Material Testing Methods and Standards Explained

Material Mechanical Testing Methods

Static Tests: Test tensile, compression, bending, twisting, shearing, and wear.

Dynamic Tests: Dynamic bending tests, compression, and tension.

Fatigue Testing: Testing by bending, compression, and the combination of tensile tests.

Key Testing Features

Compression Testing

Undergo the body on the action of two forces in opposite directions and on the same line of action or direction, tending to compress the molecules in the body. Examples include cement, concrete, masonry units, and wood.

Tension (Tensile) Testing

Submit the body to the action of two forces in opposite directions and in the same line of action and direction, tending to stretch or separate the molecules in the body. This test is used for steel, wood, and rubber.

Shear Tests

The body undergoes the action of two forces in opposite directions in different lines of action (parallel), tending to cut the material. This test is used in timber structures.

Bending Test

The body is supported at the ends, and a load is applied. The bending deformation results in two forces: compression on the upper face and traction (tension) on the opposite side.

Torsion Tests

The body undergoes the action of forces in which the plane sections of the piece retain the original form but move angularly relative to each other. Thus, the piece tends to shorten and lessen the section.

Standards and Regulation

Standards

Standardization involves the processes of elaboration, dissemination, and implementation of rules that establish requirements and performance aspects for products and services.

Objectives of Regulation

The main goal is to regulate any material, component, equipment, system, interface, protocol, procedure, function, method, or activity. It can also be limited to particular aspects of any subject. For example, in the case of shoes, there may be different rules on the criteria of size and durability.

Types of Regulatory Documents

Standard

This is the document established by consensus and approved by a recognized body. It provides, for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines, or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at obtaining an optimum degree of order in a given context.

Technical Specification

This document sets out technical requirements to be met by a product, process, or good. It should indicate, when necessary, the procedures by which one can determine whether the requirements established by it are met.