Devices and methods for applying known resistance loads and measuring internal angles of gyration in gyratory compactors

A device for applying a known resistance force and measuring an internal angle of gyration of a mold in a gyratory compactor, the device comprising:

• a body configured to fit within a mold suitable for use in a gyratory compactor, the body having a first end and a second end and a side wall which extends between the first and second ends, the first and second ends extending laterally beyond the side wall;
• a protrusion which extends from the first end, and a protrusion which extends from the second end, each protrusion configured to provide a contact with a mold end plate, the body providing resistance to a force applied to the body by contact with one of the protrusions;
• an assembly within the body for measuring an internal angle of gyration, the assembly including:
• a guide block,
• guide block probes in the guide block which extend through at least one of the ends of the body,
• a guide rod for holding a reference probe to extend through the wall of the body,
• a slide block attached to the guide rod, and
• a linear sensor probe mounted to the slide block to extend through the wall of the body.

A method of measuring an internal gyration angle in a mold in a gyratory compactor, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning an internal gyration angle measurement device in a mold between two mold plates, the internal gyration angle measurement device having a body with planar ends which are positioned in planar contact with the mold plates;
• positioning a loading device in the mold in contact with one of the two mold plates in contact with the internal gyration angle measurement device;
• applying a force to the loading device as the mold is gyrated in a gyratory compactor, and
• obtaining a measurement of an internal gyration angle from the internal gyration angle measurement device measured while the force is applied to the loading device and while the mold is gyrated.