Superpave Gyratory Compactor with Shear Measurement

Superpave Gyratory Compactor with Shear Measurement

The Superpave Gyratory Compactor by Pine Instruments is a proudly American-made machine designed to prepare hot-mix asphalt specimens for Superpave mix design operations. During operation, a mold containing an asphalt specimen is gyrated on its longitudinal axis at a fixed angle while the end platens remain parallel. Beyond asphalt, this versatile compactor is also capable of testing a wide range of materials, including soils, emulsion-based mixes, and roller-compacted concrete. Please note that Mold Assemblies are sold separately.

Advanced User Controls & Settings

One of the standout features of the Superpave Gyratory Compactor is its extensive range of variable user settings. Operators can regulate compaction pressure, angle adjustment, number of gyrations, and mold size adaptability, making the machine suitable for a wide variety of applications. The final specimen height is user-controlled, ranging from 0 to 200mm, giving operators full control over the compaction process.

Integrated Computer & Data Management

An integrated computer with two USB ports and an Ethernet jack manages settings through an intuitive menu interface. A four-button control panel further simplifies machine operation, making it accessible to operators of all skill levels. The computer also controls the angle of gyration, allowing the user to switch between internal and external angle settings with ease.

The control system is fully network compatible, enabling complete data management across a facility. Key data points such as number and angle of gyrations, specimen height, and consolidation pressure can be:

• Transmitted through an Ethernet cable to a network or standalone PC
• Stored on a flash drive for portable access
• Printed directly using the optional PCL Laser Printer

Operation Modes & Compaction Settings

The Superpave Gyratory Compactor offers three operation modes:

1. Specified number of gyrations
2. Specified sample height
3. Locking point

All modes can be run at a selected internal or external angle. Key compaction settings include:

• Total gyrations: 0 to 999 at 30 ±0.5 gyrations per minute
• Angle of gyration: 0° to 1.50° internal or external
• Compaction pressure: 200 to 999 kPa
• Specimen height: 0 to 200mm

Safety & Convenience Features

The Superpave Gyratory Compactor is designed with operator safety and convenience in mind. A built-in specimen extruder minimizes the need to lift hot, heavy molds, while a completely enclosed compacting chamber shields operators from moving parts. Molds are available for 150mm, 100mm, or 4.0in diameter specimens.

Shear Measurement Capability

The Superpave Gyratory Compactor with Shear Measurement is a factory-equipped model identical to the standard version, but with the added capability to measure and graph gyratory shear — the force required to gyrate the specimen. This data can be depicted as:

• Gyratory shear force vs. gyrations
• Shear force vs. percent air voids

This valuable information provides deeper insight into the workability and compactability of a mix, helping engineers make more informed decisions about mix design.

Key Features:

• Designed and built in the USA for compaction of hot-mix asphalt for Superpave mix designs
• Meets or exceeds requirements for ASTM D6925 and AASHTO T 312
• Efficient and adaptable for compacting hot-mix asphalt and a wide range of other materials
• Complete user-control of compaction pressure, angle adjustments, and gyrations
• Straightforward four-button control panel for simplified machine operation
• Final specimen height is user-controlled from 0 to 200mm
• Built-in extruder for safer, more convenient operation
• Fully network compatible for complete data management

Technical Specifications:

• Number of Gyrations: 0—999
• Speed of Gyrations: 30 ±0.5 gyrations per minute
• Compaction Force: 200—999 kPa
• Angle of Gyration: 0.00—1.50° Selectable Internal/External
• Mold Dimensions: 150 x 250mm and 100 x 250mm, Dia.xH
• Specimen Size Height: 0.00—200mm
• Communication Ports: (2) USB ports and RJ45 Ethernet connector
• Compaction Modes: Number of Gyrations, Height, and Locking Point
• System: Electromechanical
• Data Acquisition: Gyration Number, Specimen Height, Angle of Gyration, Pressure, and Gyratory Shear (Optional)
• Program Memory: Data for Last 20 Tests
• Power Requirements: 115V/50/60Hz, 12 Amp, 1 ph or 230V/50/60Hz, 6 Amp, 1 ph
• Product Dimensions: 34.5 x 35.5 x 54in (875 x 900 x 1,375mm), WxDxH
• Net Weight: 850lb (396kg)
• Estimated Weight: 1,250lb (567kg)

Meets Test Methods:

• AASHTO T 312
• ASTM D 7229
• ASTM D 6925