Marshall Compactors

Marshall Compactors compact hot mix asphalt test specimens for Marshall stability and flow testing, density/void determinations, and specific gravity. Compactors are available in manual or automatic models. Specimen diameter is determined by the maximum aggregate size. 4in (102mm) diameter specimens are suitable for mixes containing aggregates up to 1in (25.4mm), and 6in (152mm) diameter specimens are used for aggregate sizes up to 1-1/2in (38.1mm).

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Click the Marshall Compactor Comparison Table above to enlarge, print, or download. The table compares operation, base rotation, blow-counter option, number of hammers, and mold size.

Gilson’s manual Marshall compactor implements a hand-operated drop hammer on a guide rod to compact asphalt samples and is suitable for periodic use. The manual compactor utilizes a stationary mold and a flat-faced hammer to compact the asphalt specimen evenly.

The automatic Marshall compactors use an electric motor to automatically raise the drop-hammer between successive blows and feature a hammer-blow counter that turns off the unit at the completion of compaction, significantly decreasing operator intervention. Automatic compactors are available with a stationary mold and flat-faced hammer or rotating-base mold models with a tapered-foot hammer. Automatic, rotating-base models ensure uniform compaction over the entire specimen for more precise testing results. Automatic models are also available in single, double, or triple mold/hammer configurations for increased throughput for high-volume testing labs.

• Marshall Compactor, Manual, 4in Mold uses a manually operated drop hammer for compaction of a single 4in Marshall asphalt specimen in a stationary mold.
• Marshall Compactor, Automatic, 4in Mold compacts Marshall specimens into a stationary 4in (102mm) mold. An automatic counter is set to control the number of blows.
• Marshall Compactor, Automatic, Heavy-Duty Rotating 4in Mold compacts one 4in asphalt specimen in a rotating mold. The heavy-duty frame reduces mechanical wear during operation. Conversion Hammer Assembly converts to use 6in mold.
• Marshall Compactor, Automatic, Heavy-Duty Rotating 6in Mold compacts one 6in Marshall specimen in a rotating mold. The heavy-duty frame reduces mechanical wear during operation.
• Marshall Compactor, Automatic, Rotating, Double 4in Molds compacts two 4in Marshall asphalt specimens at the same time.
• Marshall Compactor, Automatic, Rotating, Triple 4in Molds compacts three 4in Marshall asphalt samples simultaneously.

For more information on Marshall Compactors, here are our related blogs:

• Marshall Test Method: Everything You Need to Know