Retrieving Brovold (GB1) Test Data

So, you have a Brovold Gyratory Compactor (a.k.a. AFGB1 or GB1) and need help retrieving the data from your machine. Understanding a few basics of the machine will help with that retrieval. Just a quick side note, there are a few different Brovold models that function differently. The example used here is specific to the Brovold machine with the Beijer Exter K20 control panel (serial numbers 5706 through 5884). If you own a different model, your screen views might be slightly different. Instructions for Brovold compactors that have the touchscreen pad can be found here.

What data is stored?

When it comes to the data stored on the machine, know that the GB1 only stores the height measurement for each gyration for the duration of the test. The first height recorded is for gyration 0, which is after compaction pressure and angle of gyration have been applied and before gyration starts.

Ten (10) specimen storage capacity

The AFGB1 has an internal memory capacity for 10 specimens. What does that mean? It means that when the 11th specimen is tested, it will overwrite the data from the first specimen (first in, first out). The stored specimen data is continuously revolving. This detail is important to understand.

What types of files can be exported?

The data can be exported in two different file formats. The first format exports as a text file with two columns of data representing gyration number and corresponding height. This report has a .DAT extension and can be used to upload height data into a mix design workbook.

The second format is a wide-format file of the height data. This report is in a table format which provides a wider-range view of the data. The wide-format report has a TXT extension which can be opened on a personal computer for viewing and printing.

How are the files named?

Data files stored on a GB1 are identified by the date and time the test was completed. This simple naming format can help minimize confusion when searching for a specific test.

Example: Compaction of a specimen finished at 2:00 PM on May 24, 2022. The file saved on a USB flash drive for this specimen will be named 05241400.DAT.

Viewing Data on the Screen:

To view your data on the machine’s screen display is quite simple. Again, if your machine model is different than that in this example, know that the process will be very similar but not exact. The following buttons will walk you through the screen-view process.

‘HOME’ displays the main menu.
‘UNLOAD’ activates the ‘test results’ display.
‘CAL/REVRS’ cycles through the 10 stored data sets; each time it’s pressed will cycle to the next data set. The most recent data set is denoted by ‘*’ that is displayed next to the time stamp
Within each data set, you can navigate by using the following buttons:
- - UP/DOWN ARROWS – scrolls by row
  - ‘START’ – scrolls one screen down
  - ‘BLANK’ button – scrolls one screen up

We hope the information was helpful with data retrieval from your machine. We will be publishing additional articles that explain how to save data and print directly from the GB1. So be sure to check back soon.

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