The present thesis describes the decision-making process for the determination of the optimum layout for a tensile testing machine. Based on the specifications of the sponsor company, DYWIDAG-Systems International based in Pasching/Linz, the evaluation has been conducted both on a technical and economical basis. This tensile testing machine will be used for internal and external quality control testing, and supporting tests in the course of R&D in the field of ground control products and systems. Specifications from test standards for ground control products and systems, and given test forces were the basis for the functional requirements which have been defined in cooperation with the sponsor company. The functional requirements include the sections measurement techniques, hydraulic components, control and adjustment, and design of the testing machine. In the course of the conceptual design, main aspects of the machine safety direction have been included from the beginning on. Alternative design concepts derived from different methods of load transmission have been established and compared by a rating matrix. As a result, a preferred design concept for the tensile testing machine using two hydraulic cylinders mounted in between two cross beams has been identified. One cross beam is fixed, the second one movable. The movable cross beam is guided by two friction bearings. The framework of the testing machine is required for the guidance of the movable cross beam, and holds the fixed cross beam too. The test piece is put in between the two symmetrical hydraulic cylinders. Fixation and tensioning of the test piece is accomplished on the outer sides of both cross beams, which have a through boring to accommodate the test pieces. By driving the hydraulic cylinders forward, a tensile force is introduced into the test piece. For the purpose of easing the access to the test piece, the tensile testing machine has been designed at an inclination of 60 degrees. The optimum layout of the cross beams has been determined using the finite elements method (in the following referred as FEM). By means of the hot spot approach, the utmost loaded welding seam has been evaluated. FEM-models for the welding seam and beam layout have been compared with conventional numerical calculations. The control system has been defined by the “Finite-State-Machine” method, a description is included in the functional specifications. The already mentioned functional specifications are the basis for the design of the hydraulic drive unit and machine control in general. Based on the present work, the realization of a 5 [MN] tensile testing machine for material and system testing of ground control products and systems can be conducted in the following.