PAVEMENT EVALUATION EQUIPMENTS
LIGHT WEIGHT DEFLECTOMETER(LWD)
Department of civil engineering
KLE.DR.M.S.S.SHESHAGIRI COLLAGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY ,BELAGAVI
Introduction
The light weight deflectometer
(LWD) is a hand portable fallin
g weight device that first
appeared in 1981 at Magdeburg
Germany and developed as in
situ testing device by the feder-
al highway research institute,
and HMP company in germany
The light weight deflec-
tometer is also known as by oth
er names including ;light falling
weight deflectometer,light drop
weight tester and dynamic plat
e load test.
Objective of research
The quality of base and subgrade co
nstruction has conventionally been e
valuated using specifications based
on density and moisture content. Su
ch specifications for highway base a
nd subgrade requires th use of nucle
ar density and/or moisture is that pa
sses potential health hazards to the
operator and requires expensive cert
ifications and monitoring.
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Experimental work ADVANTAGES
LIGHT WEIGHT DEFLECTOMETER COMPONENTS Unlike traditional falling weight deflectometers, L
WDs are portable and hand-operated, eliminatin
g the need for large equipment in order to take d
eflection measurements of compacted soil as it i
s impacted by falling weight. Light weight deflect
ometers not only measures deflection but also e
stimates the modulus value of elasticity based o
n the force required to generated deflection for a
given soil type.
Results
The following can be determined using LWD
Description of LWD
The LWD device consists of the following elements
1.A top fix and release mechanism which holds the falling weight at a constant height .this mechanis
m is released to allow the falling weight to freely drop and transmit the load pulse through the plate re
sting on the material to be tested.
2.A guide rod that allows the falling weight to drop freely at a set distance of about 720mm.the guide r
od and falling weight together weigh approximately 15kg.
3.A falling weight grip which provides a grip for the operator to raise the falling weight to the top fix a
nd release mechanism.
4.A falling weight which typically varies between 10 and 20 kg. this weight is capable of being raised t
o the bottom of the grip pre determined height. The weight is guided by a low resistance rod when dr
oped to impart a controlled force on the loading plate.
5.A lock pin which has two positions(locked and unlocked) to release the falling weight for use.
6.A damping system which provides a controlled transient pulse length to the impact force,typically in Conclusions
the range of 16 to 30 ms.the spring element is typically a series of rubber cones/buffers,or cylindrical
pad system. Contact stress between the soil and LWD is
7.An anti tipping fixture that prevents guide rod and falling weight from tipping when these parts are pl dependent on the soil type and level of load-
aced and standing freely on the load centre ball/loading plate.a load centre ball serves as a connecto ing.
r between the anti tipping fixture and the load plate.it aslo allows for disassembly which reduce the si cohesive soil - inverse parabolic distribution
ze of the instrument for transport. non cohesive soil - parabolic distribution
8.A cup with sensor that connects to an electronic d Mixed characteristic soil - uniform distribut-
evice and is installed in the middle of the plate.it rec ion.
ords the movements of the plate even while the test
is being carried out.
9.Carrygrips to assist the operator with carrying the
loading plate.
10.A loading plate which provides an approximate u Acknowledgement
niform distribution of the impulse load on the surfac
e.the diameter typically varies from 100-300mm and
The authors thank the Principal and
the loading plate weigh about 5kg.
11.A cable is used to connect the loading plate sen management of KLE Dr.MSSCET,
sor to the data processing and storage systems.all Belagavi, and Aqua Alloys Pvt. Ltd. for
data can be dispayed on the print out electronic dev their support and cooperation in
ice without problems. carrying out this research study.
12.A printout electronic device which is suitable for
self supervision and documentation of measurents.