High-Speed Data Acquisition in Concrete Compression Tests

Amazeng Technical Team
6 min read
Concrete TestPress TestCompressive StrengthZMAIndustrial Linux

Introduction

Concrete compression strength testing is one of the most critical quality control processes in the construction industry. Cube concrete specimens are crushed after 7, 28 or 90 days to determine maximum compressive strength (MPa). However, the accuracy of these tests depends not only on the press machine quality but also directly on the data acquisition system speed.

Data Collection Challenges in Press Testing

Dynamic Fracture Moment

When a concrete specimen fractures, this fracture occurs in as little as one-thousandth of a second. Standard data acquisition devices cannot capture this speed and produce incorrect results.

Problematic Scenario:

  • Standard reading: 150 Hz (150 samples per second)
  • Fracture moment: <5 milliseconds
  • Result: Peak point is missed, strength value appears lower

Solution: High-Speed ADC

Amazeng ZMA series captures the fracture moment with 1000 Hz (1kHz) sampling speed. This speed accurately plots the concrete fracture curve.

ZMA with Press Testing Integration

Hardware Connection

  1. LVDT Sensor: Mounted on specimen
  2. Load Cell: Integrated into press table
  3. ZMA Module: Collects sensor data
  4. Industrial Linux Panel: Displays results

Software Flow

Press Machine → Load Cell → ZMA (1kHz) → Modbus TCP → Linux Panel (HMI) → Result Display

ZMA's Modbus TCP output connects directly to industrial Linux panels (embedded Linux, Qt, Yocto).

Why Industrial Linux Panel?

  • Real-Time Display: Instant pressure value
  • Database: Historical test results
  • Reporting: PDF output
  • Network Connection: Central monitoring

Conclusion

For accurate concrete press test results:

  • Min. 500 Hz sampling speed
  • 24-bit ADC resolution
  • Industrial Linux integration

ZMA series meets all these requirements. Learn more about ZMA Data Acquisition.