Apparatus and method for testing paving

Abstract

An apparatus for testing asphalt or other paving samples includes a cabinet for housing the mechanical elements of the invention, and a computerized control console for monitoring and controlling the mechanism. The cabinet includes a pair of weighted rollers or wheels, which are driven reciprocatingly over a corresponding pair of pavement samples placed in trays beneath the wheels. The trays in turn rest in a water bath contained in an open water tank within the cabinet. The water may be heated to a predetermined temperature as desired, for providing the effects of high heat and moisture during testing. Each roller arm is in contact with a linear value displacement transducer, which measures the wear of each sample several times during each roller stroke. Lifting devices are also provided to lift the subject roller arm if one of the samples breaks down prematurely, in order to avoid premature abandonment of the testing of the second sample. All of the electromechanical components and their functions are controlled and/or monitored by a computer, which controls the speed of the wheel or roller drive motor, the temperature and circulation of the water bath, monitors the wear of each pavement sample according to the corresponding displacement transducer, and controls the lifting of either roller arm in the event of the breakdown of one of the samples. The computer and monitor are installed with a cabinet which houses various electrical components which in turn monitor and control the various elements of the sample test cabinet.