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Measuring Sod Strength with an Instron Universal Testing Instrument
Author(s) -
Burns Robert E.,
Futral J. Gordon
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1980.00021962007200030040x
Subject(s) - breakage , universal testing machine , chart , mathematics , materials science , structural engineering , composite material , engineering , statistics , ultimate tensile strength
Sod strength is an important factor in sod production. To aid in determining the strength accurately and consistently a method was developed using the Instron Universal Testing Instrument which provides for a preset rate of stretching of a uniform length of sod. The pull is in a controlled direction and the force applied is recorded on a chart that not only yields the force required to break the sod but also the amount the sod stretched prior to breaking and the pattern of breakage. The cost of the equipment, other than the Instron tester, is reasonable and can be constructed in most shops.