BC-450 Series Basic Concrete Compression Machines are manually operated and perform complete strength tests for a variety of concrete sample types, including cylinders, beams, cubes, cores, and grout prisms. A versatile and cost-effective option, these models are ideal for many concrete strength test applications.
Units have a durable, welded steel frame with solid crossheads. This design exceeds ACI 363 requirements for system rigidity. The integrated electric motor and hydraulic pump system operates at variable speeds to achieve and maintain the pressure required for the test. This energy-efficient configuration reduces heat buildup and extends the service life of the hydraulic components.
With the advanced Windows-based human-machine interface (HMI) controller, the operator can select the test protocol, view data, and print or transfer data after test completion. During testing, force, stress, and rate of load are displayed, as well as real-time graphing of load vs time or stress vs time. The controller is used for setup, calibration, and diagnostic functions.
Basic Compression Machines are compatible with the Gilson Guardian Cloud Sharing Application, purchased separately, which enables cloud storage and data management. Seamlessly communicate project information and retain detailed testing data for every test.
The operator controls the load operation in order to perform a test. To do this, initial loading is performed using full advance of the four-position lever valve to seat the cylinder and quickly apply the preload of less than half the cylinder’s expected compressive strength. Then, the operator manually switches the valve lever to the metered position for control and adjustment to the load rate. When the load applied drops below the preset percentage of the peak load, the controller records the maximum compressive strength.
Safety is enhanced with a hydraulic safety relief valve that prevents loading beyond machine capacity and a travel limit switch that stops the piston from advancing beyond limits. Clear Lexan™ hinged fragment doors latch securely while still permitting the operator to view the sample during testing.
Units are supplied ready for compression testing of 6x12in (152.4x304.8mm) concrete cylinders with user-supplied unbonded neoprene capping pads and steel retainers. Accessories are available to adapt the frame for additional testing of cylinder sizes, beams, cubes, cores, or grout prisms. Units operate on 110V, 60Hz. Add “F” suffix to the model number for 220V, 50/60Hz operation.
Features
- Users can seamlessly view and transfer data with the advanced HMI controller
- Hydraulic safety relief valve, travel limit switch, and hinged doors for increased safety
- Capable of testing a variety of sample types, including concrete cylinders, beams, cubes, cores, and grout prisms
Included Items
- 450,000lbf Basic Concrete Compression Machine
- 6x12in Unbonded Cylinder Test Set
Accessories
- 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 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.
- Grout Prism Test Set can adapt compression machine for testing 3x3x6in grout prisms.
- Perpendicularity Verification Devices (PVDs) are used to verify the proper perpendicular alignment of concrete cylinders during compressive strength testing.
- Gilson Guardian Cloud Sharing Application allows field samples to be tracked from casting through test completion through cloud-based data sharing.
- Automatic Controller Retrofits upgrade manual compression machines to fully automatic operation and are easy to install.