California Modified Automatic Mechanical Soil Compactor

California Modified Automatic Mechanical Soil Compactor

The California Modified Automatic Soil Compactor comes with a 2in (51mm) round 10lb hammer only with the standard round face factory installed on the hammer body. Piston and rod are included as part of the machine. Additional components or accessories, such as molds or hammers, can be ordered separately.

The California Modified Automatic Soil Compactor can be used with 4in (102mm) ID molds, 5.5lb (2.5kg) weight with 12in (305mm) drop. The compaction mold is required for uniform soil density and reliable test results as it holds the soil during the compaction cycle process. The standard 2in (51mm) hammer can be replaced with one of the same 3.14in2 area but with pie-shaped face to cover entire sample surface with 6in molds. The hammer lift compensates for hammer drop for soil thickness in the mold during compaction cycle. The free-fall hammer has weight concentrated at the foot and can be adjusted from 5.5-10lb by adding a surcharge weight. The round base supports the compaction molds and ensures uniform sample compaction, which is crucial for accurate soil testing and adherence to ASTM and AASHTO standards.

Meets Test Methods: AASHTO T134 AASHTO T135 AASHTO T136 AASHTO T180 AASHTO T220 AASHTO T99 ASTM D 1557 ASTM D 1558 ASTM D 558 ASTM D 559 ASTM D 560 ASTM D 698

Historical Development and Background

The journey of mechanical soil compactors began in the early 20th century, driven by the construction industry’s need for standardized soil compaction tests. Initially, these mechanical compactor were manual, requiring operators to lift and drop a hammer to compact soil samples. This method, however, was fraught with human error, inconsistent results, and operator fatigue.

The landscape of soil compaction testing changed dramatically in the 1950s and 1960s with the advent of automatic soil compactors. These early models featured a rotating base and a hammer lift mechanism, which significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of the compaction process. The hammer lift allowed for consistent hammer drops, while the rotating base ensured uniform compaction across the soil sample.

The 1970s and 1980s ushered in a new era of advanced automatic soil compactors. These machines came equipped with electronic controls, digital counters, and adjustable hammer weights, enabling more precise modified compaction tests. Users could now preset the number of hammer blows, ensuring repeatability and consistency in their tests.

The 1990s and 2000s saw further innovations with the introduction of computerized automatic soil compactors. These models boasted advanced software, data logging capabilities, and enhanced safety features such as automatic shut-off and interlocks. These improvements not only increased the accuracy and efficiency of soil compaction testing but also ensured safe operation and minimized operator fatigue.

Today, automatic soil compactors are indispensable in the construction industry. They are used to perform a wide range of soil compaction tests, including standard and modified compaction tests. The modern mechanical compactor is designed to deliver accurate and reliable results, featuring automatic hammer lift and drop mechanisms, adjustable hammer weight and drop height, rotating bases for uniform compaction, digital counters, and preset numbers of hammer blows. Additionally, electronic controls and data logging capabilities have become standard, further enhancing the precision and efficiency of soil compaction testing.

The evolution of mechanical soil compactors has been driven by the need for standardized soil compaction tests, which are crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of construction projects. Today, these compactors are widely used in various industries, including civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, and construction, underscoring their importance in modern construction practices.

Features and Specifications

Automatic Soil Compactor is designed to compact soil samples accurately and efficiently. Features:

• Automatic Compaction and Rotation: Mold rotates after each hammer blow for uniform compaction of soil sample.

• Independent Start/Stop: Compactor has separate start/stop from counter for precise control during testing.

• Preset Number of Blows: Users can preset the number of blows for standard or modified compaction tests for consistency and repeatability.

• Hammer Lift Compensates for Soil Thickness: Hammer lift adjusts for soil thickness in the mold during compaction for consistent hammer drop.

• Concentrated Hammer Weight: Weight is concentrated at the foot for free fall to maximize compaction.

• Versatile Hammer Options: Round hammer or 6” (152 mm) pie-shaped hammer to cover entire sample surface.

• Adjustable Rammer Height and Weight: Rammer height and weight can be adjusted to meet test requirements.

• Solid State Controls: Solid state controls for durability and low maintenance.

• Automatic Digital Counter: Counter resets to zero automatically after test is complete. Simplifies the testing process.

Modified Compaction Tests and Uses

Modified compaction tests can be done with Automatic Soil Compactor. These tests:

• Modified Proctor Compaction Tests: Determine maximum dry density of soils for construction and engineering projects.

• Standard Proctor Compaction Tests: Determine optimal moisture content and maximum dry density of soils for soil stability tests.

• California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Tests: Determine load bearing capacity of soils for road and pavement design.

• Soil Compaction Tests: Determine density and stability of soils to meet specifications for various uses.

• Versatile Mold Compatibility: Automatic Soil Compactor can be used with 4” (102 mm) and 6” (152 mm) diameter molds for different sample sizes and test requirements.

Advantages of Automatic Soil Compactor

Automatic Soil Compactor has:

• Increased Efficiency and Accuracy: Automated process for consistent and precise soil compaction testing. Reduces human error.

• Reduced Labor and Time: Automation reduces labor and time for testing. Increases productivity.

• Improved Safety: Risk of injury from manual compaction is minimized. Safer working environment.

• Multiple Testing Applications: Compactor is versatile for multiple testing applications including modified compaction tests. A valuable tool for many industries.

• Easy to Use and Maintain: Solid state controls and automatic digital counter.

• Compatible with Various Molds and Accessories: Compatible with compaction molds and accessories like rotating bases and surcharge weights.

Now this article has it all. Features, uses and benefits.