SGCs are used to produce hot-mix asphalt (HMA) specimens in the laboratory to assess volumetric properties and predict pavement performance. In the fabrication of an SGC specimen in accordance with Test Method D6925, loose HMA is placed inside a metal mold, which is then placed into an SGC. A constant consolidation pressure is applied to the sample while the mold gyrates at a nominally constant angle (referred to as the angle of gyration) and rate. Consistency in the density of the asphalt specimens produced as measured by Test Methods D2726 or D6752 is very important to the validity of the tests performed. Specimens of a consistent density are produced when an SGC maintains a constant pressure and a known constant angle of gyration during the compaction process.

There are several manufacturers and models of SGC. Each model employs a unique method of setting, inducing, and maintaining the angle of gyration. Each model also employs a unique calibration system to measure the external angle of gyration. These existing calibration systems can not be used universally on all of the different SGC models commercially available. Inconsistencies in asphalt specimens produced on different SGC models have been at least partially attributed to variations in the angle of gyration.

This method describes instruments and processes that can be used to independently measure the internal angle of gyration of any manufacturers’ SGC model under simulated loading conditions. The external shape of the instrument chassis assures that the points of physical contact between the mold end plates and the instrument occur at a fixed and known distance away from the axis of gyration. As a result, the vertical load is applied at these fixed points, creating tilting moments at each end of the mold.

Unless otherwise specified, a tilting moment of 466.5 N-m shall be applied to the SGC by the instrument while making this measurement.

Note 1—The quality of the results produced by this test method are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3666 alone does not completely assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Practice D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.

Note 2—A 466.5 N-m tilting moment corresponds to a 22 mm eccentric on the AFLS1 or a 21 deg cone angle on the DAVII-HMS with an applied load of 10603 N (600 kPa at a 150 mm diameter specimen setting).

1.1 This test method covers the procedure for the measurement of the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) internal angle of gyration using an instrument capable of simulating loading conditions similar to those created by a hot mix asphalt specimen.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.2.1 , American National Standard for the Use of International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System, offers guidance where use of decimal degrees for plane angles (versus radians) and revolutions per minute for rate of gyration (versus radians per second) is acceptable within the system when used on a minimal basis.

1.3 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.