LWD Testing of Soil and Granular Layers
Light Weight Deflectometer Testing
The Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) is a portable, non-destructive testing system used to assess soil stiffness, compaction quality and the load-bearing performance of pavement foundation layers.
During the construction of roads, airport pavements and industrial pavements, LWD testing provides immediate measurements of surface deflection and surface modulus. This helps identify weak or insufficiently compacted areas before the next pavement layer is constructed.
The LWD can be used directly on sand, soil, subgrade, unbound subbase and base materials, as well as selected partially bound layers. A controlled dynamic load pulse is applied through a circular loading plate, while precision sensors measure the applied force and resulting surface deflection. The rapid and repeatable results make the LWD ideal for construction quality control and quality assurance.
Rapid LWD Testing During Construction
The LWD is a portable testing system used during the construction of roads, airport pavements and industrial pavements. It is designed to assess the stiffness and uniformity of soil, sand, subgrade, subbase and unbound base layers before the next pavement layer is constructed.
A controlled dynamic load is applied through a loading plate, while a load cell and geophone sensors measure the applied force and resulting surface deflection. From these measurements, the LWD calculates the surface modulus in MPa, providing an immediate indication of the performance and compaction quality of the tested layer.
Results are available directly on site, allowing weak, variable or insufficiently compacted areas to be identified at an early stage. This supports faster construction quality control and helps reduce the risk of problems being covered by subsequent pavement layers.
Thanks to its compact and highly portable design, the LWD can be used efficiently across large construction sites and in locations with limited access. It provides a fast and cost-effective alternative to traditional static plate load testing.
Fast and Flexible LWD Testing Worldwide
QRoad uses a modern Dynatest Light Weight Deflectometer equipped with multiple sensors and interchangeable drop weights. This allows the test configuration to be adapted to different materials, pavement foundation layers and project requirements.
Our experienced team carries out LWD testing quickly and accurately, with results available directly on site. This provides contractors, consultants and asset owners with reliable information for construction quality control and immediate decision-making.
QRoad is available for projects worldwide and can mobilize quickly for both small and large international operations. We work flexibly around the client’s construction schedule and focus on efficient execution, clear communication and the timely delivery of reliable results.
Key Features of Our LWD Testing
- Construction quality control for soil, sand, subgrade and unbound layers
- Suitable for roads, airport and industrial pavements during construction
- Fast and flexible testing in confined or difficult-to-access locations
- Flexible test configuration for different materials and thin pavement layers
- Immediate deflection and surface modulus results in MPa
- Calibrated equipment, experienced operators and fast worldwide LWD services