Measuring the bearing capacity and compaction quality of soil is essential to determining its capacity to support loads that will be applied to it. The measurement is an important aspect of every construction project, whether a multi-storey building or a road. By determining the soil's bearing capacity, engineers can tell whether the ground is safe and stable before construction can commence. The light weight deflectometer is one of the most useful and valuable devices used to accurately determine soil bearing capacity.
LWDs (light weight deflectometers) are portable falling weight deflectometers. Like their non-portable versions, they are designed for testing soil compaction and the ground's non-cohesive sub-bases. LWDs are important in determining the soil's bearing capacity, and they are usually preferred in the field because they provide a faster and more convenient way to view results without reference measurements.
A light weight deflectometer is crucial for determining the compaction quality of soils, too. Testing the compaction of soil is based on the American Standard Test Method E2835-11, which pertains to the measure of deflections using a portable impulse plate load test device, like an LWD. Hence, an LWD must comply with this standard, as well as other international and German regulations, like the German ZTV E-StB 09 and the Chinese TB 10102-2004, J338-2004.
Quality control of soil compaction must be tested using ASTM standards. An LWD will ensure that the testing is conducted correctly and safely. High-quality LWDs make it safer and more convenient to test soil bearing capacity and compaction quality. It is easier to test soil using an LWD, too, because it is portable, does not require a vehicle, and has reliable technologies like GPS and Bluetooth.
The allowable and theoretical bearing capacity of soil can be assessed for deep and shallow foundations. Under shallow foundations, LWD can determine circular, strip, and square footings, while deep foundations encompass both skin friction and end bearing. An LWD can provide compaction control in two minutes and it can deliver the test results on the spot, so you do not have to wait long and delay your project. High-quality LWDs have a built-in printer and USB port, too, so you can easily print, share, and study the findings. You can learn more about the benefits of LWDs for dynamic load plate tests online, especially when you buy a unit from a reputable manufacturer.
About The Author: TERRATEST GmbH is world leader in development and manufacturing of Light Weight Deflectometers for dynamic load plate test. They offer the world’s first light weight deflectometer “TERRATEST 5000 BLU” with Bluetooth and voice navigation. For more information about their products visit their website!
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