Guide for compression test having support members moveable in a loading direction

A guide for use in a compression test apparatus having a test sample between a first loading plate and an opposing load applied towards the test sample and the first loading plate in a loading direction, the guide comprising:

• at least one support member, having at least a portion positionable between the first loading plate and the load and extending substantially parallel to the loading direction to constrain the test sample in a direction perpendicular to the loading direction,
• wherein, when in use, the at least one support member is positioned to define a space between the first loading plate and the support member such that when a load is applied the test sample is deformable in a direction perpendicular to the loading direction within the space,
• wherein the guide further comprises a support plate on each side of the test sample, wherein each support plate has at least one support member operably connected to the support plate;
• and
• wherein each support member is selectively moveably connected to the respective support plate, so as to allow sliding movement in the loading direction of any of the at least one support member relative to the respective support plate.