TRAVELLING BEAM DEVICE AZA0960

Description

Principle of Operation

The AZA0960 operates on a proven mechanical measurement principle:

• A rigid travelling beam, typically 3 m or 4 m in length, is supported by two end wheels that establish a reference plane.

• A central measuring wheel or probe tracks vertical deviations of the pavement surface relative to this reference.

• As the device is manually pushed or pulled along the road, the vertical movements of the central wheel are transmitted to a high-precision dial gauge or digital indicator.

• These deviations are recorded at specified intervals and accumulated over a known length.

• The results are used to compute longitudinal unevenness, commonly expressed as mm per km, which serves as a key indicator of pavement riding quality.

This method is widely specified in India for routine pavement evaluation and quality acceptance.

Design and Construction

The AZA0960 Travelling Beam Device is engineered for accuracy, durability, and ease of field operation:

• Rigid Beam Construction
  Manufactured from high-grade aluminum alloy or robust steel to minimize deflection and ensure measurement accuracy.

• Precision Measuring System
  Central measuring wheel or probe connected to a sensitive dial gauge or digital display, capable of detecting minute surface deviations.

• Smooth Rolling Wheels
  End support wheels and measuring wheel are designed for smooth movement with minimal friction or slippage.

• High Measurement Resolution
  Dial gauge typically with 0.01 mm or 0.1 mm least count, enabling fine resolution of surface irregularities.

• Portable & Field-Friendly
  Designed for easy assembly, disassembly, and transport for on-site testing.

• Rugged Build
  Suitable for repeated use in demanding site conditions on asphalt and concrete pavements.

Key Applications

Quality Control of New Construction

• Verification of riding quality of newly laid asphalt or concrete pavements

• Ensures compliance with contractual roughness limits before project acceptance

Pavement Performance Evaluation

• Periodic monitoring of road roughness to assess deterioration over time

Maintenance & Rehabilitation Planning

• Identification of pavement sections with excessive unevenness

• Helps prioritize resurfacing, overlay, or rehabilitation works

Economic & Performance Assessment

• Roughness data supports evaluation of vehicle operating costs and pavement serviceability

• Can be correlated with International Roughness Index (IRI) for broader performance analysis

Benefits

• Accurate Roughness Measurement
  Provides reliable data on longitudinal pavement unevenness.

• Improved Riding Comfort
  Helps ensure smoother road surfaces for road users.

• Better Maintenance Decisions
  Identifies critical sections requiring repair or rehabilitation.

• Cost-Effective Solution
  Simple mechanical system with low maintenance requirements.

• Standard Accepted Method
  Widely recognized and specified by Indian road authorities.

Technical Specifications

Model Number: AZA0960

Product Type:

• Travelling Beam Device / Road Roughness Tester

Application:

• Measurement of longitudinal unevenness of flexible and rigid pavements

Beam Length:

• 3 meters or 4 meters (standard options)

Measuring System:

• Sensor: Central measuring wheel or probe

• Indicator:

  • Dial Gauge (typical range 0–10 mm, least count 0.01 mm or 0.1 mm)

  • Digital indicator (optional)

Support Wheels:

• Smooth-rolling wheels at beam ends for stable reference

Construction Material:

• High-grade aluminum alloy or robust steel beam

Unevenness Output:

• Used to calculate unevenness index (mm/km)

Portability:

• Designed for easy manual operation and field transport

Weight:

• Approximately 20–40 kg (depending on beam length and material)

Standard Compliance:

• Conforms to IRC and MoRTH specifications for pavement surface unevenness measurement

Accessories (Typical):

• Carrying case

• Calibration stand (optional)

• Assembly tools

Operation and Maintenance

Operation:
The AZA0960 is placed on the pavement surface and moved manually along the test section. Readings are recorded at specified chainages and processed to compute unevenness values.

Maintenance:

• Clean beam, wheels, and gauge after use

• Inspect wheels for wear

• Periodically verify calibration of the measuring gauge

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does the AZA0960 measure?
It measures the longitudinal surface unevenness (roughness) of road pavements.

Q2: Which pavements can be tested?
Both flexible (bituminous) and rigid (cement concrete) pavements.

Q3: Why is roughness measurement important?
Roughness affects riding comfort, vehicle operating costs, safety, and pavement life.

Q4: How is unevenness expressed?
Typically as an unevenness index in mm/km.

Q5: Is the AZA0960 suitable for site use?
Yes. It is rugged, portable, and designed specifically for field measurements.

Q6: Does it comply with Indian standards?
Yes. It is manufactured in accordance with IRC and MoRTH guidelines.

Summary

• Reliable travelling beam device for pavement roughness evaluation

• Measures longitudinal unevenness of roads accurately

• Essential for quality control, acceptance testing, and maintenance planning

• Rugged, portable, and field-proven design

• Fully compliant with Indian road construction standards