The wheel tracking test is used for determining the susceptibility of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) to deform under load by measuring the rut depth formed by repeated passes of a loaded wheel at a fixed temperature. 

This  version can be upgraded with automatic system which lift one of the wheel from the specimen that has reached the rut target continuing the test on the other specimen. See Upgrading options Automatic wheel lifting mechanism. This universal version stainless steel and rubber wheels, and performing the test in air or water. This solution is particularly suitable for research laboratories. 

Machine body

Sheet steel, powder coated. Transparent sliding doors.

Wheel tracking carriage

The wheel is moved 230 mm backwards and forwards on the top of the slab, which is fixed. The longest slab dimension is oriented to the wheel's direction of travel. Special slab moulds for circular samples obtained from coring or gyratory compactors are also available. The speed is adjustable via the PC from 20 to 30 cycles per minute (40 to 60 passes). 

Temperature control system

The Hamburg type Standard states that the test must be performed in a water bath over a range of 25 to 70°C ± 1.0°C. In both systems a water level of about 20 mm above the sample has to be maintained. Where a heated air environment is specified, the specimen, during testing, must be maintained at uniform and constant specified temperature ± 1° C.  All versions fully satisfy and exceed  the above requirements: the temperature accuracy is ±0.5°C.

Loaded wheel system

The wheel load is adjustable in 100 N steps from 700 to 1500 N. The system includes a motorized lifting system of the wheel assembly at the end of the test.

This Universal model is fitted with double stainless steel wheel, 203 mm dia. x 47 mm wide, and double solid rubber tyre, 203 mm dia. x 50 mm wide.

Temperature controlled cabinet

The Universal versions feature an inbuilt temperature controlled cabinet for testing in air or in water, designed to avoid condensation problem (in water testing) and prevent overtemperature which may damage the mechanical parts or alter the transducer accuracy. Furthermore the system ensure thermal stability and provides rapid test start when the conditioned temperature has been reached.

Impression measurement system

Each wheel is fitted with linear transducer measurement system for deformations 0 to 50mm ±0.01mm.

Technical Specifications:

Displacement motion: the arm is moving and the carriage is fixed

Wheel travel: 230 mm

Slab thickness: adjustable from 40 to 100 mm in 10 mm steps

Wheel speed: variable from 20 to 30 cycles/min

Temperature range: ambient to 80°C, ± 0.5°C 

Rut depth transducer range: 50 mm, 0.01 mm accuracy

Wheel load: 700/705 N by weights, adjustable from 700 to 1500 N in 100 N steps.

Overall dimensions (w x d x h): 1540x1020x1600 mm

Weight approx.: 600 kg.