400,000lbf Rigid Frame (RF) Series Automatic Concrete Compression Machines are built with exceptionally stiff load frames for safe and reliable performance in laboratories with heavy daily testing demands and high-strength mix testing. RF machines are equipped with the same automated controller and hydraulic loading system as the Automatic Compression Machines and exceed the recommendations cited in ACI 363.
Load frames that have high longitudinal stiffness experience low elastic deformation during loading cycles, which reduces fatigue on the assembly and prolongs its service life. This design also decreases the frequency of explosive sample failures caused by a rebound of unbonded capping systems. Frame stiffness in the lateral plane reduces the effects caused by minor sample misalignment as well as inconsistencies within the sample itself, producing more consistent and repeatable results.
Little operator input is required to perform the selected test using the automatic controller. Once the specimen data and test type are entered, simply position the sample and initiate the test cycle with the push of a button. Specimens of similar type and size can be tested without repetitive data reentry.
Easily control operational specifications to meet the exact requirements of ASTM or AASHTO, including specimen contact, application of load, pre-load and test load rates, break detection, data collection, and return of the piston to the home position. The application of force and rate of load are precisely regulated by the advanced drive system using machine feedback. By eliminating variations in load applications and rates, procedure discrepancies, and operator error, results are more accurate and repeatable.
Force, stress, rate of load, and real-time graphing of load vs time or stress vs strain are displayed throughout the test cycle. Testing laboratory ID, sample ID, and client information are stored, and testing data can easily be stored and shared using the built-in USB port, LAN port, or Wi-Fi. A flash drive can be inserted to transfer data to the user's PC.
Electronic sensors regulate the integrated electric motor and hydraulic pump to precisely maintain required loads and load rates based on programmed inputs and test demands. This state-of-the-art drive system is energy-efficient, operates at lower motor speeds, and is significantly quieter and more effective than older designs. Accuracy and consistency are not affected by pressure variations caused by over-heated oil or other factors, and the hydraulic components' service life is optimized.
On the diagnostics page of the touchscreen, users can view the status of the loading, safety, and communications systems. Warnings appear instantly if issues occur, including emergency off switch, piston overtravel, operation of the hydraulic safety relief valve, or other concerns. All fault notifications must be resolved before test cycles can be initiated.
The welded steel frame fragment guard safety doors on the front and rear of the frame feature heavy-duty hinges and latches, and the door assemblies completely enclose the test chamber for safe operation and to reduce noise and nuisance dust. Lexan® inserts are shatter-resistant to protect from flying debris and provide a clear view of the testing process.
RF compression machines are supplied ready to test 6x12in (152x305mm) concrete cylinders up to 8,500psi (58,608kPa) using unbonded neoprene capping pads in steel retainers. There are many accessories available to test cylinders with ground ends or sulfur mortar caps, different cylinder sizes, flexural beams, cube specimens, core samples, or splitting tensile strength specimens.
AC-400 models are the standard rigid frame models equipped to run concrete compression and flexural tests.
AC-400M and AC-400MR models are custom configured by the factory to perform ASTM C469 modulus of elasticity (MOE), or MOE and Poisson's ratio on 4 or 6in (101 or 152mm) concrete cylinders. The models are outfitted with a unique manifold, optional proportional valve for controlled piston retraction, and either one or two LVDT inputs required to determine MOE, or MOE and Poisson's ratio. These models can also determine conventional compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths using the same available component sets. The required compressometer or compressometer/extensometer testing fixtures for MOE and Poisson's ratio measurement must be purchased separately.
RF Series Automatic Concrete Compression Machines operate on 110V, 60Hz power supplies. Add “F” suffix to the model number when ordering for models that operate on 220V, 50/60Hz.
Features
- RF series machines are built to withstand heavy daily testing demands and high-strength mixes
- Data is displayed in real time throughout the testing process
- The electric motor and hydraulic pump automatically regulate to ensure precise operation and repeatable results
- Operator input is only necessary to position the specimen and initiate the test cycle
- Built-in USB and LAN ports and Wi-Fi capabilities offer seamless data collection and sharing
Included Items
- 400,000lbf Rigid Frame (RF) Series Automatic Concrete Compression Machine (110V, 60Hz or 220V, 50/60Hz)
- 6x12in Cylinder Test Set for use with Unbonded Caps
- Mounting stand
Accessories
- Gilson Guardian Cloud Sharing Application allows field samples to be tracked from casting through test completion through cloud-based data sharing.
- 2x4in Cylinder Test Sets are used for 2x4in cylinder compression test specimens with bonded or unbonded caps.
- 3x6in Cylinder Test Sets are used for 3x6in cylinder compression test specimens with bonded or unbonded caps.
- 4x8in Cylinder Test Sets are used for 4x8in cylinder compression test specimens with bonded or unbonded caps.
- 6x12in Cylinder Test Sets are used for 6x12in cylinder compression test specimens with bonded or unbonded caps.
- Flexural Test Set allows the loading of 6x6in flexural beams.
- 2in Cube Test Sets are used for compression testing of 2x2x2in cube specimens.
- 6in Cube Test Sets are used for compression testing of 6x6x6in cube specimens.
- Tensile Cylinder Splitting Set allows testing of 4x8in or 6x12in concrete test cylinders
- Compressometers measure the deformation and strain of test cylinders to determine the static modulus of elasticity (MOE).
- Compressometer/Extensometers are used to measure deformation and strain for MOE and Poisson's ratio determinations, available for 4x8in or 6x12in cylinders.
- Grout Prism Test Set can adapt compression machine for testing 3x3x6in grout prisms.
- Proppant Crush Testing Set can be installed for use in hydraulic fracturing for the oil and gas recovery industry.
- Perpendicularity Verification Devices (PVD’s) are used to verify the proper perpendicular alignment of concrete cylinders during compressive strength testing.
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