Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Concrete

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Concrete

Part# AFCT2

 

Available Factory Direct

Email us for a quote

Category:

Simple

Measure the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Portland Cement Concrete easily using Pine’s system.  Select the desired test parameters.  Place the preconditioned specimen in a test fixture.  Place the specimen and the test fixture in the bath.  Then, run the test.  The computer controls the test and automatically saves the temperature, displacement, and time data.

Relevance

Concrete pavement designers use the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) of Portland Cement Concrete to account for the stresses caused by temperature changes experienced by the pavement structure.  The Mechanistic Empirical Design Guide specifies its use.

Productive

Because running AASHTO T 336 is time consuming, increase productivity by using the full capacity of the Pine system.  Test up to three concrete cylinders simultaneously to increase system throughput.

System Components

  • Water-bath
  • Heating/cooling circulator
  • Up to  three (3) specimen fixtures
  • Up to three (3) verification specimens
  • One (1) calibration specimen
  • Interface electronics
  • Temperature measurement instrumentation
  • Control software
  • A computer, typically provided by the user

Flexible

Pine’s system allows for alternative testing protocols because most of the test parameters are programmable.

Data

The system exports data via a Pine-provided Excel workbook.  Reports are formatted for AASHTO T 336 and TEX-428-A.

Standard/Compliance

AASHTO T 336

 

Brochure
Specifications
Features
Accessories
Verification/Calibration
Maintenance
FAQs
Contact Us

Power:

AFCT2:
100-240 VAC, 1 Amp, 60 Hz, 1 ph
Circulator:
115 VAC (±10%), 16.4 Amps, 60 Hz, 1ph
230 VAC (±10%), 12.5 Amps, 50 Hz, 1ph

Shipping Weight:

Approximately 136 kg (300 lbs)

Footprint:

Approximately 45″ D x 35″ W x 35.5″ H for the water-bath/circulator system
Allow additional space along the unit for an operator to load specimens.

Data Output:

Formatted Excel® Spreadsheet
Time, Temperature, Change in Length, and CTE Value

Water Bath:

838 mm length x 406 mm width x 889 mm high (33” x 16” x 35”)
Capacity:  68 liters / 18 gallons (holds up to three fixtures)

Circulator:

Temperature Range:
10° – 50°C (50°-122°F) with a resolution of ± 0.1°C
Performance:
Heating: 10° – 50° C ~3.5 hour
Cooling:  50° – 10° C ~2 hour

Specimen Size:

Diameter: 75 mm – 160 mm
Length: 177.8 mm (7.0”) ± 2.5 mm (± 0.1”) [175.3 mm – 180.3 mm] The system can handle 168 to 188-mm long specimens, but lengths outside of 175.3 to 180.3 mm require custom frame standards.

Specimen Fixture:

Corrosion resistant alloy with submersible LVDT

Verification Specimen:

304 Stainless Steel, 178.8 mm (7″) with ASTM E228 CTE

Calibration Specimen:

Titanium, 178.8 mm (7″) with ASTM E228 CTE

Input Parameters:

Specimen Length
Temperature Set Points
Equilibrium Requirement (i.e.: 0.00025mm/30 minutes)
Test Stop Criteria (i.e.: 0.3 micro-strain/°C)
Sample Identification

Data Acquisition:

Bath Temperature (4 channel)
Up to 3 Specimen Fixtures
Specimen Temperature (optional)

Minimum Computer Requirements:

1 GHz P4 or equivalent, 4 GB RAM, 10 MB Available HD Space
Microsoft® Windows® 11/10/8/7/XP SP3, 32-bit or 64-bit (English version required)
Microsoft® Excel® 2013 through 2021    ** Office 365 Excel is not supported at this time**
1024 x 768 minimum display resolution

Verification: 

  • Verification is used to maintain the traceability of a system and to determine when to recalibrate. If the machine response is in conformance, no correction is required and the system is considered calibrated.
  • Verify the transducer displacement calibration every 3 months.
  • Verify the Frame Correction Factor every 1 month.
  • Verify the lengths of the calibration and verification specimens annually.
  • Verify the system temperatures every month when the Frame Correction Factor is being verified.

Calibration:

Important Note:  If a measurement system (force, angle, height) is shown to be correct when verified, it is considered fully calibrated. It is preferable to not update a stable system’s calibration data if it is correct so that system stability can be observed over time.

