Freeze Thaw Tester for freezing in air and thawing in air or water. According to several European and international standards. Now with much more cooling power. Not only for concrete but also for natural stones and tile-glues. Including optional Internet connection and a flooding mechanism.
Test Procedure for the EU Standard Concrete Slab-Test
The test requires four specimens obtained from four cubes. After 21 days a 50 mm thick specimen is sawed from each cube perpendicular to the top surface so that the saw cut for the test surface is located in the center of the cube. The specimens sized to 15 x 15 x 5 cm. After 25 days of concrete aging a rubber sheet is glued on all surfaces except the test surface. After 28 days, demineralized water of 3 mm depth is placed on the test surface for 72h. After 31 days, all surfaces except the test surface are thermally insulated with polystyrene foam plastic of 20 mm thickness. Then the demineralized water is replaced by the the freezing medium and the test surface is covered with a polyethylene sheet.
One freeze-thaw cycle is performed in 24 hours. The temperature must be above 0°C for et least 7 hours but not more than 9 hours during each cycle.
The reference temperature is measured in the center of the test surface and may vary between +/-2.5 K and +/- 5 K from the target temperature, as shown in the picture below.
Measuring scaling
After 7, 14, 28 42 and 56 days the weight of the scaled material is measured, after the surface has been brushed.
The Slabtester is suitable for tests according the following standards
SIA 262/1:2013-08; SN 505262/1:2013-08 Concrete Structures - Supplementary specifications Appendix C / Freeze-Thaw-Reistance. For concrete XF2(CH), XF3(CH) und XF4(CH)
ASTM C666 -03 (2008) Procedure B (!) Standard Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to Rapid Freezing and Thawing Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water)
ASTM C672 / C672M - 12 Standard Test Method for Scaling Resistance of Concrete Surfaces Exposed to Deicing Chemicals
ASTM C1262 - 10 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Freeze-Thaw Durability of Dry-Cast Segmental Retaining Wall Units and Related Concrete Units
EN 1338 Concrete paving blocks - Requirements and test methods; German version EN 1338:2003
EN 1339 Concrete paving flags - Requirements and test methods
EN 1340 Concrete kerb units - Requirements and test methods
EN 1348:2007-12-31 This standard is withdrawn and replaced by the EN 12004-2:2017-05 Adhesives for tiles - Determination of tensile adhesion strength for cementitious adhesives. Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water)
EN 12004-2:2017-05 Adhesives for ceramic tiles - Part 2: Test methods Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water). The specimen are frozen in 2 hours to -15°C. This temperature is hold another 2 hours. The specimed are thawed inmersed in water at +15°C for another 2 hours. After 25 cycles the tensile adhesion strength is measured.
EN 1367-1-2007
Tests for thermal and weathering properties of aggregates - Determination of resistance to freezing and thawing. Here you need, according to paragraph 8.1.d the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water) . The minimum air temperature allowed in the standard is -22°C. The temperature in the can should in the range from -15°C to -20°C for at least 4 hours. Please notice that the cooling rate in the cans is at given -22°C only influenced by the heat capacity and the thermal condictivity of the specimen, the water and the cans. We are also delivering the required cans, seamless made of stainless steel incl. lid. Order code C0665S
EN 1367-6:2008 Tests for thermal and weathering properties of aggregates. Determination of resistance to freezing and thawing in the presence of salt (NaCl). Here the flooding option C0108 not necessary. We are also delivering the required cans, seamless made of stainless steel incl. lid. Order code C0665S
EN 12091:2013 Thermal insulating products for building applications. Determination of freeze-thaw resistance Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water)
EN 12371 Natural stone test methods - Determination of frost resistance Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water)
EN 12467:2012-12 Fibre-cement flat sheets - Product specifications and test methods. Chapter 7.4 Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water)
EN 12808-3:2009-01 Grouts for tiles - Determination of flexural and compressive strength Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water)
ISO/DIS 13007-2.2 Ceramic Tiles - Adhesives - Part 2: Test Methods for Adhesives Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water)
EN 13383-2 Armourstone Part 2: Test methods Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water)
EN 13687-3:2002 Products and systems for the protection and repair of concrete structures. Test methods. Determination of thermal compatibility. Thermal cycling without de-icing salt impact Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water) . Max 4 specimen 30 x 30 x 5 cm with a distance of 10 cm will fit into the inner vessel (vertically)
EN 14891:2013-07 Liquid-applied water impermeable products for use beneath ceramic tiling bonded with adhesives - Requirements, test methods, evaluation of conformity, classification and designation. Here you need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water)
CEN/TR 15177:2006
Testing the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete. Internal structural damage. Here you need also an instrument for measuring the internal structure damage for example the Vikasonic. If you are using beams 100x100x400 mm you would add. need the option C0108 for the thawing procedure (immersed in water)
DIN V 18004 Use of building products in construction works - Test methods for aggregates according to DIN V 20000-103 and DIN V 20000-104
ONR 22303:2010 09 01 Test methods for concrete - National application of testing standards for concrete and its source materials
EN 772-22:2019 Methods of test fpr masory units - Part 22: Determination of freeze/thaw resistance of clay masonry units. Max specimen size 58 x 58 cm². Requires option C0108 and C01085.
