A universal testing machine for tensile and compressive load tests, equipped with two additional actuators (1 unit)

The Department of Steel and Composite Structures at ETH Zurich is planning to procure a new universal testing machine for the construction hall at the Hönggerberg site. The equipment is intended to test large-scale components under realistic static and dynamic loads, thereby supporting future research in steel, composite and earthquake engineering. The main applications include “centric and eccentric compression tests […] with the optional ability to apply tensile forces”. The project is being led by Dominik Werne, Head of the Construction Hall.

The machine must provide a spacious test chamber capable of accommodating test specimens up to “B: 1500 mm, H: 1500 mm, L: 5000 mm”. Clamping heights ranging from 500 to 5000 mm allow for both compression and tensile tests. The test chamber must be fully visible to enable the use of optical measurement systems such as DIC. The hydraulic system comprises a vertical cylinder with “10 MN compressive load, 6 MN tensile load and 400 mm cylinder stroke”, as well as two horizontal cylinders, each with “1 MN compressive/tensile load and 500 mm cylinder stroke”. The system must be capable of dynamic tests up to 10 Hz and speeds of up to 250 mm/s. Precise control with a sampling rate of at least 5 kHz, accuracy class 1/0.5 and modern digital interfaces (e.g. EtherCAT) is required to support force- and strain-controlled tests as well as hybrid testing.

The test rig will be connected to ETH’s existing servo-hydraulic power unit. The supplier will provide “all necessary support for proper integration”, including hydraulic design, a safety concept and coordination of the valve system. The mechanical structure must safely withstand extremely high forces, provide a rigid frame construction and allow for hydraulic crossbeam adjustment. At the same time, easy access for the installation of test specimens must be ensured, as emphasised in the document: “Access should be as easy as possible […].”

Assembly will take place in test hall HIF C 51. Delivery will be via HIF C 54, delivery point 27. The components will be delivered by lorry and transported using the hall cranes. Both cranes have a lifting capacity of 10 t each, a maximum hook height of 7.4 m and a minimum hook spacing of 8 m. Due to work being carried out in parallel, the operating time is limited to 3–4 hours. Furthermore: “The hall cranes may only be operated by the contractor’s trained personnel.” The floor load is limited to 10 kN/m² in the handling area and 7 kN/m² in parts of the hall, supplemented by permissible wheel loads of 135 kN over an area of 0.4 m × 0.4 m.

The contractor shall provide at least one tool container for the site facilities; staff rooms will not be provided, but toilets will be. A voluntary site visit will enable tenderers to familiarise themselves with the site layout, though no questions relating to the tender procedure will be answered.

For further details, please refer to the specifications and annexes.