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"ROBINSON TYPE" TESTING
Duplicating conditions as defined by ASTM C627-93. By driving a series of casters of defined specification along a circular path, the test floor is subjected to varying dynamic floor loads, in 50 lb. /wheel increments. The load is applied in the center, the design ensures that each wheel is loaded equally, with the precise load as specified. At its maximum, a total load of 900 lb. can be applied |
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SUSPENDED FLOOR TESTING
With the wheels driven from above, The design of the machine allows for the testing of suspended floors in order to observe the effect a "Robinson type" test may have on a more reality based environment by testing a long span floor. The span of the floor is only limited by the available space on either side of the machine. This test allows to measure deflections in floor assemblies, swing and torsion in joists etc. adjustable side guards, allow for a safe test environment, even when testing "Long-Span" Floors. |
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CRACK TEST BED
The table of the machine is capable of duplicating a crack in the concrete base, along a predetermined path of defined size at a predetermined speed, in order to observe the effects this may have on the floor assembly. The steel base of the machine is split into 2 half’s, able to move relative to each other. An interlocking feature which engages in the concrete forces the test slab to fracture. Recently, Industry developed Membranes, designed to absorb and stop cracks in the concrete from propagating to the tile installation. This Feature is able to recreate a crack and thereby observe the effectiveness of anti-fracture membranes and adhesives. Not only can we create a crack, we can also simulate cyclic movements, such as expansion and contractions normally caused by temperature fluctuations. |
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LOAD SELECTION FEATURE
Designed with operator ease in mind, all the weights are permanently loaded on the machine. Weight sections can be activated or deactivated by lifting or lowering the motorized drive shaft. The principle is somewhat similar to weight selection in fitness equipment. The design of the weights ensures equal weight distribution over the 3 casters. With a single operation the machine will automatically align the main shaft and position the lifting head in the correct aligned position by sensing the test surface to allow easy pin placement for weight selection. |
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WEIGHT LOCATORS
The Weight locators ensure correct positioning of the weights in relation to each other and the drive shaft. Located directly above the caster arms, the function of the Weight Transfer Boss is to transfer the weight in equal portions to the carriage so that the total weight gets distributed in equal portions to each caster. During normal operation the location pins stay permanently engaged even though the weights suspended of the shaft and the weights acting on the floor separated. this ensures, a smooth, shock free, changing of weights, with minimal operator intervention. |
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ARTICULATED COUPLING
The Spherical contact coupling used between the DRIVE SHAFT and CARRIAGE ensures that constant wheel pressure is maintained on the floor. This articulating coupling has a spherical contact in addition to being mounted on a suspension system to allow for angular misalignment due to uneven floors. Thus ensuring the carriage and wheels float freely and unrestricted by the drive system. |
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WHEEL CHANGE SYSTEM
The various types of casters defined in the test protocol are mounted on a quick change adapter, allowing for speedy wheel changes without the use of tools. The wheel assembly is held in place by a secure hitch pin. |
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ACCESSIBILITY
Weights, Carriage and Wheels can be lifted by the motorized drive shaft allowing free access to the test area. with the guard in the upper position, the wheels can only be rotated by hand. For safety reasons, the safety cage must be engaged for the wheel cycle to function. |
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SIMPLIFIED TABLE BASE
The Picture on the left shows the Steel base of the machine. Except for the Raised boss running along the width of the table, the surfaces are smooth. The raised area in the middle, separate the "fixed" and the "movable" portions. The concrete is cast in a female version of this shape for engagement with the steel base. It is this lip in the center which separates, thereby cracking the concrete. |
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DIRECT CRACK POSITION MEASUREMENT
A high precision absolute measurement device (LVDT) is installed in close proximity to where the crack will propagate. This direct measurement provides real position information of the steel base acting on the concrete slab. This measurement is not being affected by mechanical backlash and allows arbitrary gap position selection via the touch screen in both directions. |
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COUNTER-BALANCED SAFETY CAGE
The Safety cage is balanced for minimal effort by the operator. |
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TOUCH SCREEN
The machine is controlled via touch screen. a selector switches between manual and automatic mode. the screen shows both, inputs and progress data |
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PLUG AND PLAY
The Machine is designed to work with worldwide commonly available Single Phase power. it works in a range between 208-240 Volt 20A and with either 50 or 60 Hz Frequency. For use in North America, we supply the machine with a NEMA L6-20 (twist lock) Plug. This electrical supply flexibility is achieved by controlling all the motor speeds with VFD's (Variable Frequency drives) For use in exotic locations, it would be prudent to contact us for verification. |