MATERIAL TEST MACHINE ACCESSORIES

Construction materials testing machines are specialized pieces of equipment that help project owners and engineers test the quality of construction materials. The specific type of machine needed depends on the material you need to test, the specimen’s geometry, and the type of test that needs to be performed. Machines can test for compressive strength, modulus of elasticity/poisson’s ratio, proppant crush resistance, tensile splitting, beam flexure, and more – all following ASTM, AASHTO, and other relevant testing protocols.

Test frames are the structural components of the material testing machine that provide support and stability during tests, designed to withstand the forces generated during testing and ensure accurate and reliable results.

Standard (F) frames from Forney feature heavy structural steel angles in four corners with full-depth ground welds. The frame exceeds ACI recommendations for stiffness and can support an array of machine accessories.

High-stiffness (FHS) frames from Forney are three times the stiffness of the standard frames. The explosive breaks seen in certain high-strength materials can impact machine performance and durability, affecting accuracy. The high-stiffness frame protects against machine distortion that can lead to measurement error. 

Cylinder test sets properly support and position samples of specified sizes for compressive testing that complies with ASTM/AASHTO standards. Separate models are available to test specimens prepared with capping compound or ground ends (bonded caps) or those with neoprene pad caps and retainers (unbonded caps).

Compression testing machines can be adapted to test a variety of cylinder sizes, including:

• 2x4 in
• 3x6 in
• 4x8 in
• 6x12 in

• Grout prism test sets: Grout prisms are test specimens that are formed from a grout sample according to ASTM C1019. Tests sets include a top platen assembly, bottom platen, spacer, and centering stud for tesing 3x3x6in grout prisms on a Forney F-250 or F-325 compression testing machine. 
• Cube test sets: adapt Forney Compression Machines to test cube compressive strength. The test set consists of a pedestal with a hardened steel top-bearing surface for cube specimens and an upper platen assembly with a locking stem.
• Compressometer: a device used to determine the strain of a specimen while measuring compressive strength, which generates a stress-strain curve and is then used to determine modulus of elasticity.
• Extensometer: a device used to measure the lateral strain to generate a stress-strain curve and calculate Poisson’s ratio.

Machines and related accessories are the heart of construction materials testing. Browse our useful resources related to CMT machines:

• Types of Material Testing Machines: Which One Is Right for You?
• 3 Benefits of CMT Software for Material Machine Users
• Concrete Testing Equipment Essentials: 6 Categories
• Glossary of CMT Terms
• Infographic: A Visual Guide to Choosing a CMT Machine
• What Are Connected CMT Machines? Manual vs. Automatic vs. Connected
• Simple Guide to ASTM C469: Testing Modulus of Elasticity & Poisson’s Ratio (+ Recommended Equipment & Accessories)
• Machine Finder