Technical Equipment

Testing machines

  • Compression (3000 KN, two 5000 KN)
  • Compression, tension (2 KN*, 35 KN*, 40 KN, 500 KN)
  • Compression, tension, bending ( 500 KN)*
  • Dynamic (500 KN)*
  • Climatic facilities
  • Climatic chamber (two)
  • Thermo-static (two) for frost and thaw cycling
  • Electronic scales for sorption isotherm
  • Laser granulometer
  • Mercury porosimeter
  • Equipment for acoustic emission and acoustic measurement
  • Network analyzer for frequency and resonance measurement
  • Equipment for creep test, 30-40 KN (two)

*Servo-controlled closed-loop machines.

Image analysis system

  • Video camera, acquisition cards, computer and software

Microscopy

Value

  • Microscopes (two, including a confocal)
  • Access to EPFL SEM, TEM and AFM

Computers

  • 9 work stations including 6 HP’s and 3 SGI’s
  • Access through Network to EPFL super computing facilities

Systems set up in the laboratory

  • Hygrothermomechanics apparatus for mecanosorptive experiments on small size specimens
  • System for measuring dielectric permittivity of Heterogeneous materials