CT Lab Key Facilities

We have categorized the facilities in our Laboratory into 4 sub categories, namely Destructive Testing, Non-Destructive Testing, Materials Testing and the Workshop.

200-Tonne Dynamic Testing Frame This system is a 2000kN servo-controlled hydraulic actuator unit that is capable of conducting 2000kN compression and 1500kN tension loading test. It is driven by a controller that is linked to a computer. The software is capable of controlling and monitoring load and the external sensors.
500-Tonne Dynamic Universal Testing Frame A hydraulic powered facility which comprises a frame and a control panel with measuring and control instruments. For a higher requirement in the lateral stiffness, this frame is designed in four columns instead of two-columns. Capability: Compression (5000 kN), Tension (2000 kN) Stroke: 500 mm Control/Measurement Mode: Load, Position and Strain
500-Tonne High-Stiffness Servo Controlled Compression Testing Frame This system is a servo-controlled hydraulic actuator unit that is capable of conducting 5000kN compression test. It is driven by a controller that is linked a computer. The software is capable of controlling and monitoring load and external sensors connected.
500-Tonne Servo Controlled Horizontal Actuator Test Rig Enhanced with Heating Furnace This horizontal test rig houses a 500 Tonne servo-hydraulic actuator unit that is capable conducting 5000kN compression and tension on specimen connected horizontally. It is driven by a controller that is linked to a computer. The software is capable of controlling and monitoring load and external sensors.
100-Tonne Static Test Frame Four sets of test frames can be configured to test specimens up to a maximum load of 100 Tonne. The frames are mounted with manually operated hydraulic jacks. Load cells, transducers, dataloggers and computers are used in the setup to capture load and deformations on specimens under test.
200-Tonne Multi-Axis Static Testing Frame The test frame is equipped with 5 nos. of 2000 kN servo-hydraulic actuators mounted in a North, South, East, West and 45° incline position which enables testing of various configurations of tubular specimens.
25-Tonne Multi-Axis Dynamic Testing Frame Our 25 tonne multi-axis dynamic testing frame is used to simulate fatigue of structural connections. It is possible to mount T-joint, K-joint and also Y-joint specimens. The three dynamic actuators that are mounted on the frame enables testing in the X, Y and Z axis. Capacity: 1 x 100 kN, 2 x 250 kN Stroke: ± 125 mm Servo-valve: 120 l/min
Hopkinson Bar Testing Machine

Capo / Lok Test For this test, insert discs are placed in the concrete and subsequently extracted out of the concrete with the hydraulically operated pull out test machine to determine the breaking force. For testing on hardened concrete, special preparation kit is used to place the insert discs.
Rebound Hammer The instrument, also named as Rebound Hammer is used for quick measurement of the quality and compressive strength of concrete. It meets the testing standard BS1881; ASTMC805.
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Tester An Ultrasonic device commonly used for crack & void detection, measurement of layer thickness and elastic modulus, uniformity & deterioration of concrete. Low frequency pulses are passed between the two transducers placed at the end of the specimen being tested and time taken measured to determine the velocity of the pulses through the specimen. The strength of the specimen is then read off from a chart.
Crack Measuring Microscope Crack measuring microscope is specially designed for measuring crack width in concrete. This high definition microscope operates via adjustable light source provided by high-power batteries.
Pull Off Test This instrument is used for determining the bond strength of a variety of materials including concrete, screeds, repair mortar and epoxy resin coating. It may also be used to measure the strength of adhesive.
Windsor Probe Windsor probe is a portable instrument used for determining the resistance of hardened concrete to penetration by a steel probe. The probe is fired into the surface of the concrete and the depth of penetration being measured. Strength estimation of concrete is obtained where penetration depth can be calibrated against the compressive strength.
Rebar Locator, Profometer & Covermeter These instruments consist of electromagnetic cover devices used for determining the position and direction of reinforcement bars. These instruments give precise measurements of the concrete cover and estimation of the rebar size.

150-Tonne Dynamic Testing Machine This system is a 2000kN servo-controlled hydraulic actuator unit that is capable of conducting 2000kN compression and 1500kN tension loading test. It is driven by a controller that is linked to a computer. The software is capable of controlling and monitoring load and the external sensors.
15-Tonne UTM with 3-zone heating furnace
Concrete Water Penetration Apparatus This apparatus is used for determining the depth of penetration of water under pressure. The water under controlled pressure is applied to the surface of the concrete specimen and the readings obtain through the graduated glass burettes mounted on the front panel after the test.
Compression Machine The Laboratory houses 2 unit of Compression machine, 2000kN and 3000kN respectively. These digital controlled machines allow the user to set the rate of loading according to the loading requirements. It is commonly used for testing cubes and cylinders.
Mercury Porosimetry Testing Machine AutoPore III series of mercury porosimeters characterize a material's porosity by applying various levels of pressure to a sample immersed in mercury. Mercury does not wet most substances and will not spontaneously penetrate pores by capillary action. Pressure is required to intrude mercury into the sample's pores. The Washburn equation states that the pressure required to cause mercury to enter a pore increases (inversely) as the pore opening's diameter becomes smaller. Advantages of using mercury porosimetry to determine pore size distributions over other methods include speed, accuracy, and the ability to perform analysis on a wide variety of materials. Total pore volume and area from 360 to 0.003 µm in diameter, median and average pore diameters, and bulk and apparent density can all be determined with a AutoPore III series instrument.
Corrosion Testing Equipment

Concrete Coring Machine Concrete and Steel Grinders Concrete Cutting Machine Wood Cutting Machine Sand Blaster Bar cutter	Lathe Machine Milling Machine Drilling Machine Metal Shear Machine Welding Machine Miscellaneous
The laboratory has a workshop that is fully equipped with the above-mentioned facilities to aid in the fabrication of jigs, specimens, modifications or even repair work. Staff and students alike would consult our technicians for advice regarding the work that would be required.