Types of Rubber Testing for Construction

In the construction industry, almost every product and material used will have to undergo tension, compression, and cold testing. Every element in a construction project must be tough enough to be safe and suitable for its application. 

Whether it is for product development, a routine quality check, or industry compliance, rubber testing is important in the construction industry. ACE offers a variety of rubber testing services for rubber construction materials. Below, read more about the types of rubber testing ACE may perform to determine the qualities and performance of your material or product. 

Tension & Stress

Tension testing is used by rubber testing labs to determine how your material will behave under tension. When a rubber testing lab performs tension testing, a technician subjects a rubber sample to tension until it reaches a point of failure. In an industry that relies on the strength and durability of rubber, understanding the failure point is extremely important.

Understanding your type of rubber’s tensile properties gives you a better understanding of your material. During product development, data derived from tension testing guides the way toward a stronger end product. The information you gain from tension testing can also help determine if your material meets industry standards and is suitable for its application.

ASTM D412

This test measures all common tensile and elongation properties. These include rebound resistance, tensile set, and yield strength. 

Compression Testing

In construction, a rubber material’s static and dynamic compressive behaviors are vital. Like with most physical tests, compression tests are often performed after various conditionings, like hot air aging and fluid aging. 

ACE can perform a variety of compression rubber testing services to bring you insight into your material’s compressive behaviors. These test methods include ASTM D395, ASTM D575, and ASTM D6147. 

ASTM D395

This test method is used to measure a rubber compound’s ability to perform in certain conditions under a prespecified static compression. Common applications for rubbers tested using ASTM D395 include seals, dampers, and mountings. 

ASTM D575

This test method is used to investigate the stiffness of rubber materials. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of testing to provide further insight and a deeper level of understanding. 

ASTM D6147 

This test method observes the force decay of a material while under constant compression.

Cold Testing

Cold testing allows you to understand your product’s potential performance in cold conditions. In construction, it is so important for materials to be durable and reliable, even in variable temperatures. ACE may recommend ASTM D1329, ASTM D746, ASTM D2137, or a combination of the three to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of your rubber material.  

ASTM D1329: Temperature Retraction Testing

This test method gives you important information about the viscoelasticity and crystallization of your material at low temperatures. Using a temperature retraction procedure, ASTM D1329 provides a quick evaluation of your material’s properties. 

ASTM D746 and ASTM D2137: Brittleness Point Testing

Both ASTM D746 and ASTM D2137 examine the brittleness point of your material. This evaluates how flexible your material is at low temperatures through a prespecified, specific impact. Through brittleness testing, ACE can determine the lowest suitable temperature for your material before it fractures or cracks.

ACE Laboratories

ACE offers a wide range of analytical, physical, and mechanical rubber testing services for the construction industry. Whether you are looking for assistance with OEM compliance submissions, meeting regulatory requirements, or research and development, ACE rubber testing lab is here to meet your challenges head on. 

Click here to learn more about ACE’s rubber testing for the construction industry.