Traceability:

  • The coefficient of thermal expansion of the titanium calibration specimen is traceable.  It is used to calibrate the transducer displacement (stroke) and the Frame Correction Factor.
  • The coefficient of thermal expansion of the 304 stainless steel verification specimen is traceable. It is used to verify the transducer displacement (stroke) and the Frame Correction Factor.
  • The temperature of the system, in the water bath and at the circulator, is calibrated using a traceable thermometer.

Part Number

Part Description

AFCTC05S3C
304 Stainless Steel Verification Standard, 7" with ASTM E228 CTE
AFCTC08TIC
Titanium Calibration Standard, 7.1"/7.0"/6.9" with ASTM E228 CTE

RAHTDT

Digital Thermometer: -50º to 150º C, 0.001ºC resolution, ± 0.05ºC accuracy

Part Number

Part Description

ACCTE07
Water Bath Temperature Probe (thru S/N 103201) mini-jack
ACCTE09
Submersible Transducer, ± 5 mm stroke

ACCTE16

Water Bath Temperature Probe (S/N 111801 and up)

AFCTS02F
CTE Frame with Transducer (specimen fixture) Note: The water bath has capacity for three frames and the operating system is designed to handle data from three specimens at one time. The system allows for one, two, or three tests to completed simultaneously.

AFCTX01

Specimen Temperature Data Acquisition Module (includes one EXT44034 specimen probe with 90" leads)

EXT44034

Specimen Temperature Probe

RCWP3

Computer to operate the AFTC2. Computer specifications are as follows: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor, Microsoft® Windows® 7, 19” Flat Panel Display, Keyboard, Mouse, Read/write CD, Ethernet network module, Microsoft® Office basic edition.

ACCTF27K

Replacement Anode Kit (3)

Cleaning:

  • A clean machine is vital to getting accurate test results.

Maintenance:

The transducer:

  • Clean the spring loaded shaft with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab on a weekly basis.
  • Polish the shaft with a Scotch-Brite™ Ultra Fine Abrasive Pad to remove any scaling.
  • Use a fine wire brush to ensure the vent hole on the transducer is clear.
  • Work the probe on the transducer in and out to ensure smooth operation.
  • Warning:  Do not use WD-40™ or other penetrating solvents on the transducer shaft.

Specimen Contact Points:

  • Polish the three specimen support buttons and the transducer ball tip with a Scotch-Brite™ Ultra Fine Abrasive Pad to remove any scaling.

Water Bath:

  • Change the water every 2-3 weeks to minimize the buildup of scale deposits.
  • Add Simple Green™ cleaner to the water bath on a yearly basis and circulate it to minimize calcium scaling in the circulator.
  • Remove any obstructions caught on the circulator screen before each use.

Lubrication:

  • Apply synthetic grease to the transducer’s shaft after it is cleaned each week.

What does one need to consider in choosing a location for this machine?

  • Select a sturdy, level, preferably concrete and ground level floor.
  • A nearby floor drain would be useful.
  • Stay away from other test machines that apply cyclical or impact loading.
  • Allow sufficient space around the machine to load and unload specimens from the water bath.

Does the length of the concrete specimen matter?

  • The specification requires a specimen length of 175 mm to 180 mm.
  • The frame correction factor should be recalculated using a calibration specimen of appropriate length if specimen length are outside this range.
  • Please prove you are human by selecting the Tree.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The User Interface:

A user interfaces with the AFCT2 system on a Windows® based computer system.

 

Test Data Storage:

The AFCT2 system stores the technician’s identity, comments entered regarding a specific test, the serial number of each fixture being used in the test, the correction factor for each fixture being used, the frame calibration standard serial number used to calibrate each fixture, the frame calibration standard’s CTE, the frame calibration date, the frame verification date, the identification of each specimen being tested, the height (length) of each specimen being tested, the date of each measurement, the time of each measurement, the temperature set point for each measurement, the temperature, the LVDT displacement for each LVDT,  on the Windows® system that runs it.  These files can be moved to different computers by standard means of file sharing.

 

Test Data Viewing:

The AFCT2 provides for data to be viewed in the form of a CTE Report or as raw data in Microsoft® Excel®.

