IPC Global - Pavement Materials Testing

The UTM-5P (Universal Testing Machine – 5 kN, Pneumatic) is the smallest and most popular of our series of Universal Testing Machines. By coupling recent developments in pneumatic control valves with digital control technology, we have produced a new testing machine that equals and even exceeds the performance of many electro-hydraulic testing machines; but at a fraction of their price. The UTM-10P and UTM-14P are virtually the same machine fitted with a 10kN and 14 kN pneumatic actuator and a larger capacity load cell.

In addition to a wide range of paving materials, the UTM-5P is an ideal testing machine for many industrial and research applications including; metals, fibres, plastics, packaging, etc..

A range of transducers, specimen loading jigs and application software (mostly Windows-based) is available for various standard, general purpose and user programmable tests. These include: ASTM D4123, ASTM D3497, AASHTO T294/SHRP P46, SHRP M009, BS 598, AS 2891.12.1, AS 2891.13.1 and AS 1289.6.8.1. Software is also available to meet a number of draft British Standard test methods.

For a better resolution picture click on photo


	Pavement Materials Testing


	SPT (Simple Performance Tester) The IPC Simple Performance Tester (SPT) is a fully integrated package comprising a triaxial cell, environmental chamber, hydraulic actuator and pump, a refrigeration and heating unit with heat exchanger and a control and data acquisition system. The triaxial test cell is mounted on the top left of the unit. There is space for the operators PC on the top at the right hand side if required, or it can be remotely located. A quiet (built-in) hydraulic pump provides pressure for the vertical loading system. Compressed air is used for confining pressure and to raise and lower the triaxial cell. For a better resolution picture click on photo or watch video demonstation (6MB) The most important feature of any such test equipment is the chamber in which the test sample is confined and evaluated. IPC employs a highly modified geotechnical triaxial cell, which doubles as an environmental chamber. The test cell allows viewing of the sample at all times during a test without the need for special lighting or illumination. Prior to installation in the test cell, samples are fitted with three surface mounted transducers. The triaxial cell itself is raised and lowered by an inbuilt control system, which meets required operator safety standards. This is the same automated system which IPC has employed for several years in our more complex equipment and avoids the need for the operator to dismantle and move the heavy cell assembly when changing test specimens. The temperature of the confining medium (re-circulated air) is regulated by a heat exchanger assembly and controlled by a temperature sensor within the cell. Thermal equilibrium can be obtained within a three-minute time limit. The SPT has been designed to be rugged and easy to use, ideally suited to withstand the operating environment of contractors’ facilities. It has a minimum number of external controls and is based on a set of specifications making it affordable and suitable for use by State Departments of Transport and the wide range of contractors associated and working within the industry. IPC’s world leading “Windows” based operational and analytical software has provided the basis for the design of the computerised test procedures and analysis. Inputs derived from the transducers are analysed and processed to provide the practical and operational test results required at contractor and industry level.

	5 kN, 10kN and 14 kN Universal Testing Machines (UTM-5P, UTM-10P and UTM-14P) The UTM-5P (Universal Testing Machine – 5 kN, Pneumatic) is the smallest and most popular of our series of Universal Testing Machines. By coupling recent developments in pneumatic control valves with digital control technology, we have produced a new testing machine that equals and even exceeds the performance of many electro-hydraulic testing machines; but at a fraction of their price. The UTM-10P and UTM-14P are virtually the same machine fitted with a 10kN and 14 kN pneumatic actuator and a larger capacity load cell. In addition to a wide range of paving materials, the UTM-5P is an ideal testing machine for many industrial and research applications including; metals, fibres, plastics, packaging, etc.. A range of transducers, specimen loading jigs and application software (mostly Windows-based) is available for various standard, general purpose and user programmable tests. These include: ASTM D4123, ASTM D3497, AASHTO T294/SHRP P46, SHRP M009, BS 598, AS 2891.12.1, AS 2891.13.1 and AS 1289.6.8.1. Software is also available to meet a number of draft British Standard test methods. For a better resolution picture click on photo

	Beam Fatigue Apparatus The Beam Fatigue Apparatus is a stand-alone system for four-point fatigue life testing of asphalt beams subjected to repeated flexural bending. The cradle mechanism allows for free translation and rotation of the clamps and. Pneumatic actuators at either end of the cradle center the beam laterally and clamp it. Servo-motor driven clamps secure the beam at four points with a pre-determined clamping force. Haversine loading is applied to the beam via the built-in digital servo-controlled pneumatic actuator. The innovative "floating" on-specimen transducer measures and controls the true beam deflection irrespective of loading frame compliance. Software has been developed to automatically perform the various standards including: EN12697-24 Annex D, EN12697-26 Annex B, prEN13108-20 Annex D, AASHTO T321, AST 03. At frequencies up to 20Hz. The latest Windows-based software allows for both controlled strain and controlled stress loading. For a better resolution picture click on photo

