Fully electro-mechanical gyratory compactor GALILEO Research

EN 12697-10 | EN 12697-31 | AASHTO T312 | ASTM D6925 | AS 2891.2.2

MAIN FEATURES

• High precision, robust load mechanism combined with an extremely rigid frame assures high accuracy and repeatability
• Load cell fitted directly on the vertical actuator for accurate load measurement and feedback control
• User defined axial stress and speed of rotation
• Sliding transparent door with safety interlock
• Catch tray to collect expelled liquids using perforated moulds
• Fresh concrete configuration available
• Easy control using the integrated 7" colour touchscreen panel or connected PC
• User friendly PC software for data analysis and tests set up. Remote communication is available to receive immediate diagnostics
• Automatic data saving on USB or on Windows PC
• Lightweight yet robust moulds strictly comply with international Standards
• Safe and easy mould insertion and extraction with automatic lifting ensures low effort for the operator and higher productivity
• Simultaneous extraction of last specimen for higher productivity
• Easy specimen extraction with the integrated extruder
• Perfect gyratory angle with real-time closed loop automatic angle adjustment recovering compliance and minor strains independently from the vertical loads
• Easy and accurate motorised regulation of the gyratory angle set and displayed from the control panels
• Possibility to automatically set the zero angle at the end of the test
• Real-time direct shear and torque resistance measurement. Automatic calculation of the compaction energy, an important parameter for Research
• Automatic weight acquisition and density calculation with the integrated balance (optional)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A robust precision-engineered steel structure incorporating the EmS Electromechanical servo-actuation mechanism for vertical load application and "Orbital" proprietary gyration and mould rotation system (Patent pending) delivering highly accurate and repeatabletest results, together with stiffness and angle stability values that fall comfortably within the limits defined in EN 12697-31.

The large 7" user-friendly integrated touchscreen control panel shows the test graph in real time.

The on-board firmware includes nine languages and also offers the option to control the tests from a PC.

A traceable calibration certificate conforming ASTM and AASHTO Standards is also included.

Operating principle

Standard specify the method for compaction of cylindrical specimens of bituminous mixtures using a gyratory compactor. Such compaction is achieved by combining a rotary shearing action with a vertical static force applied by a mechanical head.

The method can be used for:

• Preparation of specimens of a given height at a predetermined density, for subsequent testing of their mechanical properties;
• Derivation of a curve of density versus number of gyrations;
• Void content for a given number of gyrations.

Standards apply to bituminous mixtures (made either in laboratory or from on-site sampling), with aggregates not larger than 37.5 mm. During operation the bituminous mixture is contained in a cylindrical mould (100 or 150 mm diameter). Compaction is achieved by the simultaneous application of a low-static compression and a shearing action, which results in the motion of the centre-line of the test piece, which generates a conical surface of revolution while the ends of the test piece remain approximately perpendicular to the axis of the conical surface.

The gyratory compactor Galileo Research can be used as part of your Superpave performance based testing program.