Construction Laboratory Equipment Test

Construction laboratory is a vital part of modern life that helps ensure the safest construction and maintain optimum quality. In this case, the laboratory needs to perform a wide variety of tests, and analysis on construction materials to determine their strength in several points. Whether you are planning to establish a construction lab or want to upgrade, you should have at least basic knowledge of various laboratory equipment tests.  

Hence we’ve discussed on 7 most common yet handy laboratory testing equipment in the article for your better understanding before purchasing. 

Material Testing Lab Equipment Type

We need to test, measure, and assess different types of metals, cement, plastics, and other materials in the lab to understand their specific characteristics and properties. In this case, the laboratory uses a variety of testing equipment and performs every test under strict condition to calculate their reaction under various monitored situations. 

However, the material testing laboratory equipment they use is made of high-quality material, which resists corrosion and provides a reliable result. The laboratory testing equipment also uses efficient techniques to figure out the effects of heat on materials. 

Laboratory Equipment for Lab Test

Below is some most common lab testing equipment often use to test and analyze various construction materials:

• Vacuum Degassing Oven

The VDO (Vacuum Degassing Oven) is particularly intended to take the bubbles out that are created during the accelerated oxidative aging of the asphalt binder. This laboratory testing equipment is also suitable for a variety of tests including penetration, ductility, BBR, DSR, softening point, and many more.

• Tensile Testing Machine

Also known as a tensile testing machine or tensile tester, the tensile testing machine is usually used to determine the deformation behavior and strength of materials up to the fracture point. However, it needs to choose the right tensile testing machine based on the material need to taste and the standards will have to follow.

• Analog Tensile Testing Machine

The analog tensile testing machine is used to perform compression, tensile, shear test, and bending on a wide variety of materials. This lab equipment can test the materials both in the form of test pieces and finished products. Many laboratory operators also perform hardness tests on metals using this laboratory testing equipment. 

• Portable Hardness Tester

The portable hardness tester is quite opposite to the bench hardness testers as comes in a lightweight and compact size. This compact device measures the hardness by multiple hardness scales. In general latest portable hardness testers can calculate the hardness of whole hardness scales.

This laboratory testing equipment is also used to check round and flat structural pieces in the construction field. The Bickers test is a great example of a harness test of a welding joint. This particular test uses a square pyramid-shaped diamond intender and its loading capacity ranges from 1 to 120 kg.

• Impact Testing Machine

This laboratory testing machine is used to measure the resistance of a component or material to a rapid load under various temperature conditions. Depending on the material you are planning to test, you may need to decide between drop-weight impact testers and pendulum impact testers to match the preferred type of test data and end-use application needs. 

According to the name suggests, specimens are either hit by a falling weight or struck by a swinging pendulum. 

In each case, you may need to pre-define the drop weight, the striking hammer type, the weight, or the equipment that impacts the specimen. After that, the machine needs to be set up consequently. 

• Spring Testing Machine

The spring testing machine allows for performing load deflection tests of compression and tension in the lab quickly and accurately. Its cabinet has a hydraulic unit, release valve handle, and hand wheel pump for easier operation. 

Its base carrier consists of four horizontal plates and two upright whereas the first and third plates have two small upright and connected to adjustable frames. On the other hand, the second and fourth plates remain fixed. This lab testing equipment also has square threaded wheel arrangements that help adjust the height of the spring as required.

Its bourdon-type gauge remains fixed for direct measurements. The spring testing machine also has one fixed upright that is regulated to denote the tension or deflections of the springs for direct readings. 

The machine also has a thimble with an arrow mark that makes reading easy. The spring testing machine usually holds 8″ length 1/2″ dia and up to 4″ dia. springs for tension. In addition, it can hold a 6″ length 1/2″ dia. rod, and 4″ springs for compression. 

• Portable Rockwell Hardness Tester

The portable Rockwell hardness tester is handy lab equipment for measuring larger pieces, particularly those that are difficult to move. This laboratory testing machine uses a high load of up to 1000 kg during the measurement while avoiding the effect of the surface state. 

Conclusion

There is a wide range of categories of lab testing equipment under each head that suits the specific purpose.  This laboratory testing equipment also varies in size, capacity, and price. So once you’ve got a basic idea of a laboratory equipment test, determine the capacity of the tool require for your lab and fix the budget. Lastly, if the budget is the issue, make a list of higher priorities to lower and start purchasing one by one.