CE 106 Construction Materials and Testing Module No.

c CHAPTER 7

UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE

OVERVIEW

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this module, you will be able to;

1. Understand the concept of Engineering Materials

2. Recognize the importance of different kinds of Construction Materials

DEFINITION

What is a Universal Testing Machine?

The Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is named as such because it is a great multi-purpose
instrument that can perform many different varieties of tests on an equally diverse range of material,
components, and structures.

A Universal testing machine (UTM) is used to test the mechanical properties (tension,
compression etc.) of a given test specimen by exerting tensile, compressive, or transverse stresses.
The machine has been named so because of the wide range of tests it can perform on different
kinds of materials. Different tests like flexural test, tension test, bend test, friction test, spring test etc.
can be performed with the help of UTM.

The term ‘universal’ generally means that it is versatile enough that it can be used in all
applications. It means that our machines can be easily modified to fit the unique testing needs and
requirements of your company.

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CE 106 Construction Materials and Testing Module No.7

The versatility of our Universal Testing Machines allows you to select the maximum force, the testing
space, and the type of accessories that you need for your different tests. These testing machines
can be modified to fit any application. As your testing needs change, the Universal Testing Machine
can change with you.

TWO TYPES OF UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE:

Single-Column UTM Machines

The loading capacity of these machines may vary from a few

grams to roughly 500 kilograms, and they are commonly used on a
tabletop. The vast majority of column machines are electrically
powered and controlled by means of a miniature servo-electric
motor.

Double-Column UTM Machines

Due to its unique construction, a dual-column UTM

machine is sometimes known as an H frame. The H frame
design is so sturdy that it was used to create the first
universal testing equipment. In terms of weight, these
devices can handle anything from 500 to well over 100,000
kg.
Electrical or servo-hydraulic mechanisms may power
double-column UTMs. Extremely rigorous experiments of
structural materials in production settings are often best
accomplished using hydraulic equipment. The speed and
stroke length of electro-mechanical machines may be
adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of experiments,
making them ideal for use in research and development
settings.

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CE 106 Construction Materials and Testing Module No.7

PARTS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE

A universal testing machine consists of two main parts:

1. LOADING UNIT
2. CONTROL UNIT

The arrangement of the test specimen and the exertion of the load is held in the loading unit. The
variations in the application of the load and the corresponding test result are obtained from
the control unit.

1. LOADING UNIT

 Within the loading unit, both the configuration of the test sample and the application of the
load are maintained. The following items make up the various parts of a UTM loading unit.

2. CONTROL UNIT

 The control unit is the source of the information used to determine the changes in the load
application and the related test result. The following are the primary elements that make up
the control unit of a universal testing machine:

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CE 106 Construction Materials and Testing Module No.7

PARTS FUNCTIONS
Upper Crosshead  Topmost part of the UTM.
 It is fixed.
Upper Grip  Used to grip the upper end of the
sample.
Screw  Used to adjust the position of the lower
crosshead
Lower Grip  Used to grip the lower end of the
sample.
 Together with the lower crosshead, it
moves downward during tensile and
peel/adhesive test.
Column  Supports the test frame
Lower Crosshead  Lower head of the UTM and is one of the
important parts.
 Has upward and downward movement.
Press Plate/Compression Plate  It is where the compression and
bending tests take place.
Working Table  Put the compression and bending test
fixtures.
Cylinder  Can be seen when the metal sheet is
removed test loading system.
Metal Sheet  Covers the internal parts of the UTM.
Base plate  Supports the whole UTM.
Grip Control System  Controls the upper and lower grips.
Control Processing Unit (CPU)  Brain of the computer where most
calculations take place
Computer Monitor  Output device that displays information.
Printer  Used to print results of the test
conducted.
Power Switch  Used to turn on the machine by rotating
the switch clockwise.
Emergency Stop  A fail-safe control switch that provides
both safety for the machinery and for
the person using the machinery.
 Used to stop the machinery quickly
when there is a risk of injury, or the
workflow requires stopping.
Digital Controller  Used to ensure that the specified test
rate is accurately maintained
throughout the test.

What other samples can be tested?

1. Ropes 8. Slings
2. Steel ropes 9. Cables
3. Winches 10. Nylon Ropes
4. Steel wires 11. Links
5. Electrical wires 12. Chains
6. Webbing 13. Steel Chain
7. Spring

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CE 106 Construction Materials and Testing Module No.7

FUNCTIONS OF UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE

The following are just some of the most prevalent applications for UTMs:

1. TENSILE TESTING

 A tensile test is among the most typical uses of UTM, and it involves pulling a material
apart until it breaks. This helps determine the material’s strength, how much it can be
stretched, and how rigid it is.

2. COMPRESSION TESTING

 A tensile test’s opposite is a compression test. A universal testing machine may be

used to squeeze an item until it reaches a certain density, travels a certain distance, or
cracks.

3. ADHESION TEST (PEEL TESTING)

 The average peel force of a material may be determined by performing a test called
a “peel test,” which is similar to a “tensile test” but involves separating two materials
that were previously bonded together.

4. BEND TESTING

 In a bend test, the span of material is held at both ends while the machine exerts a
force in the center of the span until the material either breaks or travels a
predetermined distance. The flexural strength and flexural modulus of a material are
determined through bending tests.

5. PUNCTURE TESTING

 To determine a material sample’s level of resistance to being punctured during a

puncture test, the sample is prodded until it is punctured.

6. TORSION TEST

 When a member of any cross-sectional shape is subjected to a torque along its

longitudinal axis, the torque tends to produce a rotation in the member with respect to
its longitudinal axis. It is widely used for evaluating the elastic modulus, strength, shear
modulus, shear strength, and other properties of materials.

7. FATIGUE TESTING

 A machine part or structure will fail, if improperly designed and subjected to a repeated
reversal or removal of an applied load at stress much lower than the ultimate strength
of the material. This type of time dependent failure is referred to as a cyclic fatigue
failure such as suspended bridges, rails, or airplane wings. The failure is due primarily to
repeated cyclic stress from a maximum to a minimum caused by a dynamic load.

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CE 106 Construction Materials and Testing Module No.7

How much Is a Universal Testing Machine?

In 2021, the price of a universal test machine ranges from $8,700 to $166,000. The 3 main factors
that affect the cost are force, test space, and controller, with force capacity having the most
impact.

Low force (ranging from 1 kN to 25 kN max force) universal test machines range in price from
$8,700 to $29,000.

Medium force (ranging from 50 kN to 150 kN max force) universal test machines range in price
from $25,000 to $48,000.

High force (ranging from 300 kN to 2,000 kN max force) universal test machines range in price
from $58,000 to $166,000.

How to choose the right Universal Testing Machine?

To begin selecting a UTM machine for the particular test suite, you must first ascertain the size of
your samples and the amount of force required to test them. With these considerations in mind,
you’ll be able to choose the appropriate frame size. Compression testing on big containers, for
instance, may not need a great deal of force, but it does necessitate evaluating the whole
sample.
After settling on an acceptable capacity and frame size, you may go on to think about the
uses and extras that would best serve your needs. Is there a way to run your system manually?
Do you need test recording software that can handle many tests at once? Decisions in this area
will be impacted by the workload and the state of your present testing infrastructure.

REFERENCES

Kenneth N. Derucher, et al. Materials for Civil and Highway Engineers, 1994, 3rd Edition,
Prentice Hall International

Moore & Moore, Materials for Engineering, International Edition

Michael S. Mamlouk, Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers

Raymond Higgins, Materials for Engineers and Technicians

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