Digitized testing of hollow-core elements in accordance with: NS-EN1168:2005+A3:2011
When starting up production of hollow-core elements, several tests has to be done and cleared before the elements can be utilized in construction projects. Since there were no effective setup made to complete these tests, we’ve decided to take matters into our own hands.
The result was a one of a kind testing rig in Norway.
Why we developed our testing rig
There are strict regulations and requirements for producing and testing hollow-core elements. If the mixing ratio or construction method of the hollow-core element is changed in any way, new tests has to be performed and approved.
When Helgeland Betong wanted to optimize their products, we had to perform new tests on all our altered products. When examining the current rules and regulations about testing our products, we concluded that manually-controlled testing was not a good solution. In addition, performing tests off-site would prove to be a costly endeavour. Our solution was innovation.
Development
In short, current testing requirements demands exposing the hollow-core elements to different levels of loads, in a sequential manner. The load on the hollow-core element is gradually increased until it cracks. It was clear that in order to achieve detailed and comparable results, the testing process would have to be automated.
Our analogue pressure plate was therfore equipped with a digital control interface. A new software was developed to handle the test, and analysing and storing the results from the tests. The testing rig is now controlled digitally, with an integrated hydraulic unit. Every setting and adjustment is easily done on a touchscreen, and all results can be sent out digitally with a standardized post-test document.
Our first of its kind digital testing rig was approved by Kontrollrådet (The Norwegian construction certification council).
Contributors
During development of our new testing rig, we’ve had help from several contributors to assist us with their expertise.
- During this project, we’ve had good help from Multiconsult. Together with Magne Lysberg is Arcon, they’ve contributed with calcuations of applied strength on the hollow-core elements for the testing rig.
- Wiggo Brattland at Helgeland Betong initiated the project. By getting acquainted with the hollow-core element standard, could Wiggo define exactly what the computer software needed to perform.
- Software development was done by Goodtech.
- Miras AS provided the hydraulic control and unit.
- Adjustment and control of the digitized values of the hydraulic pressure was done by Siemens.
- Kontrollrådet has inspected and approved the actual construction of the testing rig. They have also stated that there is a correspondence between the stated values of the press and actual values.
Using the testing rig
Con-Form Bergen is a newly established manufacturer of hollow-core elements that was looking for a solution to carry out a full-scale test of their elements. They chose to use Helgeland Betong and the newly developed testing rig to get their hollow-core elements approved.
“Helgeland Betong løste testingen på en god måte der vi underveis var trygg på at våre elementer ble testet av folk med kunnskap og utstyr, slik at vi i en oppstartfase ikke trengte å tilegne oss kunnskapen og ikke minst investeringen av testutstyret selv.
Rapporten vi mottok etter utført test var tilfredsstillende og dekket gitte krav som ligger til grunn for testen.”
Stian Hjellestad – Production manager, Con-Form Bergen AS
Increased utility value
In the time ahead, we believe that many will have to test their hollow-core elements as new environmental requirements become applicable. And there are still few providers of this service out in the market. With our new, automated hollow-core element press, we can now offer efficient, accurate and affordable testing of hollow-core elements for all factories and other industry players that need it.
Do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll gladly provide information about our testing procedure with our new testing rig.
Questions? Have a non-committal chat with us.
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