InstroTek®, Inc. has developed an advanced method and device for measuring the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) of concrete. CTE measurements play a very important role in behavior of concrete pavements. Accurate CTE values are necessary for performance prediction models in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). High CTE values correspond to greater predicted amounts of slab cracking, greater joint faulting, and greater pavement roughness.

Advantages

• AutoScan_CTE meets the requirements of AASHTO T336-11.
• The LVDT used in the AutoScan_CTE is located outside the water tank contacting only the surface of the concrete sample. This allows the LVDT to stay at ambient room temperature increasing its life expectancy and overall system reliability.
• AutoScan_CTE uses a solid state, environmentally friendly temperature conditioning system and does not require a separate heating/chilling unit.
• The unit is ergonomically designed and fully integrated for laboratory bench top operation.
• All measurements, calculations and data storage functions are automatic and controlled with a PC.
• The AutoScan_CTE is easy to use with minimal operator involvement.