This test method provides a standardized procedure for evaluatingperformance of floor tile installations under conditions similar to actual specific usages.

A method to test long span joists, underlayment, bonding material, tile and grout was required. There was also a need to test a concrete understructure/base. In order to test anti-fracture membranes and the result of concrete cracking it was necessary to design a split slab method. The Universal Type Floor Tester was designed to meet all of these requirements. This tester can slowly open and split the slab or it can be set for fast acceleration.

The new design allows for suspended floors to be assembled and tested at almost any given length and construction height up to 1,015 mm (40"). Engineered wood assemblies with spans up to 4,573 mm (15') or even longer can now be tested, and valuable data such as curvature of the span, deflection, twisting, and vibrations can all be monitored. Post-tension and pre-stressed slabs will be able to be tested fully suspended under the carriage of the tester.

The split slab mechanism capability of the tester is specific to this tester and is not known to be duplicated by any other testing apparatus currently available. Revenue gained by our Association will allow us to increase expenditures on Research and Development and provide the ability to produce accurate specification guides. Contact the TTMAC for further information and pricing.