Compressive Testing of High Impact Packing Shims

Extract from   “Report for Prism Profiles Ltd.”

Ref: PP/MM/300796 ASTON UNIVERSITY July 1996

1. INTRODUCTION

This investigation has been performed in response to a request made by Prism Profiles Ltd., indicating a need for information regarding the compressibility of their High Impact packing shims. Two types of high impact packers; 70 mm x 70 mm square and slotted, of six thicknesses ranging between 2 mm and 10 mm were submitted for testing.

2. COMPRESSIVE TESTING

The high impact packing shims were subjected to compressive force of 0, 5, 50 and 100 N/mm2, using a NAMAS calibrated grade A compression machine (3000 kN Avery Denison). The dimensions (Length, Width and Thickness) of each high impact packing shim were measured before the shims were subjected to any loading and after each load increment. Each dimension was measured at 8 locations and a mean dimension was determined and reported.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The results of compressive testing of the high impact packing shims are provided in Table 1 (for square type) and Table 2 (for slotted type). The results in Tables 1 and 2 show that there is no deformation of the shims (both types) at the applied compressive force of 5 N/mm2. However, at the applied compressive force of 100 N/mm2 there is significant deformation of the shims. It should be noted that a "Good" quality concrete, i.e. a C40 grade concrete, provides a compressive strength of about 50 N/mm2. That is half as much as the maximum compressive force applied to the high impact packing shims.

4. CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results arising for this work, the following conclusions can be presented:

No deformation of the shims was noted at the applied compressive force of 5 N/mm2. Some deformation of the shims was noted at the applied compressive force of 50 N/mm2. Significant deformation of the shims was noted at the applied compressive force of 100 N/mm2.

M. Sadegzadeh, B.Sc., M.B.A., Ph.D., C.Eng, M.I.C.E.