Standard Method of Test for

Evaluation of Superpave Gyratory

Compactor (SGC) Internal Angle of
Gyration Using Simulated Loading

AASHTO Designation: T 344-121,2

ASTM Designation: D7115-05

1. SCOPE
1.1. This practice covers the procedure for the evaluation of the Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC)
internal angle of gyration using an instrument capable of simulating loading conditions similar to
those created by a hot mix asphalt (HMA) specimen.

1.2. This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2.1. AASHTO Standard:
 T 312, Preparing and Determining the Density of Asphalt Mixture Specimens by Means of the
Superpave Gyratory Compactor

3. TERMINOLOGY
3.1. Definitions:

3.1.1. external angle—the angle formed between the external mold diameter and a stationary
reference/axis of the machine frame.

3.1.2. internal angle—the angle formed between the internal mold diameter and a mold end plate as a
mold is gyrated in an SGC.

3.1.3. top internal angle—the angle formed between the internal mold diameter and the upper mold end
plate as a mold is gyrated in an SGC.

3.1.4. bottom internal angle—the angle formed between the internal mold diameter and the lower mold
end plate as a mold is gyrated in an SGC.

3.1.5. effective internal angle—the average of the top internal angle and the bottom internal angle.

TS-2d T 344-1 AASHTO

© 2015 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
3.1.6. tilting moment—a force (F) acting at one end of an SGC mold platen in a direction parallel to the
axis of gyration, but acting at some distance (e) away from that axis. The tilting moment at one
end of the mold platen is computed as the product of this distance (e) and force (F).

3.1.7. total moment—the sum total (M) of the tilting moment acting at the top of the mold and the tilting
moment acting at the bottom of the mold.

3.1.8. eccentricity—the distance (e) away from the axis of gyration at which a force (F) is acting at one
end of an SGC mold. This use of the term eccentricity is consistent with previous published
reports describing the mechanics of gyratory compaction.

3.1.9. standard SGC volumetric specimen—a standard-sized HMA specimen prepared using an SGC for
purposes of volumetric mix design. Such a standard specimen, prepared in accordance with T 312,
has a diameter of 150 mm and a final compacted height of 115 r 5 mm.

4. SUMMARY OF PRACTICE
4.1. The internal angle of gyration of an SGC is measured dynamically with an instrument inserted into
the SGC mold.

4.2. A load (moment) is induced on the SGC while the internal angle is simultaneously measured. The
simulated loading conditions are similar to those created by compaction of a standard SGC
volumetric specimen.

4.3. The internal angles at each end of the mold are measured and then averaged to obtain the effective
internal angle of gyration.

5. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

5.1. SGCs are used to produce hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixture specimens in the laboratory to assess
and predict pavement performance. In the fabrication of an SGC specimen, loose HMA is placed
inside a metal mold, which is then placed into an SGC. A constant consolidation pressure is
applied to the sample while the mold gyrates at a nominally constant angle (referred to as the
angle of gyration) and rate. Consistency in the density of the HMA specimens produced is very
important to the validity of the tests performed. Specimens of a consistent density are produced
when an SGC maintains a constant pressure and a known constant angle of gyration during the
compaction process.

5.2. There are several manufacturers and models of SGC. Each model employs a unique method of
setting, inducing, and maintaining the angle of gyration. Each model also employs a unique
calibration system to measure the external angle of gyration. These existing calibration systems
cannot be used universally on all of the different SGC models commercially available.
Inconsistencies in HMA specimens produced on different SGC models have been attributed to
variations in the angle of gyration.

5.3. This practice describes instruments and processes that can be used to independently measure the
internal angle of gyration of any manufacturer’s SGC model under simulated loading conditions.
The external shape of the instrument chassis assures that the points of physical contact between
the mold end plates and the instrument occur at a fixed and known distance away from the axis of
gyration. As a result, the vertical load is applied at these fixed points, creating tilting moments at
each end of the mold.

5.4. Unless otherwise specified, tilting moments corresponding to an eccentricity of 22 mm shall be

used to simulate the loading conditions of a standard SGC volumetric specimen.

TS-2d T 344-2 AASHTO

© 2015 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
6. INTERFERENCES
6.1. Debris on the SGC mold, base plates, ram head, reaction surfaces, or on the instrument can cause
errant measurement results. Extreme care should be taken to thoroughly clean the SGC, mold,
instrument, and any work areas that will be utilized during the measurement procedure. Scarring
or irregular surfaces on mold walls and end plates is also known to cause incorrect results. Do not
use any equipment that shows signs of damage. The precision required in the execution of this
practice necessitates that extreme care must be taken to avoid errors from damaged or improperly
maintained equipment.

