Skip to main content

Advanced concrete and cement testing

In 2007, Tecnotest introduced its new technology, Silent & Cold Power which applied to its new line of high end compression machines for concrete testing, and this has recently been applied to the company's machines for testing cement. It is now being offered in a new line of models: the new KP 200/A (for tests on cubic specimens 15cm/side) and KP 200/L (for testing cylinders diameter 15cm x 30cm high and 16 x 32cm high, as well as 15cm/side cubes).
July 9, 2012 Read time: 3 mins
Tecnotest's new KP 200/A for tests on cubic concrete specimens
In 2007, 1417 Tecnotest introduced its new technology, Silent & Cold Power which applied to its new line of high end compression machines for concrete testing, and this has recently been applied to the company's machines for testing cement.

It is now being offered in a new line of models: the new KP 200/A (for tests on cubic specimens 15cm/side) and KP 200/L (for testing cylinders diameter 15cm x 30cm high and 16 x 32cm high, as well as 15cm/side cubes).

Tecnotest says it is its ambition to make available a new range of automatic compression machines for concrete testing at the cost of the analog, hand-operated model while maintaining the structural stability and quality components.

"Automatic operation is not only an advantage in terms of user friendliness but also ensures that the test is performed in compliance with standards even when carried out by less experienced users," says Tecnotest.

Concrete strength measurement is influenced by a series of unpredictable factors, some of which depend on how the specimen was prepared and cured, others on the testing method or by the type of testing machine used.

"Some concrete producers feel it is preferable to ascertain the real performance of the material rather than obtain an uncertain but precautionary value so as to establish after due consideration the correct margin of error to exclude any problems or disputes," says Tecnotest.

As for the rate at which the machine increases the load, standards foresee quite a wide divergence (from 0.2 to 1.0 N/mm2/s) but prescribe that during the test there should not be a divergence of more than 10% from the chosen value. This means that no accelerations or decelerations of any significance are allowed, let alone any jumps which would only end up causing fatigue to the material.

"As far as the structure is concerned, it is indispensable for it to meet requirements for rigidity as any failure in this respect will offset forces in such a way that the specimen will be loaded sideways, thereby bringing on failure prematurely."

According to Tecnotest, machines built with slender uprights systematically present this kind of defect, while ball seatings which are not permanently lubricated by an oil bath bring about asymmetrical failures and lower strength measurements compared to true measurements.

"Tecnotest's new range of automatic machines maintains the features which characterise a well designed concrete testing machine: a rugged structure, ball seating in oil bath, and height/diameter ratio of the stem greater than one. Silent & Cold Power technology has been added, eliminating anything no longer needed by users for performing routine tests, thus achieving appreciable results in terms of costs," says Tecnotest.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Earthmoving machines the backbone of construction
    February 7, 2012
    Earthmoving machines remain the backbone of construction operations - writes Mike Woof. ADTs, excavators and wheeled loaders play pivotal roles in most construction jobs with the earthmoving stage providing a key component of most projects.
  • MTVs help transfer material efficiently
    June 20, 2016
    Mention the letters MTV and most people will think you’re referring to Music Television, the firm that revolutionised the music video. But in the road construction sector the letters have another meaning: Material Transfer Vehicle. Roadtec pioneered the MTV concept with its Shuttle Buggy, which it introduced in 1989. The concept was a novel one, providing a transition between the truck hauling the asphalt to the site and the asphalt paver. The idea of the machine was that it would provide a buffer system
  • All-new road markings on world’s highways
    June 28, 2013
    Road marking manufacturers have many innovative new products either currently being used on major highways or set to be made available within the next couple of years. Guy Woodford reports. Daan Roosegaarde, an artist, and Hans Goris, a manager at Dutch construction and infrastructure firm Heijmans, are developing intriguing new products for the road markings market. One innovation involves painting road markings with glow-in-the-dark paint.
  • New radio wave technology assesses asphalt integrity
    March 14, 2017
    Real time information on asphalt density and uniformity can boost construction quality - *Roger Roberts, GSSI. Properly compacted asphalt is a major factor in the lifespan of a road, as inadequately compacted asphalt deteriorates at a more rapid rate than properly compacted material. With the billions spent on road construction and repairs each year, it has become a matter of urgency to find new technologies that can ensure the integrity of asphalt on newly paved roads. New radio wave technology is now avai