By mixing with water, the cement becomes a paste with adhesive properties: for this reason, it is considered an hydraulic binder and properly defined as hydraulic cement. This paste is generally used as a binder with solid inert materials such as sand, gravel and small rocks to produce the mortar and to prepare different types of concrete (light, reinforced, pre-stressed concrete).

• Frames with a single measurement scale of 250, 300 or 500 kN, suitable for performing compression tests
• Frames with double measuring scale: 250, 300 or 500 kN for compression tests and 50 or 15 kN for bending tests
• Double chamber frames with two measuring scales independent of each other: 300 kN for compression tests and 15 kN for bending tests

These machines, equipped with appropriate accessories, are able to perform:

• bending tests on prisms measuring 40.1 x 40 x 160 mm with a 15 kN measurement scale (up to 25 kN on request)
• compression tests on portions of prism with dimensions 40.1 x 40 x 160 mm broken in flexion, cubes of side 40, 50, 70, 100 mm and 2 ”, cores with maximum height of 180 mm with the measurement scale to 300 kN

Cement Compression and Flexural Devices

These devices, designed specifically for different types of tests, are simple to use because it is sufficient to place them between the compression plates of the machine, without the need to add spacers.

The models meet the requirements of ISO, EN, ASTM, GOST, DIN, BS.

For mixing: mixers with different capacities, with the possibility of setting automatic cycles, with or without protections, in compliance with different regulations.

For forming specimens: steel molds of different sizes

For the compaction of the mixture: bedding that thanks to vibrations allow to homogenize the distribution of the aggregates and the powders inside the mixture

For seasoning: climate cabinets and thermostatic baths

Air content: porosimeters to determine the amount of air present in the fresh mixture according to ASTM or EN regulations

Lime yield: stainless steel extinguishing vessel with cavity insulated with rock wool

Workability and consistency of mixtures: motorized or manual shafts according to ASTM and EN standards

Stability of cement and lime: chatelier molds and tanks and steam baths to determine the expansion of the sample immersed in cold or boiling water

Blaine Air Permeability Apparatus

For the determination of the fineness of Portland cement it is possible to choose between three models with increasing degree of automation according to the needs of the user: manual permeabilimeter, digital permeabilimeter, automatic permeabilimeter.

Two models of cement samplers are available depending on their end use.The first model is used for sampling cement in storage or for shipment. The second is used for uniform sampling of cement from cement bags.

Compression, Flexural and Tensile Tests on Mortar Specimens

The range of machines for performing tests on concrete and mortar specimens also includes articles for carrying out tests at low loads.

UNITRONIC, in the 50 kN and 200 kN models, is able to test cements, steels, concretes, woods, plastics and materials for road pavements under automatic load or displacement / deformation control.

Stiffening and Correction Time, Workable Life or Repair Mortars

Lever Support (drill-holder type), complete with washer and penetration rod brass made, clamp and locking support.Used for the workable life and correction time of fresh mortar, and for the determination of stiffening time on products and systems for the protection and repair of concrete structures.

Determination of the Free Expansion in Plastic Period

Determination of the free expansion in plastic period and of the exudation quantity of the mixing water on expansion premixed mortars for anchorages, mixed with water.

Heat of Hydration in Cement

According to the EN and ASTM standards, Matest calorimeters allow to determine the heat of hydration thanks to the use of isolated containers and specific equipment capable of measuring the temperature increase in the mixture due to the chemical process of hydration.

• 40x40x160 mm: EN12617-4, EN12808-4, ASTM C348, UNI 6687, NF P15-433, DIN 1164
• 25x25x250 mm: ASTM C490
• 70x70x280 mm: NF P18-427
• 75x75x254 mm: BS 1881, 6073
• 50x50x200 mm: EN 1367-04

Autoclave

SOUNDNESS (EXPANSION) OF PORTLAND CEMENT

It consists of a high pressure boiler made from special alloy steel, inside dia. 154×430 mm high, receiving a holding rack for 10 cement specimens. The heating system is achieved by electric resistances.The separate control panel encloses a digital thermometerto visualize the boiler temperature, pressure gauge scale 0 – 600 psi with built in pressure regulator and power switches.

Steel moulds in compliance with ASTM and BS standards with two or three compartments, equipped with special pegs that allow the extraction of ready-made specimens to be tested with linear change gauges.

The Matest digital dynamometer allows to determine the adherence between two layers of different material such as resins, concretes, plasters, mortars etc.

The two versions with different capacities, 5 or 16 kN, are equipped with adjustable height feet to allow the use of the instrument even on uneven surfaces and provide a digitalized reading of the load gradient.

To measure the setting time of the mortar, Matest offers a wide selection of automatic or manual devices. For these devices, different models of penetration needles and molds are available in compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, EN and BS standards.

The test consists in performing different penetrations in the specimen during the period of time that goes from the forming inside the special mold to the hardening of the mixture.