A universal testing machine for tensile and compression load tests with the installation of two additional actuators (1 unit)

The Steel and Composite Structures department at ETH Zurich plans to procure a new universal testing machine for the construction hall at the Hönggerberg site. The system is intended to test large-format structural components under realistic static and dynamic loads, thereby supporting future research in steel, composite, and earthquake engineering. Key applications include "centric and eccentric compression tests [...] with the optional possibility of applying tensile forces". Project management is handled by Dominik Werne, head of the construction hall. The machine must offer a generous test space capable of accommodating test specimens up to "W:1500 mm, H:1500 mm, L:5000 mm". Clamping heights from 500 to 5000 mm allow for both compression and tensile tests. The test space must be fully visible to enable the use of optical measurement systems such as DIC. The hydraulic equipment includes a vertical cylinder with "10 MN compression load, 6 MN tensile load, and 400 mm cylinder stroke" and two horizontal cylinders, each with "1 MN compression/tensile load and 500 mm cylinder stroke". The system must enable dynamic tests up to 10 Hz and speeds 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 displacement-controlled tests as well as hybrid testing. The testing system will be connected to ETH's existing servo-hydraulic unit. The supplier will provide "all necessary support for proper integration", including hydraulic planning, safety concept, and coordination of valve technology. The mechanical structure must safely withstand extremely high forces, offer a rigid frame design, and allow for hydraulic crosshead adjustment. At the same time, easy accessibility for installing test specimens must be ensured, as emphasized in the document: "As easy accessibility as possible [...] should be provided." Assembly will take place in the HIF C 51 test hall. Delivery will be via HIF C 54, delivery 27. Components will be delivered by truck and transported using the hall cranes. Each of the two cranes has a load capacity of 10 t, a maximum hook height of 7.4 m, and a minimum hook distance of 8 m. The usage time is limited to 3-4 hours due to parallel work. Furthermore: "Operation of the hall cranes may only be carried out by trained personnel of the contractor." 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 on 0.4 m x 0.4 m. For site setup, the contractor will provide at least one tool container; no rest areas will be provided, but toilets will be available. A voluntary site visit will allow bidders to familiarize themselves with the spatial conditions, but without answering procedural questions. Further details can be found in the specifications and appendices.