The machine is used to conduct compression tests on concrete specimen up to 20 cm diameter and 30 cm height, by applying some load on it. One of the very important aspect that needs to be considered during construction is the strength of concrete. Strength of concrete is determined by crushing the specimen in the form of cubes or cylinders. Concrete is carefully designed for a particular compressive strength by engineers and specimen is tested in a compression testing machine.

Types

Compressing testing machines are mainly of two types :

• Hand Operated
• Electrically cum Hand Operated

Salient Features

• Generally, a compression testing machine consists of a load frame with suitable platens and a pumping unit with pressure gauge, either hand operated or electrically-cum-hand operated.
• Load Frame and pumping unit are connected by pressure pipes.
• There are different models of compression testing machines available in the market.
• Hand operated machine is a compact and self contained, designed for portability, operating convenience and accuracy.
• Portable unit is ideally suited for mobile and field laboratories.
• The electrically operated machine has a hydraulic jack that is fixed to base.
• It is provided with a motorized driving unit.
• The electrically operated machine is fitted with a hand wheel control, which enables the rate of application of load to be varied. The machine is equipped with facilities for hand pumping in case of power failure.
• Generally, the machine meets the essential requirements of various Indian, British & American standards for compression tests.

Applications

• Cement & Concrete Testing
• Compression testing of large pipes
• Compression testing of mattresses
• Compression testing of car seats
• Compression testing of packing crates
• Construction industry