AMPT / SPT - Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester |
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The IPC AMPT - Asphalt Material Performanace Tester (SPT - Simple Performance Tester) is a fully integrated package. It was specifically designed to perform tests developed under NCHRP 9-19 & 9-29 and complies with AASHTO TP79 for determining the dynamic modulus and flow number for hot mix asphalt. It comprises a triaxial cell, an environmental chamber, a hydraulic actuator and pump, a refrigeration and heating unit with heat exchanger and a control and data acquisition system. The triaxial test cell is mounted on the top left of the unit. A space for the operator’s PC is available on the top right hand side if required. Or the PC can be remotely located. A quiet, built-in, hydraulic pump provides pressure for the vertical loading system. Compressed air is used for confining pressure and to raise and lower the triaxial cell. The most important feature of this type of testing equipment is the chamber in which the sample is confined and evaluated. IPC Global employs a highly modified, geotechnical triaxial cell, which doubles as an environmental chamber. The test cell allows viewing of the sample at all times, without the need for special lighting. Prior to installation in the test cell, samples are fitted with three surface mounted transducers. The triaxial cell itself is raised and lowered by an inbuilt control system, which meets required operator safety standards. IPC Global has used this automated system for several years in our advanced equipment. It avoids the need for the operator to dismantle and move the heavy cell assembly when changing test specimens. The temperature of the confining medium (re-circulated air) is regulated by a heat exchanger assembly and controlled by a temperature sensor within the cell. Thermal equilibrium can be obtained within three-minutes. The SPT design is rugged and easy to use. It’s ideally suited to withstand the operating environment of the contractors' facilities. It has a minimum number of external controls and is based on a set of specifications making it affordable and suitable for use by State Departments of Transport and the wide range of contractors associated and working within the industry. IPC Global's world leading UTS operational and analytical software has provided the basis for the design of the computerised test procedures and analysis. Inputs derived from the transducers are analysed and processed to provide the practical and operational test results required at contractor and industry level to AASHTO TP 79. Contact us now for more information or quotation. |
