The requirements of ASTM C1550-08 for determining
flexural toughness of fiber reinforced concrete create several challenges for most standard test systems in service today. Specifically:
- Size of the specimen: With a diameter of 800 mm (31.5 in) most existing load testing frames do not have the test space width to accomodate this.
- Required stiffness of the frame: To get accurate results for flexural toughness the machine and load train, deflection must be negligible compared to the deflection of the specimen.
- Accurate specimen deflection measurment: Specimen deflection must be measured accurately, preferably by a fixture mounted measuring device.
- Complex data analysis: The standard requires a detailed analysis of the load vs. deflection data to ensure the accurate reporting of flexural toughness. With most load test systems, the required analysis involves exporting the data to a spreadsheet or other analysis tool for generating test results.
To overcome these challenges, we proposed a custom KN style load frame designed with a test space width and fixtures to accomodate the 800 x 75 mm (31.5 x 2.95 in) thick concrete specimens. The test frame is based on an our 600KN load frame with I-Series controls, but is supplied with a 150 kN actuator and load cell to ensure superior stiffness and maintain precise control and accuracy of load. We also supplied an LVDT with custom mounting to measure the deflection of the specimen directly under the center of the concrete specimen.
Finally, we supplied Partner™ Software as a user interface so the operator can easily set up tests, control test rates, and get results quickly and accurately after the test. Partner Software is able to perform all of the data analyis required by ASTM C1550-08 immediately after the test is complete and displays the findings on the screen for the operator to evalaute. The results and data are also stored in an Access database for later retrieval and access via a network.