Importance

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Abstract

A portable device for measuring the shear properties of compacted asphalt mixes under applied dynamic loading conditions. The device includes first and second material retaining members which form a material receiving pocket for containing the compacted asphalt mix. The first and second material retaining members are connected via flexure assemblies which allow movement of the first and second material retaining members only along the longitudinal axis of the compacted asphalt mix. A dynamic load is applied to the flexures, thereby creating a shear condition parallel to the longitudinal axis of the compacted mix. The temperature of the asphalt mix may be held constant by controlling the temperature within an environmental chamber through the use of a closed loop PID control system. The specimen is dynamically loaded by a dynamic loading frame consisting of a servo pneumatic actuator and load reaction structure. A microprocessor-based controller operates the dynamic loading frame under closed loop control. The microprocessor-based controller may be servo controlled, utilizing feedback from either a load transducer or either of two linear displacement transducers.

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First Claim