AZA 0867 AUTOMATIC SOIL COMPACTOR

Description

AZA 0867: Automatic Soil Compactor for Reproducible Proctor Tests

The AZA 0867 Automatic Soil Compactor from Azalab is a cornerstone instrument for any geotechnical testing laboratory focused on accurate and consistent soil compaction analysis. This advanced apparatus is specifically designed to mechanize the Proctor compaction test, a fundamental procedure used to determine the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of soils. These parameters are critical for quality control in major civil engineering projects such as road construction, airfield pavements, earth dams, and building foundations, where proper compaction is paramount for stability and load-bearing capacity.

The traditional manual Proctor test, while effective, can be prone to variability due to operator fatigue and inconsistencies in hammer drops. The AZA 0867 Automatic Soil Compactor eliminates these variables by providing a fully automated, consistent, and reproducible compaction process. It ensures that each hammer blow delivers the exact specified energy to the soil sample, precisely replicating the effort prescribed by international standards for both Standard Proctor and Modified Proctor tests.

The operating principle involves an electrically operated motor that lifts a standard compaction hammer to a predefined height and then releases it, allowing it to free-fall onto the soil sample contained within a compaction mould. A mechanical counter tracks the number of blows per layer, automatically stopping the operation once the set number of blows is reached. The AZA 0867 is versatile enough to accommodate both 100mm (4-inch) and 150mm (6-inch) diameter compaction moulds, covering the requirements for a wide range of soil types and maximum particle sizes. An automatic blow counter and reset mechanism further enhance efficiency and ease of use.

Key benefits of utilizing the AZA 0867 Automatic Soil Compactor include:

• Enhanced Reproducibility: Consistent hammer drop height and number of blows ensure identical compaction energy application every time, leading to more reliable and repeatable results.
• Increased Efficiency: Automation significantly reduces the time and labor required for each test, allowing laboratories to process more samples.
• Reduced Operator Fatigue: Eliminating the manual lifting and dropping of heavy hammers prevents fatigue, improving safety and maintaining consistent test quality throughout the day.
• Strict Compliance: The apparatus is engineered to rigorously adhere to major international standards, including ASTM D698 (Standard Proctor Compaction Test) and ASTM D1557 (Modified Proctor Compaction Test), as well as equivalent IS (Indian Standards) and BS (British Standards) norms.

Azalab’s commitment to quality ensures that the AZA 0867 Automatic Soil Compactor is built for durability and precision. Its robust construction, high-quality motor, and reliable lift mechanism guarantee long-term performance even under continuous heavy use in a busy laboratory environment. For further reading on Proctor compaction and its significance in geotechnical engineering, resources from professional organizations like ASTM International, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), or academic textbooks on “Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering” are highly recommended.

By investing in the AZA 0867 Automatic Soil Compactor, laboratories can achieve superior accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in their soil compaction testing, providing critical data for the design and quality assurance of civil engineering projects.

Specifications for the AZA 0867 AUTOMATIC SOIL COMPACTOR

• Model Number: AZA 0867
• Apparatus Type: Automatic Soil Compactor
• Purpose: Mechanized performance of Proctor compaction tests (Standard and Modified).
• Compaction Hammer:
  • Standard Proctor: Weight 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), Drop Height 305 mm (12 inches).
  • Modified Proctor: Weight 4.54 kg (10 lbs), Drop Height 457 mm (18 inches).
  • Note: Hammers are typically interchangeable or supplied separately if universal hammers are available.
• Mould Compatibility: Designed to hold both 100 mm (4-inch) and 150 mm (6-inch) diameter compaction moulds.
• Drop Mechanism: Electrically operated cam or gear drive lift and release mechanism.
• Blow Counter: Automatic pre-settable blow counter that stops compaction when the set number of blows per layer is reached.
• Rotation Mechanism: Automatic mould rotation (e.g., 5-degree increments) to ensure uniform compaction across the sample face.
• Power Supply: 230V AC, 50 Hz, 1-Phase (or as specified).
• Frame: Robust steel frame construction with a heavy base for stability during operation.
• Safety Features: Includes necessary safety guards and emergency stop.
• Compliance: Fully compliant with:
  • ASTM D698 (Standard Proctor Compaction Test)
  • ASTM D1557 (Modified Proctor Compaction Test)
  • IS 2720 (Part VII & VIII)
  • BS 1377-4
• Usage/Application: Geotechnical laboratories for quality control in earthwork construction.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) about the AZA 0867 AUTOMATIC SOIL COMPACTOR

Q1: What is the AZA 0867 Automatic Soil Compactor used for? A1: The AZA 0867 is used to automatically perform Proctor compaction tests (both Standard and Modified), which determine the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content of soils in a laboratory setting.

Q2: What is the main advantage of an automatic compactor over a manual one? A2: The primary advantage is consistency and reproducibility. The AZA 0867 ensures uniform compaction energy with every hammer drop, eliminating operator fatigue and human variability, leading to more reliable test results.

Q3: Can the AZA 0867 perform both Standard and Modified Proctor tests? A3: Yes, the AZA 0867 is designed to perform both Standard Proctor (using a 2.5 kg hammer and 305mm drop) and Modified Proctor (using a 4.54 kg hammer and 457mm drop) tests. The appropriate hammer is typically used.

Q4: What size compaction moulds are compatible with this apparatus? A4: The AZA 0867 is designed to accommodate both 100mm (4-inch) and 150mm (6-inch) diameter compaction moulds.

Q5: What international standards does the AZA 0867 comply with? A5: The AZA 0867 meets the requirements of major standards including ASTM D698, ASTM D1557, IS 2720 (Parts VII & VIII), and BS 1377-4.

Q6: How does the automatic blow counter work on the AZA 0867? A6: The AZA 0867 features an automatic pre-settable counter. You set the required number of blows per layer, and the machine will automatically stop once that count is achieved, ensuring precision.

Q7: Why is determining the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content important in construction? A7: These parameters are crucial for soil compaction quality control in earthwork. Knowing them allows engineers to achieve the best compaction in the field, ensuring the stability, strength, and durability of structures like roads, dams, and foundations.