Structural Testing
Raw FWD data can be used to determine:
- Deflection and curvature results to target geotechnical testing
- Structural Number (SNP)
- Layer moduli results based on pavement layer information
- Sub-grade CBR
- Remaining life and pavement designs based on traffic count data
Structural testing enables our clients to ascertain pavement strength, and therefore performance. When heavy vehicles travel over the pavement surface it causes it to momentarily bend. Over time, this weakens the pavement structure leading to surface fatigue and / or subgrade deformation.
We use a Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) to simulate this by applying a known force to the pavement surface and recording pavement deflection. Further analysis can determine, layer moduli, stresses and stain and predict remaining life.
We operate the FWD to apply a load up to 120kN. For testing of airfields, ports and thick highway pavements, we offer a Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) to apply greater loads to simulate the required traffic.
