Designed to perform tensile tests for determining the failure properties of asphalt binder at low temperatures, for use in petrochemical industry, transportation agencies, and independent labs
Instron, a provider of testing equipment designed to evaluate mechanical properties of materials and components, introduces its AsphaltPro direct tension testing (DTT) system.
Designed to perform tensile tests for determining the failure properties of asphalt binder at low temperatures, the AsphaltPro DTT is ideally suited for the petrochemical industry, federal and state transportation agencies, and independent testing labs.
AsphaltPro DTT features a two-column load frame with actuator, load cell, linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), and a refrigerated test bath.
This compact tabletop system performs the direct tension test in accordance with Aashto test method TP3.
In addition, Instron offers an optional bending beam rheometer (BBR) load frame, which is designed to perform flexural tests for determining the creep stiffness of asphalt binder at low temperatures.
The BBR load frame uses the AsphaltPro's existing controller and software in order to perform the test in accordance with Aashto test method TP1.
The BBR frame can be supplied as an accessory for use with the existing AsphaltPro test bath, or supplied with a separate test bath and chiller.
The design of Instron's refrigerated test bath includes a rugged, one-piece polypropylene tank with mixing chamber, re-circulating chiller, and storage capacity for up to sixteen test specimens.
The mixing chamber and chiller ensure that the test bath will maintain the refrigerated fluid at a uniform temperature.
The superior design of the AsphaltPro load frame improves system reliability by performing the direct tension tests on an incline.
This means that only the asphalt binder is exposed to the extreme temperatures of the cooling fluid, while the drive system and load cell are protected.
Merlin software, which is incorporated into the AsphaltPro, is a fully integrated modular software package designed for a wide range of materials testing.
This flexible software package allows the user to configure parameters such as fixture set-up, test control, measurement units and calculations for each test type, thus allowing laboratories to achieve maximum productivity.
In addition, Instron offers Tsar Pro (thermal stress analysis routine) software, which imports direct tension data directly from Merlin for calculating the critical cracking temperature (Tc) of the asphalt binder.
This Tc calculation is performed in accordance with Aashto MP1A specification.
