Verify the compression machine and test the Bulli 7 day cylinders

You are a materials testing technician in Construction Materials and Geotechnical.

Simulated workplaceIntermediate missionCAQA Veritas Laboratories

What is going on

Six concrete cylinders from the Merriwa Civil Contractors Bulli road upgrade (VL26-08823, job CJ-26-0425) were cast on site on 8 September and are due for 7 day compressive strength testing on Tuesday. The compression machine EQ-0402 is due for external calibration on 9 October and the register shows Calibration due, so Olivia Brennan wants the monthly proving device verification done and recorded first. A near miss two weeks ago involved a wet cylinder slipping while being loaded, and grip gloves are now required. Results go on the client's 7 day report and inform the contractor's stripping and loading decisions.

Olivia Brennan, Materials Testing Manager
Subject: Bulli 7 day cylinders and compression machine check

The six cylinders from the Bulli road upgrade (VL26-08823) are due for their 7 day test on Tuesday. Before you crush anything, do the monthly proving device verification on the compression machine and record it in the equipment register, because the machine is due for external calibration next month and I want to know it is still reading true. Then cap, measure and test the cylinders to the method, calculate the strengths and put the worksheet through review. Wear the grip gloves when handling wet cylinders.

Your brief

Perform and record the compression machine verification, prepare and test the six cylinders to the method with safe handling, calculate and check the results, record everything on the worksheet and in the registers and submit the batch for review the same day.

Work through it

You do not need to do it all. Doing a few of these will show you what the work is like. Your ticks and notes stay on this device.

Read the compression test method, the equipment calibration procedure section on intermediate checks and the WHS register entry on the cylinder near miss.
Perform the monthly proving device verification on the compression machine, compare the readings to the acceptance limits and record the result in the equipment register.
Retrieve the six cylinders from the curing tank, record the curing tank temperature log and check the specimens are within the test age tolerance.
Measure and record the dimensions and mass of each cylinder, cap or grind the ends as the method requires and record the capping on the worksheet.
Load and test each cylinder using grip gloves and the machine guard, recording the maximum load and the failure type.
Calculate the compressive strength for each specimen and the average for each pair, check the calculations independently and compare with the specified strength on the job record.
Update the sample register to Awaiting review, note any anomaly in the nonconformance register and hand the worksheet to Olivia Brennan.

My notes: what did I enjoy, and what surprised me?

What someone in this role would produce

Compression machine verification record
Completed compression test worksheet
Strength calculations with independent check
Sample register status update

Printing this is a record of what you explored. It is not a certificate or a qualification.