This specification provides minimum design standards for testing machines used to measure the compressive strength of concrete masonry units, related units, and masonry prisms covered under Test Methods C140 and C1314. Testing machine requirements cover requirements for machine loading; gauges and displays; accuracy; load frame; plates, blocks, and platens; spacers; hemispherical head design; lower platen design; prescriptive design requirements for blocks and platens; and prescriptive design for deflection under load.

1.1 This specification provides minimum design standards for testing machines used to measure the compressive strength of concrete masonry units, related units, and masonry prisms covered under Test Methods C140 and C1314.

1.2 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.

1.3 This specification shall be used to determine the maximum allowable specimen size and the maximum allowable load limits on a specific specimen for any test machine. These limits are based on deflection of the bearing surfaces and the machine load frame. These limits may not reflect the actual capacity of the machine and do not supersede the machine manufacturer’s recommended operational limits. The user must determine if testing machine capacities, allowable specimen size and maximum allowable load are appropriate for the sample to be tested.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.