7. APPARATUS
7.1. The instrument should be capable of being gyrated inside an SGC mold that induces tilting
moments at each end of the SGC mold while simultaneously measuring an internal angle
of gyration.

7.1.1. Data Acquisition—The timing of the data acquisition system may be automatically triggered by
the start of the gyration process. Provision for excluding a known number of initial gyrations from
the angle measurement may be provided (initial delay period), and the angle shall be measured
throughout a known number of subsequent gyrations (data acquisition period). The durations of
the initial delay and the data acquisition periods may be programmable or fixed.

7.1.2. Display Options—The angle measurement result(s) may be viewable on a display built into the
instrument chassis and/or retrievable from the instrument via a communications port.

7.1.3. Temperature Measurement—The instrument may optionally have a means for displaying,
recording, or otherwise indicating its internal temperature during the angle measurement process.

7.1.4. Static Angle Gauge—A NIST-traceable angle gauge device machined with one or more known
angles and used to calibrate and verify the calibration of the angle measurement instrument.

7.1.5. Wear Protection Plates—Thin steel plates (optional) that protect the SGC mold end plates from
any cosmetic damage by the contact rings.

7.2. Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC)—And associated equipment as described in T 312. The
SGC shall be in good repair, with the compaction pressure, specimen height measurement system,
and gyration rate verified to be within specifications. The mechanisms used to induce and
maintain the angle of gyration shall be set and maintained within the manufacturer’s guidelines.

7.2.1. The SGC molds, mold end plates, base platens, and ram head surface smoothness shall be
confirmed to be within the specifications of T 312. Any equipment not meeting these requirements
shall not be used.

8. HAZARDS
8.1. Use standard safety precautions and protective clothing for working in a hot-mix asphalt
laboratory.

TS-2d T 344-3 AASHTO

© 2015 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
9. CALIBRATION AND STANDARDIZATION
9.1. The angle measurement instrument requires periodic verification, calibration, or both. The system
shall be standardized prior to initial use and at least once every 12 months. This annual
verification is generally considered a factory calibration and includes the following:

9.1.1. Verification of the static angle gauge with a NIST-traceable measurement system.

9.1.2. Verification of the angle measurement instrument.

10. PREPARATION OF APPARATUS

10.1. Before each use of the angle measurement instrument (i.e., on a daily basis), verify the angle
measurement system using the static angle gauge. The static angle gauge, which can apply one or
more known angles to the instrument, is used to confirm that the instrument is operating within
calibration.
Note 1—The instrument and the static angle gauge must be at the same uniform, stable
temperature for the verification to be accurate.

10.2. Be sure the probe tips and contact rings on the angle measurement instrument are free of debris.

10.3. Prepare a clean compaction mold assembly.

Note 2—Accumulation of HMA on one or more of the mold surfaces, mold end plates, base
platens, or ram head surfaces directly impacts the instrument’s ability to accurately measure the
angle of gyration. Use mineral spirits or another appropriate solvent to clean these surfaces.

10.4. If the angle measurement is to be made at an elevated temperature, place the SGC mold in an oven
at the desired temperature r5°C for a minimum of 45 min prior to making the first angle
measurement. Do not place the angle measurement instrument in the oven.
Note 3—The SGC manufacturer may recommend measurement of the angle at an elevated
temperature for those SGC models where the angle changes with mold temperature.
Note 4—Instruments typically have a limited operating temperature range. After use in a hot
mold, the angle measurement instrument can be cooled by using a fan to blow ambient air over the
instrument or by placing it in front of an air conditioner. Elevating the instrument above the table
surface so as to permit maximum airflow over the entire instrument will increase the rate of
cooling. Do not cool the instrument below room temperature.

10.5. Verify the settings on the compactor. Unless noted otherwise, the SGC shall be initialized to
provide specimen compaction using a consolidation pressure of 600 r 18 kPa and a gyration rate
of 30 r 0.5 rpm.

10.6. Set the number of gyrations on the SGC in accordance with the recommendations of the
manufacturer of the angle measurement instrument.

11. PROCEDURE
11.1. The average internal angle is based on four individual angle measurements as follows:

11.1.1. The top internal angle is measured twice. If the two results do not match within 0.02 degrees,
discard the results and repeat this step.

TS-2d T 344-4 AASHTO

© 2015 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
11.1.2. The bottom internal angle is measured twice. If the two results do not match within 0.02 degrees,
discard the results and repeat this step.

11.2. Each of the four individual angle measurements is performed as follows:

11.2.1. Arm the angle measurement instrument for collecting data.

11.2.2. Place the angle measurement instrument inside the SGC mold. Orient the instrument probes or
reference base as appropriate to measure the top or bottom angle.
Note 5—The operator may wish to use a mold extruder to elevate the bottom mold plate to a
position where insertion of the angle measurement instrument into the SGC mold is easier.

