Shimadzu AGS-X2000 Fully Automated Electro-Hydraulic Compression Testing System for High-Strength Concrete
| Key | Brand: Shimadzu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | AGS-X2000 |
| Load Capacity | 2000 kN |
| Load Accuracy | ±1% of displayed value |
| Load Range | Auto-switching across six ranges (×1, ×2, ×5, ×10, ×20, ×50) |
| Displacement-Controlled Test Speed | 0.5 mm/min to maximum rated speed |
| Platen Diameter | 220 mm |
| Control Interface | Full-color LCD touchscreen with real-time load-displacement curve display |
| Safety Features | Integrated burst containment system |
| Data Acquisition | High-speed synchronized sampling via dedicated testing software |
Overview
The Shimadzu AGS-X2000 Fully Automated Electro-Hydraulic Compression Testing System is an industrial-grade static compression tester engineered for the mechanical characterization of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), reactive powder concrete (RPC), and other advanced cementitious composites used in supertall buildings, nuclear containment structures, and critical infrastructure. It operates on a closed-loop electro-hydraulic servo control architecture compliant with ISO 16840, ASTM C39/C109/C1604, and EN 12390-3 standards for compressive strength evaluation. Unlike conventional manual or semi-automated systems, the AGS-X2000 integrates force transduction, displacement feedback, and hydraulic actuation into a single synchronized control loop—enabling precise load-rate regulation, repeatable stress-path execution, and full compliance with GLP/GMP documentation requirements for third-party certification labs.
Key Features
- Electro-hydraulic servo-controlled actuation with dual feedback: high-resolution load cell (±0.5% FS linearity) and linear variable differential transformer (LVDT)-based displacement sensing ensure traceable, NIST-traceable force application.
- Full-color 10.4-inch TFT-LCD touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-driven navigation; supports real-time overlay of load–displacement, stress–strain, and time-history curves during test execution.
- Auto-ranging load measurement system with six selectable amplification factors (×1 through ×50), eliminating manual range switching and reducing operator-induced calibration drift.
- Burst containment enclosure with polycarbonate safety shield and interlocked door mechanism—certified to IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity and ISO 13857 minimum safety distances.
- Displacement-controlled test mode enabling constant strain-rate protocols per ASTM C469 and ISO 10110-2, critical for evaluating post-peak softening behavior in fiber-reinforced UHPC.
- Integrated overload protection, emergency stop circuitry, and hydraulic pressure relief valves meeting CE Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AGS-X2000 accommodates standard cylindrical specimens (Ø100 mm × 200 mm, Ø150 mm × 300 mm) and cubic specimens (100 mm, 150 mm, and 200 mm edge lengths) per ASTM C39, JIS A 1108, and GB/T 50081. Its 220 mm diameter hardened steel platens feature self-aligning spherical seating and surface hardness ≥60 HRC to prevent indentation under peak loads exceeding 200 MPa. All mechanical and electrical subsystems conform to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4 (equipment verification), and the system supports audit-ready calibration records aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.5. Optional accessories include temperature-controlled environmental chambers (−20 °C to +80 °C) and acoustic emission sensors for microcrack detection.
Software & Data Management
The proprietary TRAPEZIUM X software (v12.3+) provides ISO/IEC 17025-compliant data acquisition at up to 1 kHz sampling rate, with built-in digital filtering (Butterworth 2nd-order low-pass, cutoff = 50 Hz). It supports automated report generation in PDF/A-1b format, complete with electronic signatures, metadata stamping (test ID, operator, timestamp, instrument ID), and embedded calibration certificate references. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including user authentication, action logging, and immutable record retention. Data export formats include CSV, XML, and ASTM E1434-compliant binary files for integration with LIMS platforms such as LabVantage and Thermo Fisher SampleManager.
Applications
- Compressive strength validation of UHPC formulations containing >10% silica fume, steel microfibers, and nano-silica additives.
- Stress–strain curve derivation for modulus of elasticity (Ec) and Poisson’s ratio determination per ACI 318 Annex B.
- Creep and long-term deformation studies under sustained loading (up to 90 days) using optional load-hold modules.
- Qualification testing of precast concrete elements for seismic-resilient building codes (e.g., ASCE 7-22, Eurocode 2 Annex C).
- Third-party conformity assessment for CE marking of structural concrete products under Construction Products Regulation (CPR) No. 305/2011.
FAQ
Does the AGS-X2000 support ASTM C39-compliant loading rate ramping?
Yes—the system implements programmable ramp-to-load profiles with adjustable acceleration/deceleration parameters, ensuring adherence to the 0.2–0.5 MPa/s nominal loading rate specified in ASTM C39 Section 7.3.
Can test data be exported directly to Excel-compatible formats?
Yes—TRAPEZIUM X exports raw and processed data in UTF-8 encoded CSV with column headers mapped to ISO 10303-21 STEP AP242 schema conventions.
Is remote diagnostics supported?
Yes—via secure TLS 1.3 encrypted connection to Shimadzu’s Remote Support Portal, enabling firmware updates, parameter backup, and predictive maintenance alerts based on hydraulic oil temperature and pump cycle logs.
What calibration intervals are recommended?
Annual verification against certified dead-weight standards (Class F1 per OIML R113) is required; intermediate checks using reference load cells (Class 0.05 per ISO 376) are recommended every 90 operational days.
Is the system compatible with existing laboratory networks?
Yes—it features dual Gigabit Ethernet ports supporting DHCP, static IP, and VLAN tagging; fully interoperable with IEEE 802.1X authenticated enterprise networks.
