Specifications for asphalt performance testing require 200mm diameter cores, to a depth of 300mm, to be removed from bituminous pavements. This procedure creates manual handling issues when trying to remove the sample, as the core can weigh in excess of 25 kilos and, initially, can be awkward to grip.
Two methods had previously been used. The scissors method requires tremendous force to grip and lift the core and has the potential to cause major manual handling injuries or muscle strains. The alternative was to wrap a ‘fishing line’ around the core and pull it out. This creates a manual handling risk and the potential for cuts to the hand.
A specially adapted core barrel has been developed which, once the core has been cut, grips the core as you begin to lift it out. To help with the removal, the core barrel has a lightweight extension and two handles, so that two people can lift the core from knee level. This creates a safe, inexpensive and quick method to improve a potential high-risk operation.
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