Method and device for defining elastic deformations and interal angle of a gyratory compactor

A method for defining elastic deformations in a gyratory compactor and measuring an angle of gyration by use of a loading device having a cylindrical body dimensioned to fit within a cylindrical mold used with a gyratory compactor, the loading device having first and second head surfaces at respective ends of the loading device body, each of the first and second head surfaces configured to provide a single point of contact with a mold cover or mold bottom, and a measuring element within the loading device body operative to measure an angle of gyration, the method comprising the steps of:

• inserting the loading device into a mold,
• placing a mold cover in contact with one of the head surfaces,
• placing a mold bottom in contact with the other of the head surfaces,
• installing the mold in a gyratory compactor,
• applying a pressure and an angle of gyration to the mold by operation of the gyratory compactor, and
• recording a reading from the measuring element indicative of an angle of gyration.

A method of measuring an internal angle of gyration of a mold in a gyration compactor without test specimen material in the mold, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a loading device having a body configured to fit within a mold which is used in a gyratory compactor, the loading device having head surfaces at ends of the loading device body, the head surfaces configured to provide a single point of contact with a mold cover and a mold bottom, and a measuring element within the loading device body, the measuring element operative to measure an angle of gyration,
• placing the loading device in a mold and between a mold bottom and mold cover;
• placing the mold in a gyratory compactor, and
• operating the gyratory compactor to apply a pressing force and an angle of gyration to the loading device, and
• receiving data from the measuring element indicative of an angle of gyration.