Structures Testing Instrument User Guide 59921 V0217
3
Materials and Tools Required (not included)
• Standard 120-volt electrical outlet
• Balsa wood or basswood structure for testing
• Safety glasses
Safety
• This kit is designed and intended for educational purposes only.
• Use only under the direct supervision of an adult who has read and understood the instructions provided
in this user guide.
• Read warnings on packaging and in manual carefully.
• Always wear safety glasses when using the tester or working within 10 feet of the tester.
• Only test balsa wood or basswood structures on the tester.
• Do not exceed 800 pounds of pressure when testing or the tester might be damaged.
• Store the tester in a dry place at room temperature.
• Do not get the tester wet.
Preparing to Test
1. Place the tester on a level, stable surface such as a sturdy desk or table. Make sure the tester is not close to
the surface’s edge.
2. Plug the tester into an electrical outlet.
3. If using the included software to record and
graph testing data, see the Using the Software
section on page 7.
Testing a Bridge
This procedure can also be used to test a truss or
similar structures. If using the software, be sure to
read the directions on page 7 before starting to
test a structure.
1. Place the span columns in the tester’s span
column support, one on either side of the
tester’s center (Figure 1).
2. Place the metal bracket end of each structure
support into the top of each span column
(Figure 2). Do this so that the length of
the support is perpendicular (crosswise)
to the span column support.
3. Set the bridge on top of the structure
supports. Move the supports so the
structure is centered over the middle of
the tester and each end of the bridge’s
roadbed overlaps the supports enough
to securely hold the bridge (usually a half
inch to an inch).
4. Insert the span locking pins into the span
columns to lock them in place (Figure 3).
Remove the bridge.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
