Marshall Compactor, Automatic, Eco-Smartz
NL 2000 X / 006

Standard: ASTM D6926/D5581, AASHTO T245

Marshall Compactor

The Marshall Compactor is used for compact asphalt samples, automating the compaction process to produce cylindrical asphalt specimens 4" or 6" in diameter used in Marshall tests, which are conducted during the construction of asphalt pavement. It consists of a cylindrical mold and a hammer mechanism that exerts a specific amount of force with a specified weight and fall height onto the asphalt sample within the mold. This compaction process helps in determining the density and stability of the asphalt mixture, ensuring its quality and durability for use in road construction. The resulting compacted specimens are then subjected to various tests, such as Marshall Stability and Flow tests, enabling civil engineers to gauge the material's ability to withstand traffic loads and environmental stressors.

This machine comes with an ECO-SMARTZ system for more stability & better performance. This ruggedly constructed machine has been designed to eliminate the laborious process of hand compaction. It automatically compacts the specimen and stops after the preset number of strokes has been completed on the automatic digital display counter. This machine comes with a controller compartment unit.  

Technical Specifications

*1 Copy of Manual Instruction

Optional Accessories

Standard

• ASTM D6926/D5581: These standards, developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), provide guidelines for preparing laboratory-compacted specimens of asphalt concrete using the Marshall compaction method. They detail the equipment, materials, and procedures necessary for compacting cylindrical specimens of asphalt mixture.
• AASHTO T245: This standard is developed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). It also outlines the procedures for preparing and compacting asphalt concrete specimens using the Marshall compaction method. AASHTO standards are widely used in the United States for the design, construction, and maintenance of highways and other transportation infrastructure.

Test Procedure of Marshall Compactor

• Sample Preparation: Asphalt concrete mixtures are prepared according to the desired specifications and requirements. The aggregate gradation, binder content, and other relevant properties are determined based on project specifications.
• Mold Preparation: The mold used for Tetrahedron compaction is tetrahedral in shape, resembling a triangular pyramid. The mold is cleaned and lubricated to prevent sticking of the asphalt mixture.
• Asphalt Placement: The prepared asphalt mixture is placed into the mold in several lifts. Each lift is compacted individually to ensure uniform compaction throughout the specimen.
• Compaction: A compaction ram is used to apply pressure to the asphalt mixture within the mold. The compaction process is typically carried out at a specific temperature and pressure, depending on the project requirements and the properties of the asphalt mixture.
• Specimen Removal: After compaction, the tetrahedral mold is carefully removed from the compacted specimen.
  Testing: The compacted specimen is then subjected to various tests to evaluate its properties, including density, stability, and flow characteristics. These tests help determine the suitability of the asphalt mixture for use in road construction.

Type of Testing Using Marshall Compactor

Marshall Stability Test

• The Marshall Stability test evaluates the resistance of an asphalt mixture to deformation or failure under compressive loads.
• In this test, a cylindrical specimen of the asphalt mixture, typically 101.6 mm (4 inches) in diameter and 63.5 mm (2.5 inches) in height, is subjected to a compressive load at a specific rate and temperature.
• The maximum load sustained by the specimen before failure, expressed in units of force, is known as the Marshall Stability.
• Marshall Stability is an important indicator of the strength and structural integrity of the asphalt mixture. Higher stability values generally indicate better resistance to deformation and cracking, which are critical factors in the performance of asphalt pavements.

Marshall Flow Test

• The Marshall Flow test measures the deformation or flow of an asphalt mixture under a specified compressive load.
• During the test, the same cylindrical specimen used for the Marshall Stability test is placed on a horizontal plate and subjected to a compressive load.
• The deformation or flow of the asphalt mixture, expressed in millimeters, is recorded as the Marshall Flow.
• Marshall Flow provides information about the flow properties of the asphalt mixture under load, which is important for determining its ability to withstand traffic and environmental stresses.
• A smaller Marshall Flow value indicates less deformation, suggesting better resistance to rutting and deformation in the pavement structure.