650,000lbf Automatic Concrete Compression Machines

AC-650 Series Fully Automatic Concrete Compression Machines perform complete strength tests for concrete cylinders, beams, cores, cubes, and other samples. Operators initiate the automated test cycle with a single button press on the touchscreen controller. The machine automatically controls specimen contact, pre-loading, rate of load, data collection, break detection, and return of the piston to the home position. Operation follows the specified requirements for the selected test method and strictly conforms to ASTM, AASHTO, or other testing specifications. This automation ensures accurate and repeatable results while eliminating variations in load rates and test procedures.

Select the test method, sample type, specimen data, and test parameters on the touchscreen controller. Force, stress, and rate of load are displayed during testing, and real-time load vs time or stress vs strain graphs are optional. Load rate and applied force are regulated with precision by feedback during sample loading. USB and LAN ports and Wi-Fi allow tests to be immediately printed and data to be collected and transferred to the user’s PC for data reporting using a USB flash drive.

Print each test or transfer test data in summary form on the easy-to-use menu. Data such as testing laboratory, sample ID, and client information is stored for error-free reporting and distribution. The diagnostics feature instantly displays the status of the emergency stop button, drive system, pressure transducer, data communication, and over-travel limit switch. A fault condition in any system must be resolved before testing can proceed.

The integrated energy-efficient electric motor and hydraulic pump operate at variable speeds to achieve and maintain required pressures based on loading program demands. This drive system is state-of-the-art, significantly quieter, eliminates pressure variations from over-heated oil, and extends the service life of hydraulic components.

The welded steel frame exceeds ACI 363 requirements for system rigidity and has a total capacity of 650,000lbf (2,891kN). Prevent excessive long-term wear to the hydraulic loading system by mounting the piston on the top of the frame where it is unaffected by accumulated test debris. Safety features include an emergency stop button, hydraulic safety relief valve, piston over-travel limit switch, and fragment guard door to protect the operator while running tests.

Automatic Compression Machine units are supplied ready for compression strength testing of 6x12in (152x305mm) concrete cylinders up to 18,400psi (128,868kPa) with user-supplied unbonding neoprene capping pads and steel retainers.

AC-650 models are the standard load frame units that test compression and flexural strength. These models may be outfitted with accessories to accommodate additional testing.

AC-650M and AC-650MR models are special factory-modified models outfitted with a different manifold, an optional proportional valve for controlled piston retraction, and either one or two LVDT inputs required to determine ASTM C469 modulus of elasticity (MOE), or MOE and Poisson’s ratio on 4 or 6in (101 or 152mm) cylinders. These modified models are also capable of determining compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength tests using the same component sets as the standard forms, based on test type and frame capacity. Compressometer and Compressometer/Extensometer testing fixtures for MOE and Poisson’s ratio testing must be purchased separately.

Features

• Menu-driven touchscreen controller is easy to set up and regulates testing parameters based on ASTM/AASHTO specifications
• Minimal operator input is required, increasing productivity and reducing errors
• Manage data with USB and LAN ports and Wi-Fi capability
• Advanced drive system runs cooler, quieter, and more consistently
• Safety features include an emergency stop button, fragment guard doors, a hydraulic safety relief valve, and a piston over-travel limit switch

Included Items

• 650,000lbf 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.
• Cylinder Test Sets are available for compression testing with bonded or unbonded caps. Available for 2x4in, 3x6in, 4x8in, and 6x12in cylinder specimens.
• Flexural Test Set allows the loading of 6x6in flexural beams.
• Cube Test Set is used for compression testing 2in or 6in concrete cubes.
• Tensile Cylinder Splitting Set allows testing of 4x8in or 6x12in concrete cylinders.
• Compressometers measure the deformation and strain of test cylinders to 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 (PVDs) are used to verify the proper perpendicular alignment of concrete cylinders during compressive strength testing.