Marshall Stability Testing with ZMA Data Acquisition

Introduction

Marshall stability test is a standard method for measuring asphalt mixture strength. Bituminous mixtures are loaded until fracture under maximum load to determine stability (kN) and flow (mm) values.

Marshall Test Summary

Test Procedure

1. Specimen: 101.6mm diameter x 63.5mm cylinder
2. Conditioning: 60°C water bath for 30-40 minutes
3. Loading: Loading at 50.8mm/min speed until fracture
4. Measurement: Maximum load (stability) and deformation (flow)

Critical Values

• Stability: Maximum load (kN) - typically min. 8-10 kN
• Flow: 2-4 mm - Deformation at fracture point

Traditional Data Collection Problems

Manual Reading Issues

1. Peak Missing: Maximum load moment is very short
2. Reading Error: Difficult to read gauge quickly
3. Delay: Must test immediately after removing from water bath
4. Recording Error: Manual notes may be incorrect

Solution: ZMA Series

ZMA's 1000 Hz sampling speed:

• Captures fracture moment
• Shows real maximum value
• Automatic recording
• 24-bit resolution for precise measurement

ZMA Integration

Hardware Structure

Marshall Test Device → Load Cell → ZMA Module → Modbus TCP → Industrial Panel → Database

Software Layer

1. Linux HMI: Real-time stability/flow graph
2. Database: SQLite or PostgreSQL
3. Automation: n8n report generation
4. API: Transfer to central systems

Industrial Linux Panel Advantages

Real-Time Monitoring

• Touch screen instant results
• Load-deformation curve live
• Past test results list

Reporting Automation

• Automatic PDF when test completes
• Excel export format
• Email sending

Quality Control

• Lower/upper limit setting
• Out-of-spec results alert
• SPC (Statistical Process Control) integration

Conclusion

ZMA integration in Marshall testing shortens test time and increases result accuracy. Modernize your laboratory with ZMA Data Acquisition.