The CTE Report workbook also allows a user to determine and see the thermal expansion coefficient based on the temperature transition slope of the Texas DOT method TEX-428-A.

 

Test Data Printing:

Test data and reports can be printed through the normal print functions of the computer being used.

 

Multiple Test Specimens:

The Pine AFCT2 has the capacity to determine the coefficient of thermal expansion of three (3) concrete specimens at one time.  The purchase of an AFCT2 unit includes the frame required to measure a single concrete specimen.  Additional test frames may be purchased from Pine.

  • Specifications

    Power:

    AFCT2:
    100-240 VAC, 1 Amp, 60 Hz, 1 ph
    Circulator:
    115 VAC (±10%), 16.4 Amps, 60 Hz, 1ph
    230 VAC (±10%), 12.5 Amps, 50 Hz, 1ph

    Shipping Weight:

    Approximately 136 kg (300 lbs)

    Footprint:

    Approximately 45″ D x 35″ W x 35.5″ H for the water-bath/circulator system
    Allow additional space along the unit for an operator to load specimens.

    Data Output:

    Formatted Excel® Spreadsheet
    Time, Temperature, Change in Length, and CTE Value

    Water Bath:

    838 mm length x 406 mm width x 889 mm high (33” x 16” x 35”)
    Capacity:  68 liters / 18 gallons (holds up to three fixtures)

    Circulator:

    Temperature Range:
    10° – 50°C (50°-122°F) with a resolution of ± 0.1°C
    Performance:
    Heating: 10° – 50° C ~3.5 hour
    Cooling:  50° – 10° C ~2 hour

    Specimen Size:

    Diameter: 75 mm – 160 mm
    Length: 177.8 mm (7.0”) ± 2.5 mm (± 0.1”) [175.3 mm – 180.3 mm] The system can handle 168 to 188-mm long specimens, but lengths outside of 175.3 to 180.3 mm require custom frame standards.

    Specimen Fixture:

    Corrosion resistant alloy with submersible LVDT

    Verification Specimen:

    304 Stainless Steel, 178.8 mm (7″) with ASTM E228 CTE

    Calibration Specimen:

    Titanium, 178.8 mm (7″) with ASTM E228 CTE

    Input Parameters:

    Specimen Length
    Temperature Set Points
    Equilibrium Requirement (i.e.: 0.00025mm/30 minutes)
    Test Stop Criteria (i.e.: 0.3 micro-strain/°C)
    Sample Identification

    Data Acquisition:

    Bath Temperature (4 channel)
    Up to 3 Specimen Fixtures
    Specimen Temperature (optional)

    Minimum Computer Requirements:

    1 GHz P4 or equivalent, 4 GB RAM, 10 MB Available HD Space
    Microsoft® Windows® 11/10/8/7/XP SP3, 32-bit or 64-bit (English version required)
    Microsoft® Excel® 2013 through 2021    ** Office 365 Excel is not supported at this time**
    1024 x 768 minimum display resolution

  • Features

    The User Interface:

    A user interfaces with the AFCT2 system on a Windows® based computer system.

     

    Test Data Storage:

    The AFCT2 system stores the technician’s identity, comments entered regarding a specific test, the serial number of each fixture being used in the test, the correction factor for each fixture being used, the frame calibration standard serial number used to calibrate each fixture, the frame calibration standard’s CTE, the frame calibration date, the frame verification date, the identification of each specimen being tested, the height (length) of each specimen being tested, the date of each measurement, the time of each measurement, the temperature set point for each measurement, the temperature, the LVDT displacement for each LVDT,  on the Windows® system that runs it.  These files can be moved to different computers by standard means of file sharing.

     

    Test Data Viewing:

    The AFCT2 provides for data to be viewed in the form of a CTE Report or as raw data in Microsoft® Excel®.

    The CTE Report workbook also allows a user to determine and see the thermal expansion coefficient based on the temperature transition slope of the Texas DOT method TEX-428-A.

     

    Test Data Printing:

    Test data and reports can be printed through the normal print functions of the computer being used.

     

    Multiple Test Specimens:

    The Pine AFCT2 has the capacity to determine the coefficient of thermal expansion of three (3) concrete specimens at one time.  The purchase of an AFCT2 unit includes the frame required to measure a single concrete specimen.  Additional test frames may be purchased from Pine.

