • • • Test: Air Entrainment Test (Pressure Method)
      • Equipment: Air Entrainment Meter
      • Considerations: Measurement range, accuracy, standards compliance (ASTM C231, EN 12350-7).

• • • • Permeability:

• • • • Test: Permeability Test
      • Equipment: Permeability Testing Apparatus
      • Considerations: Test method, cell pressure capabilities, standards compliance (EN 12390-8).

• • • • Durability:

• • • • Tests: Freeze-Thaw Resistance, Chloride Penetration Resistance, Sulfate Attack Resistance
      • Equipment: Freeze-Thaw Chamber, Chloride Migration Test Apparatus, Curing Tanks/Rooms
      • Considerations: Temperature and humidity control for curing, temperature cycling capabilities for freeze-thaw, standards compliance (ASTM C666, ASTM C1202).

• • • • Concrete Cylinder Molds: Choose appropriate sizes and materials (steel, plastic, or …).
      • Capping Compound/Grinder: For preparing smooth and even surfaces on concrete cylinders for compression testing.
      • Curing Tanks/Rooms: For maintaining controlled temperature and humidity for curing concrete specimens.
      • Laboratory Mixers: For preparing concrete mixes in the laboratory.
      • Vibrating Tables: For consolidating fresh concrete in molds.
      • Ovens and Balances: Essential for various concrete testing procedures.