The device is characterized by a support column adapted to be received within an insulated, hermetically sealable chamber. A plurality of anchor pins are mounted on the column for releasibly connecting thereto a plurality of test specimens. A plurality of axially displaceable pull rods are received by the column in coaxial alignment with the anchor pins. One end of each pull rod is provided with a coupling for connecting the pull rod to a test specimen. The opposite end of the pull rod is entended through a cover plate and adapted to be connected with a remotely related linear actuator through a connecting link including a load cell for measuring stress as the pull rod is placed in tension by the actuator