	Beam Fatigue Apparatus - Jig Only IPC Global has recently developed a Beam Fatigue Test jig for use directly with our UTM load frames. This is particularly pertinent to owners of hydraulic systems where it has not previously been possible to use the same CDAS (Control and Data Acquisition System) as the UTM. This enables the user to utilize the existing CDAS, as well as the load frame, actuator, servo valve, load cell, and displacement transducer of their existing testing system, thus giving a lower cost option than to purchase a stand-alone BFA system

	Servo-Hydraulic Four Point Bending Apparatus The new Servo hydraulic Four Point Bending Apparatus is a compact all-in-one testing machine for testing asphalt beams. It comprises an electrically powered hydraulic loading system, a beam cradle, an environmental chamber, IMACS (Integrated Multi-Axis Control System) data acquisition and control system and Windows application software. Complies with the following standards: EN12697-24 Annex D*, EN12697-26 Annex B, prEN13108-20 Annex D, AASHTO T321, AST 03. The latest Windows-based software allows for both controlled strain and controlled stress loading. For a better resolution picture click on photo

	25 kN Universal Testing Machine (UTM-25) This versatile machine is based on a 25 kN capacity hydraulically-driven load-frame and was designed to meet the needs of laboratories wishing to carry out a range of tests on either bound or unbound pavement construction materials. An integrated control and data acquisition system (CDAS) provides accurate force or displacement waveform generation and control and enables automatic sequencing of test procedures. Windows-based PC software provides a user-friendly interface with the system. A temperature cabinet designed specifically for the UTM-25 provides adequate space for the load frame, a wide range jigs and fixtures for various specimen dimensions, and room to spare for specimen conditioning. To minimise the lab floor-space required heating and cooling is built into the base of the cabinet. Facilities are also provided to introduce liquid nitrogen, where lower temperature operation is required. For a higher resolution picture showing the 25 kN load-frame with hydraulic actuator, mounted in a -15 to +60ºC temperature cabinet, click on photo or

	100 kN Universal Testing Machine (UTM-100) This versatile machine is based on a 100 kN capacity hydraulically-driven load-frame and was designed to meet the needs of laboratories wishing to carry out a range of tests on either bound or unbound pavement construction materials. For a higher resolution picture showing the 100 kN load-frame with hydraulic actuator, mounted in a -15 to +100ºC temperature cabinet, click on photo. An integrated control and data acquisition system (CDAS) provides accurate force or displacement waveform generation and control and enables automatic sequencing of test procedures. Windows-based PC software provides a user-friendly interface with the system. A temperature cabinet designed specifically for the UTM-100 provides adequate space for the load frame, a wide range jigs and fixtures for various specimen dimensions, and room to spare for specimen conditioning. To minimise the lab floor-space required heating and cooling is built into the base of the cabinet. Facilities are also provided to introduce liquid nitrogen, where lower temperature operation is required. For a better resolution picture click on photo

	Rapid Triaxial Testing Cell (RaTT) Most pavement structural models in use today are, or were developed, with the expectation that triaxial testing data would be used to provide the input for the material properties in the structural model. The triaxial test has been used with notable success in the field of geotechnical engineering for applications such as earthquake and tunnel modeling as well as for pavements. For a better resolution picture click on photo. The IPC triaxial cell uses a larger diameter confining cylinder around the specimen, fitted with an internal rubber membrane that can be inflated to apply confining pressure to the specimen. The system provides automated control of cell movement to simplify specimen handling, and computer control of both confining and axial stress, together with instrumentation for vertical and horizontal strains and temperature. The machine is designed to apply a constant confining pressure and a sinusoidal vertical loading at various frequencies. However, the machine is also capable of controlling the confining pressure at other than constant levels such as would be required for hydrostatic compression testing. Because the apparatus can perform tests at multiple frequencies as well as multiple stress states, it can be used for both QC/QA and mixture design and analysis. This capability enables the machine to quantify not only time-dependent response, but also stress-dependent response of the material, two features that are required for flexible pavement materials characterisation. To view a higher resolution picture of a RaTT cell installed in a 25 kN load-frame fitted with a pneumatic actuator, and mounted in a -15 to +60ºC temperature cabinet (186k) click here or on photo.

	UTS Software: IPC has released several Windows-based software tests for asphalt and unbound pavement materials, including:; - 5-pulse repeated Indirect Tensile Test, - Dynamic Creep Test, - Dynamic Modulus Test - 4-point Beam Fatigue Test. For a better resolution picture click on photos. This software is available for all UTM-Series equipment, and further Windows-based tests are being added to the library on an on-going basis.

	NCAT Binder Ignition Oven IPC Global is the sole agent in Australia and New Zealand for the Barnstead Thermolyne Binder Ignition Oven (Asphalt Content Furnace). Barnstead International and the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) have developed an environmentally friendly and cost effective method for determining asphalt content to aid in the manufacture of a consistent, high quality, and economical asphalt product. The NCAT Binder Ignition Oven has set the standard for the industry in the determination of asphalt content by the ignition method. The binder ignition oven is equipped with an internal balance and printer for ease of use and accurate results. Whether you are involved in research, quality assurance or quality control, the NCAT Binder Ignition Oven will provide you with a fast, accurate, environmentally friendly, and cost effective method of determining asphalt content. For a better resolution picture click on photo.

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