  • Accessories

    Part Number

    Part Description

    ACCTE07
    Water Bath Temperature Probe (thru S/N 103201) mini-jack
    ACCTE09
    Submersible Transducer, ± 5 mm stroke

    ACCTE16

    Water Bath Temperature Probe (S/N 111801 and up)

    AFCTS02F
    CTE Frame with Transducer (specimen fixture) Note: The water bath has capacity for three frames and the operating system is designed to handle data from three specimens at one time. The system allows for one, two, or three tests to completed simultaneously.

    AFCTX01

    Specimen Temperature Data Acquisition Module (includes one EXT44034 specimen probe with 90" leads)

    EXT44034

    Specimen Temperature Probe

    RCWP3

    Computer to operate the AFTC2. Computer specifications are as follows: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor, Microsoft® Windows® 7, 19” Flat Panel Display, Keyboard, Mouse, Read/write CD, Ethernet network module, Microsoft® Office basic edition.

    ACCTF27K

    Replacement Anode Kit (3)

  • Verification/Calibration

    Verification: 

    • Verification is used to maintain the traceability of a system and to determine when to recalibrate. If the machine response is in conformance, no correction is required and the system is considered calibrated.
    • Verify the transducer displacement calibration every 3 months.
    • Verify the Frame Correction Factor every 1 month.
    • Verify the lengths of the calibration and verification specimens annually.
    • Verify the system temperatures every month when the Frame Correction Factor is being verified.

    Calibration:

    Important Note:  If a measurement system (force, angle, height) is shown to be correct when verified, it is considered fully calibrated. It is preferable to not update a stable system’s calibration data if it is correct so that system stability can be observed over time.

    Traceability:

    • The coefficient of thermal expansion of the titanium calibration specimen is traceable.  It is used to calibrate the transducer displacement (stroke) and the Frame Correction Factor.
    • The coefficient of thermal expansion of the 304 stainless steel verification specimen is traceable. It is used to verify the transducer displacement (stroke) and the Frame Correction Factor.
    • The temperature of the system, in the water bath and at the circulator, is calibrated using a traceable thermometer.

    Part Number

    Part Description

    AFCTC05S3C
    304 Stainless Steel Verification Standard, 7" with ASTM E228 CTE
    AFCTC08TIC
    Titanium Calibration Standard, 7.1"/7.0"/6.9" with ASTM E228 CTE

    RAHTDT

    Digital Thermometer: -50º to 150º C, 0.001ºC resolution, ± 0.05ºC accuracy

  • Maintenance

    Cleaning:

    • A clean machine is vital to getting accurate test results.

    *Maintenance:*

    The transducer:

    • Clean the spring loaded shaft with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab on a weekly basis.
    • Polish the shaft with a Scotch-Brite™ Ultra Fine Abrasive Pad to remove any scaling.
    • Use a fine wire brush to ensure the vent hole on the transducer is clear.
    • Work the probe on the transducer in and out to ensure smooth operation.
    • Warning:  Do not use WD-40™ or other penetrating solvents on the transducer shaft.

    Specimen Contact Points:

    • Polish the three specimen support buttons and the transducer ball tip with a Scotch-Brite™ Ultra Fine Abrasive Pad to remove any scaling.

    Water Bath:

    • Change the water every 2-3 weeks to minimize the buildup of scale deposits.
    • Add Simple Green™ cleaner to the water bath on a yearly basis and circulate it to minimize calcium scaling in the circulator.
    • Remove any obstructions caught on the circulator screen before each use.

    Lubrication:

    • Apply synthetic grease to the transducer’s shaft after it is cleaned each week.

  • FAQs

    What does one need to consider in choosing a location for this machine?

    • Select a sturdy, level, preferably concrete and ground level floor.
    • A nearby floor drain would be useful.
    • Stay away from other test machines that apply cyclical or impact loading.
    • Allow sufficient space around the machine to load and unload specimens from the water bath.

    Does the length of the concrete specimen matter?

    • The specification requires a specimen length of 175 mm to 180 mm.
    • The frame correction factor should be recalculated using a calibration specimen of appropriate length if specimen length are outside this range.

  • Contact Us

    • Please prove you are human by selecting the Plane.
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
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