Cement concrete work requires quality testing. Quality control program involves both raw concrete and hardened concrete. Such testing assures the adequate performance of the strength of the concrete and its durability. It helps in increasing the efficiency of the materials used. CTM machines are designed diversely to measure their compressive, flexure and strength of the concrete. Several models are discussed to suit multiple requirements.
Hand Operated Portable CTM machine
Hand operated portable CTM machines are used to test the compressive strength on mortar and concrete cubes. It has a pillar-type frame to give structural stability. The frame’s stability is developed in a manner that even eccentric loading does not affect it. The upper plate has a spherical seating and the lower plate has spherical jacks. A pump is with the concentric plunger that creates maximum pressure with minimal efforts. An outer plunger helps fill the gap and gets disconnected instantly and automatically when the gap is closed. A standardised dynamometer is attached to give the pressure outcome’s readings.
Motorised Compression Testing machine
It is an electronic version of CTM, used to test smaller specimens or has particular maximum measures to check the same. This machine has a higher capacity to manufacture, adjusting to the customer’s requirements. Also, these machines conform to a high degree of stability and accuracy. They have frames which are lighter in weight and can withstand loads without distortion or fatigue. A finely finished hydraulic ram is used at the base and spherical plate is used as the top plate to restrict the specimen’s displacement. The operator can see the specimen under test through a safety cover designed for safety and protection.
Pumping unit is placed on the right of the load frame that has the facility of raising ram faster and without load. Thus, it has a boosting arrangement. Smooth loading, ensuring convenience which is made visible by moving the loading gauge or digital display. A strain control knob is used to control the flow of oil with precision. The hydraulic circuit has overload relief value and expanded sheet metal door as standard measures for the safety of the operators.
CTM machine with Digital readout and Storage facility
This CTM machine is similar to the above mentioned with an extra feature of a digital display system to indicate the loads, peak load and pace rate. The knob is to be controlled manually to adjust the flow to achieve the pacing rate and system releases manually when the peak has achieved. Readings can easily be transmitted to the computer through a serial port at a second of interval till the specimen failure. The system can also store the results for more than 5000 tests in its memory. Thus, which are transferred onto the computer.
Automatic CTM machine
Automatic Compression testing machine equipment has automatic features of controlling load with advanced electronic and hydraulic system combinations. The control signal is passed electronically to the drive of the motor that further helps in controlling the flow of hydraulic ram. This system has microprocessor-based digital display system as well.
Modern and advanced features included are overload protection, front door for the operator safety, low oil level indicator etc. Consequently, which helps get better results with PC based control systems by applying software.
