The Manual Sand Patch Tester is a portable device used to measure pavement surface texture depth (MTD) using the volumetric sand patch method. It is widely applied in asphalt pavement testing, road construction quality control, and surface texture evaluation for highways and airport runways.

Manual Sand Patch Tester

Model:TD731-1

I.Product Introduction

The Manual Sand Patch Tester is used to determine the pavement surface texture depth (Mean Texture Depth, MTD). It adopts the volumetric method (sand patch method) to quickly and accurately measure the macrotexture of pavement surfaces. This instrument is widely applied in highway engineering, asphalt pavement quality inspection, airport runway testing, and road maintenance evaluation.

Using the standard sand patch method, this device measures pavement surface texture depth and provides reliable data support for construction quality control and pavement performance assessment.

II. References or Reference Standards

JTG 3410, ASTM E965, EN 13036-1, AASHTO T 258

III.Product Components

Measuring Cylinder: Volume 25 ± 0.15 ml

Spreading Plate: Bottom fitted with a 2–4 mm rubber layer

Wind Shield Plate: Stainless steel material

Texture Depth Scale: 0–30 cm steel ruler

Accessories: Sand storage bag, sand bottle, and 3 paint brushes

Standard Sand: Dry sand with particle size 0.15–0.3 mm (to be prepared by the user)

IV. Technical Parameters

1. Paving Slab

Bottom Diameter: 50 mm; Total Height: 92 mm

2. Measuring Cylinder

Material: Aluminum

Height: 82 mm; Inner Diameter: 20 mm; Wall Thickness: 3 mm; Outer Diameter: 30 mm

3. Windshield

Dimensions: 200 mm × 125 mm × 1 mm (3 pieces)

4. Construction Depth Gauge

30 cm steel ruler

5. Carrying Case

Aluminum alloy case, easy to carry and store

V.Test Procedure

1.Clean the pavement surface to remove loose particles and dust.

2.Fill the measuring cylinder with dry sand using the sand bottle. Tap the cylinder lightly three times with the spreading plate and level off the excess sand.

3.Pour the sand onto the pavement surface and spread it in a circular motion using the spreading plate to form a circular patch.

4.Using the texture depth scale, measure the diameter of the sand patch in two perpendicular directions passing through the center, and take the average value.

5.Conduct tests at five points along the same section, spaced 3–5 meters apart. Avoid edge areas (keep at least 1 meter from the pavement edge).

6.Take the average of the five measurements as the final texture depth for the section.

7.Calculation Method

Hs = 1000V / (π × D² / 4)

Where:

Hs: Pavement texture depth (mm)

V: Sand volume (25 cm³)

D: Diameter of the sand patch (mm)

The texture depth scale allows direct reading of the Hs value (in cm or corresponding mm).

VI. Product Features

1. Manual operation, no power supply required

2. Fast measurement, stable and reliable results

3. Portable aluminum alloy case for easy transport

4. Meets multiple international testing standards

5. Widely used for road quality control and testing