500,000lbf Rigid Frame (RF) Series Automatic Concrete Compression Machines are built with highly rigid load frames and have the same automated controller and hydraulic loading system as our Automatic Compression Machines. The exceptionally stiff frames ensure safe and reliable performance and are designed to withstand heavy daily laboratory testing demands and frequent high-strength concrete mixes. This design exceeds the recommendations cited in ACI 363.
Load frames that have high longitudinal stiffness undergo low elastic deformation during loading cycles, which reduces fatigue on the assembly and prolongs service life. With a rigid frame, the frequency of explosive sample failures caused by rebound of unbonded capping systems is decreased. Frame stiffness in the lateral plane reduces the effects of minor sample misalignment and inconsistencies within the sample itself, producing results that are more consistent and repeatable. The bottom-mounted hydraulic cylinder is designed with a flexible sleeve for dust protection and applies upward loading force.
The automatic controller requires minimal operator input to perform the selected test. The operator only needs to enter the specimen data and test type on the touchscreen, position the sample, and initiate the test cycle with a single button. Specimens of the same type and dimensions can be tested without having to reenter data.
The compression machine controls specimen contact, application of load, pre-load and test load rates, break detection, data collection, and return of the piston to the home position to meet the exact requirements of ASTM or AASHTO. The advanced drive system uses machine feedback to precisely regulate the application of force and rate of load. Variations in load applications and rates, operator error, and discrepancies in test procedures are eliminated to ensure accurate, repeatable, and documented results.
During the test cycle, force, stress, and rate of load are continuously displayed. Real-time graphing of load vs time or stress vs strain can also be shown. Easily print transfer a summary of the data for each test with the press of a button. Data collection, reporting, and storage are managed through Wi-Fi or built-in USB and LAN ports, and data can be transferred to the user's PC using a flash drive. Testing laboratory ID, sample ID, and client information can be stored for error-free reporting and distribution.
The integrated electric motor and hydraulic pump are regulated by feedback from electronic sensors. This maintains required load and load rates based on programmed inputs and current test demands with great precision. Because of its advanced design, the drive system operates at lower motor speeds and is significantly quieter and more effective than older designs. Changes in pressure caused by over-heated oil or other factors do not affect consistency or accuracy, and the hydraulic components' service life is optimized.
Status of the loading, communications, and safety systems are continuously monitored and displayed on the diagnostics section of the touch screen. If issues occur, warnings are posted instantly, such as emergency shut off, piston overtravel, operation of the hydraulic safety relief valve, or other concerns. Once all fault notifications are resolved, test cycles can be initiated.
The welded steel frame fragment guard safety doors on the front and rear of the frame are innovative and feature heavy-duty latches and hinges. Shatter-resistant Lexan® inserts protect from flying debris and provide a clear view of the testing process. The test chamber is completely enclosed to ensure safe operation and reduce nuisance dust and noise.
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. Many accessories are available to outfit these models to test cylinders with ground ends or sulfur mortar caps, flexural beams, different cylinder sizes, cube specimens, core samples, or splitting tensile strength specimens.
AC-500 models are the standard rigid frame machines equipped to run concrete compression and flexural tests.
AC-500M and AC-500MR 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
- Rigid frames are designed to withstand heavy daily testing demands and frequent high-strength mixes
- Force, stress, and rate of load are continuously displayed during the test cycle
- Drive system uses machine feedback to precisely regulate the application of force and rate of load
- Quickly and easily transfer data using the built-in USB or LAN ports, or Wi-Fi
- Operator input is only needed to position the specimen and start the test cycle
Included Items
- 500,000lbf 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 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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