IDOT Materials Large Bed Compression Machine

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Materials division is soliciting for a large bed compression testing machine under an Invitation for Bid, with proposals due December 30, 2025. The machine will replace outdated testing equipment and be installed in a new IDOT facility for material testing of plastic pipes.

The scope requires a compression testing machine capable of testing pipe sizes from 4 to 60 inches in diameter for stiffness and flattening characteristics under AASHTO M252, AASHTO M294, ASTM F949, ASTM D3034, American Water Works Association, ASTM D2412, and ASTM D695 standards. Key specifications include a maximum frame capacity of 300 kilonewtons, crosshead speed range of 0.05 to 500 mm/min, constant rate-of-crosshead movement capability with a compression speed of 0.50±0.2 inches (12.5±0.5 mm) per minute for stiffness testing, minimum crosshead travel of 1,600 millimeters, stroke resolution of 0.001 millimeters, and load measurement accuracy of 0.5 percent of reading down to 1/1,000 of load cell capacity. The equipment must operate on standard 120-volt or 220-volt power and include accompanying software and computer systems. Loading plates must be sufficiently thick to prevent bending or deformation, with length equal to or exceeding specimen length and width not less than the pipe contact width at maximum deflection plus six inches.

All vendors must comply with the State of Illinois Standard Certifications addressing vendor eligibility, absence of felony convictions, tax compliance, drug-free workplace standards, equal employment opportunity, environmental compliance, cybersecurity directives, and domestic materials use where applicable. Non-compliance with Standard Illinois Certifications may result in contract voidance, vendor suspension, debarment, or civil or criminal penalties. Vendors must include these certifications in any subcontracts. Prevailing wage requirements apply. Contracts are contingent upon appropriation availability.