11.2.3. Place the SGC mold inside the SGC.

Note 6—For some SGCs, it may be more convenient to first place the mold in the SGC and then
place the angle measurement instrument in the mold.

11.2.4. Initiate the compaction process. For most SGCs, this is an automatic process consisting of
pressing a button to start the compaction process. The SGC automatically applies the ram
pressure, induces the angle, and gyrates the mold to the specified number of gyrations.
Note 7—Certain models of Superpave gyratory compactor may exhibit erratic behavior when
applying compaction pressure to a simulated load device. Consult SGC manufacturer
recommendations regarding the use of simulated load devices and specific procedures for
initiating and completing the compaction process.

11.2.5. Remove the angle measurement instrument from the SGC mold.
Note 8—Use caution when removing the instrument, especially when using a power extruder.
Take care that the instrument does not get caught or damaged during the extrusion process.

11.2.6. Record the angle result reported by the instrument (to the nearest 0.01 degree). Record which
angle (top or bottom) and which replicate (1 or 2) was measured.

12. CALCULATION
12.1. Calculate the average top internal angle as follows:
(top internal angle 1 + top internal angle 2)
average top internal angle (1)
2

12.2. Calculate the average bottom internal angle as follows:

(bottom internal angle 1 + bottom internal angle 2)
average bottom internal angle (2)
2

12.3. Calculate the effective internal angle as follows:

(average top internal angle + average bottom internal angle)
effective internal angle (3)
2

13. REPORT
13.1. The report shall contain the following information:

13.1.1. SGC information—Manufacturer, model number, serial number, owner, location, number of
gyrations, and consolidation pressure used during the angle measurement process;

TS-2d T 344-5 AASHTO

© 2015 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
13.1.2. Angle measurement instrument identification—Manufacturer, model number, serial number, date
of calibration;

13.1.3. Due date for next calibration and eccentricity;

Note 9—Consult the instrument manufacturer’s manual for determination of the applied
eccentricity for the particular instrument used.

13.1.4. Results from each of the individual angle measurements—Express each angle measurement to the
nearest 0.01 degree, with notations indicating top or bottom angle; and

13.1.5. Effective internal angle.

13.2. The technician performing the test shall sign and date the report.
Note 10—A sample report is provided in Appendix X1.

14. PRECISION AND BIAS

14.1. PrecisionThe precision is based on an ASTM Interlaboratory Study (ILS #151) that was
conducted in 2007. ILS #151 involved 27 laboratories, which featured five Troxler (DAVII-HMS)
and six Pine Instrument AFLS1 (RAM) internal-angle measuring instruments and the following
SGC models: Troxler Electronics 4140, 4141, and 414x; Pine Instrument AFG1, AFG2, AFGB1,
and AFGC125X; IPC ServoPac; and Interlaken. Within the study, the internal angle measurements
ranged from 1.014 to 1.290 degrees. ILS #151 indicated that the two internal-angle measuring
device types (DAVII-HMS and RAM) produced similar results on all SGC models listed.

14.1.1. Single-Instrument PrecisionThe single-operator standard deviation (1s limit) of a single test
result has been found to be 0.011 degrees. Therefore, results of two properly conducted
measurements by the same operator with the same internal-angle measuring instrument in the
same SGC should not differ by more than 0.03 degrees (d2s limit).

14.1.2. Multi-Instrument PrecisionThe multi-instrument standard deviation (1s limit) of a single test
result has been found to be 0.015 degrees. Therefore, the results of two properly conducted
measurements by different operators using different internal-angle measuring instruments in the
same SGC should not differ by more than 0.04 degrees (d2s limit).

14.2. BiasBecause there is no accepted reference device suitable for determining the bias in this
method, no statement of bias is made.

15. KEYWORDS
15.1. Angle; asphalt; compaction; gyratory; Superpave.

TS-2d T 344-6 AASHTO

© 2015 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SAMPLE REPORT

Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC)

Internal Angle Evaluation Form

Superpave Gyratory Compactor

Manufacturer: Owner:
Model: Location:
Serial Number: Total Gyrations:

Angle Measurement Instrument

Make and Model: Date of Previous Calibration:
Serial Number: Next Calibration Due:
Eccentricity (mm):

Internal Angle Measurements

Angle
Angle Measured (report to nearest 0.01
(top or bottom) degree) Comments

Effective Internal Angle:

Technician: Date:
(sign here)

1
Formerly AASHTO Provisional Standard TP 71. First published as a full standard in 2012.
2
Except for the number of individual measurements required, this standard agrees with ASTM D7115-05.

TS-2d T 344-7 AASHTO

© 2015 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.