FALLING WEIGHT DEFLECTOMETER. A DEVICE FOR BEARING CAPACITY MEASUREMENTS: PROPERTIES AND PERFORMANCE

In this thesis a type of device intended for bearing capacity measurement, the falling weight deflectometer, fwd, is discussed. The fwd test is a type of plate bearing test, where the load is a force pulse generated by a weight which is dropped on a spring system. Load generating system, loading plate, deflection measuring system, test procedure and choice of test points are analysed. Recommendations are given, aimed at a test method which simulates traffic load close enough to measure relevant stress-strain parameters, and offers sufficient measuring capacity. A number of investigations where different test methods were used on the same road sections are reviewed, and similarities and differences between fwd tests and other bearing capacity tests are pointed out. Finally the different applications of the fwd are mentioned and a Swedish automatic fwd is briefly described. (TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden

  Institutionen foer Vaegbyggnad, Fack S-10044
  Stockholm 70,   Sweden 
• Authors:
  • Tholen, O
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 113 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bearing capacity; Deflectometers; Falling weight deflectometers; Measurement; Measuring instruments; Plate bearing test; Simulation; Test procedures; Theses; Traffic loads
• ITRD Terms: 6155: Apparatus (measuring); 3085: Bearing capacity; 6187: Deflectograph; 6136: Measurement; 6279: Plate bearing test; 6288: Test method; 8597: Thesis
• Subject Areas: Design; Freight Transportation; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00323067
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)
• Report/Paper Numbers: Monograph
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 15 1981 12:00AM