Reliable insight into the structural condition of road pavements

Pavement bearing capacity is essential for long-term road performance

Effective road maintenance starts with a clear understanding of the pavement structure. Surface cracking, deformation and premature deterioration may indicate deeper structural weaknesses that cannot be assessed from visual inspection alone. Reliable pavement data helps road authorities, consultants and asset managers plan the right treatment at the right time and make better use of available maintenance budgets.

QRoad provides non-destructive road pavement testing using Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology. FWD testing measures how the pavement responds to a simulated wheel load, providing insight into structural capacity, layer stiffness, weak areas and remaining service life. GPR testing continuously measures pavement layer thicknesses and thickness variations and can identify subsurface anomalies within the pavement structure.

By combining FWD and GPR testing, QRoad provides a more complete pavement assessment. The results support maintenance planning, rehabilitation and overlay design, reconstruction decisions, construction verification and long-term pavement management. This data-driven approach helps clients target weak sections, avoid unnecessary interventions and reduce the risk of costly, ineffective maintenance measures.

With modern equipment, experienced specialists and fast international mobilisation, QRoad delivers reliable pavement testing and clear, practical results for all types of roads.

Applications of FWD and GPR Testing for Roads

  • Existing roads: assess stiffness, structural capacity and remaining life with FWD; measure layer thickness, variability and anomalies with GPR
  • New roads: establish structural and layer-thickness baseline data
  • During construction: verify subgrade, subbase and base stiffness, layer thickness and uniformity
  • Quality control: compare structural performance and layer thickness against design requirements
  • Maintenance planning: locate weak sections and support repair, overlay and reconstruction decisions