Marshall Stability Load Frame

Marshall Stability Load Frames from Gilson perform more than Marshall stability and flow tests for asphalt mix designs. Many other asphalt test methods take advantage of the strain rate range and load capacity of these load frames. These tests are typically performed at a strain rate of 2.0in (50.8mm) per minute.

Marshall stability and flow is a popular and established test to measure the plastic flow of asphalt paving mixture. A range of tests can be performed using the Marshall Stability Load Frames, such as:

• The indirect tensile strength (IDT) or Lottman test to evaluate moisture susceptibility and allow the calculation of tensile strength ratios (TSR)
• Interlayer shear strength (ISS) test to measure the shear strength of tack coats between asphalt layers
• Semicircular bend (SCB) test to determine resistance to cracking and fracture energy of asphalt mixtures
• IDEAL-RT test to determine resistance to rutting, or rutting tolerance

All asphalt load frames are powered by heavy-duty direct drive motors with overlimit switches to prevent movement beyond the 3in (76.2mm) range. Large 8in (203.2mm) diameter test platens and threaded adjustable crossheads easily accommodate a variety of test fixtures. Sturdy, 16ga powder-coated steel cabinets can stand up to rugged use in lab environments.

MS-86 Load Frame has a fixed strain rate of 2.0in/min (50.8mm/min) and 10,000lbf (44.4kN) capacity. This model is powered by a 1hp AC motor and controller to precisely control strain rates and has a daylight opening of 11.9x19.5in (302.3x495.3mm) to accommodate a wide range of asphalt text fixtures. This unit operates at 120V, 60Hz (MS-86), or 230V, 50Hz (MS-86F), or 220V, 60Hz (MS-86S).

MS-87 Load Frame has a capacity of 20,000lbf (88.9kN) and operates at 200-240V, 50/60Hz, but is otherwise identical to MS-86.

Features:

• Consistent loading rate maintained at ±1% by the 1hp DC motor and controller
• Easily changeable crosshead with adjusting nuts
• Flexible boots protect precision loading screws from debris

Included Items:

• Marshall Stability Load Frame (10,000 or 20,000lbf capacity)
• 8in (203mm) diameter lower platen

Accessories:

• HMA-94 Load Frame Cart positions load frames at a good working height
• Marshall Stability Component Set select from digital or analog components to equip Load Frames for Marshall Stability testing of hot-mix asphalt samples
• MS-26 or MS-29 Marshall Breaking Heads have machined upper/lower segments to fit asphalt specimen
• MS-43 Asphalt Tack Coat/Interlayer Shear Strength Apparatus measures the shear strength of tack coat material between two asphalt layers
• MS-45 Semi-Circular Bend (SCB) Test Fixture mounts in Marshall Load Frame and used in testing asphalt samples up to 19mm maximum size
• MS-48 Sample Preparation Saw for preparing samples used in Semi-Circular Bend and Disk-Shaped Compact Tension testing
• Indirect Tensile Loading Fixtures for 4 or 6in specimens used in determining Indirect Tensile or Lottman values in testing
• Sample Ejectors available for 4in molds only or 4 or 6in molds enable easy extrusion of samples from molds
• MS-27 Budget Sample Ejector for use with a load frame during specimen removal
• Dial Flow Meters for manually measuring specimens in Marshall Stability tests
• MSA-134 Data Acquisition Software works with the MSA-860D Digital Component Set to record specimen information and real-time test data, calculate results, then prepare reports following ASTM requirements.

Related blogs:

• Asphalt Tack Coat: Testing Shear Strength
• Build the Optimal System for Your Geotechnical Applications with Load Frames