What is the Function of a Light Weight Deflectometer?

If you have heard about Falling Weight Deflectometer or have used it, then you should know that Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) also works on the same principle. LWD is mainly used for determining the non-cohesive sub-bases, bearing capacity of the soil, soil compaction, pavement improvements, and inbuilt soil layers. Many of you must be thinking that when we already own a device to check all these things, what the need for a LWD is. Well, most of the devices used for determining the facts mentioned above are not easy to operate everywhere. Also, they are quite complicated when it comes to evaluating the soil bearing capacity, earthwork or other such things.

The devices like Falling Weight Deflectometer, Truck Mounted Deflectometer or Static Plate are not easy to carry. One requires vehicles to carry these devices. LWD can be carried easily as it is a portable device. Also, it comes with a small transport cart and carrying case, which makes it easy to carry this device anywhere. When using other devices, many people are required to operate these devices. LWD can be operated by a single person also.

Light Weight Deflectometer was introduced in Germany, and people have been using it for a long time. Its features and benefits have made it famous, and now it is being used for different applications. The LWD was made to measure soil's in-situ dynamic modulus. Because of its lack of availability, it was not quite popular before. But at present, people in different parts of the world are utilizing this device, especially in North America. If we compare it with traditional devices that are being used for measuring capacity and quality of soil and paved roads, LWD is quite efficient. It carries out the tests in less time, which is hardly 1 or 2 minutes. It makes it possible to evaluate the result on-site only. Another reason for making LWD is that it can be used to evaluate the compaction of soil or pavement beddings in small spaces also. Most of the traditional devices are unable to reach small spaces for such evaluations.

With the increase in the number of applications of Light Weight Deflectometer, its demand is also increasing. One can order this device easily, as it is now available online.