Technical Data
Mains
V/Hz
230V/1Ph/50Hz or 115V/60Hz (option)
Power
kW
1.0
Outer Size
cm (wxdxh)
70 x 83 x 215, 70 x 91 x 215 with Option C0108
Inner Size
cm (wxdxh)
53 x 65 x 155
Vessel Size (Option C0108)
cm (wxdxh)
50 x 60 x 48, volume approx. 144l
Minimum Temperature
°C
-35
Maximum Temperature
°C
+40
Max. number of shelfs
24
Min. distance between 2 shelfs
mm
55
Max weight per shelf
kg
60
Shelf size
cm (w x d)
53 x 65
Weight approx.
kg
169
Technical data may be changed without notice.
Slabtester
Freezing chamber with temperature and time controlled refrigerating and heating system.
Three fans for air optimal circulation in the freezer.
Inner and outer surface made of stainless steel.
Environment friendly refrigerant R290 with minimal GPW = Global Warming Potential.
Allows freezing and thawing of the specimen with 8 free programmable temperature profiles.
The EN 1340 and EN 12390-9 and some other standards (see above) are already set, but may be changed.
Two temperature sensors (included) may be free placed in the cabinett. For example on the specimen surface and on the bottom of the specimen.
A graphical touch display showing the set temperature, the specimen temperature, the air temperature and the temperature at the cooling unit.
All temperatures are internally recorded and my be copied to an USB memory stick.
Network interface for remote controlling the Slabtester over your Network.
No extra software necessary. Simply open your Internet browser and select the address of the Slabtester.
You may program the temperature profiles at your PC.
You can display all temperature data graphical in your browser, and you can import the temperature data for example into Excel (c) and backup it locally.
Data are only stored locally no externel Internet access necessary.
Including: 4 shelves, electronic controller, network cable, USB memory, user manual.
Power supply: 230 V / 50 Hz, (240 V / 60 Hz or 115V / 60 Hz optional), Power 1.0 kW, maximum weight per shelf 60 kg, Refrigerant R290a Order Code : C0103
Flooding Option
In the chamber a stainless steel container with the dimensions of approx. 50 x 60 x 48 cm (w x d x h) is mounted (removable). A 2nd container will be placed outside and contains a pump and a heating unit. During freezing, the inner container is empty. To thaw the tempered water is pumped from the outer container into the inner container. Then the water keeps in the inner vessel. After the thawing period the water is drained again into the outer vessel. Time for flooding and emptying is free programmable. Whith this feature the Slabtester is suitable for testing of natural stones according to EN 12371, aggregates according to EN 1367-1, tile-glue according to EN 1348:2007 and others (see above). Order Code: C0108
Circulating Flooding Option
The Circulation Option is quite similarto the standard Flooding option C0108. The outer and inner vessel are slightly bigger. The inner vessel has an overflow. The vessel is filled from the bottom and drained by the overflow below the upper border of the vessel. The pump is permanently running during the thawing period. After the thawing period the pump is stopped and the water is draining from the inner vessel to the outside vessel. The inner vessel has a drawer mechanism to pull the vessel for placing the specimen. Order Code: C0108-S
Option for Testing Freeze Thaw Resistance of Clay Masonry Units according to EN 772-22:2018
Additional option for automatic spraying of a certain amount of water in a certain time interval according to EN 772-22:2018.
The intervals are free programmable. Attention: The maximum testing wall size including the frame is 58 x 58 cm! This option requires additionally Natural Stone Option (C0108). An air pressure compressor (6bar) is included. Order Code: C01085
Also available:
Option: Heat flow meter for calibrating the freeze-thaw test for clay masonry units as described in EN772-22:2018
The heat flow meter is an insulated device for extracting heat over the central area of the surface of what during a test would be exposed face of a panel. The area is mat black and be capable of extracting heat such that when air temperature is at -15°C and the center of the plate is maintained at 0°C. The average rate of heat extraction can be measured.
Order Code: CPYRO5
Can for the Aggregate Test According to EN 1367
seamless made of stainless steel! Incl. lid. Order Code C0665S
The test requires four specimens obtained from four cubes. After 21 days a 50 mm thick specimen is sawed from each cube perpendicular to the top surface so that the saw cut for the test surface is located in the center of the cube. The specimens sized to 15 x 15 x 5 cm. After 25 days of concrete aging a rubber sheet is glued on all surfaces except the test surface. After 28 days, demineralized water of 3 mm depth is placed on the test surface for 72h. After 31 days, all surfaces except the test surface are thermally insulated with polystyrene foam plastic of 20 mm thickness. Then the demineralized water is replaced by the the freezing medium and the test surface is covered with a polyethylene sheet.
