How to measure in-situ modulus in confined spaces and get immediate repeatable results

Apr 15, 2017 | Compaction Control, Rail Formation & Ballast Condition Assessment

One of the methods for measuring dynamic modulus on site and getting repeatable results immediately is using the Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD). By measuring the modulus value, the Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) provides the direct link between the design specification (modulus value) and the actual site condition (modulus value).

Getting immediate repeatable results means that on-site decisions can be made straight away. The Light Weight Deflectometer can be used in confined spaces and difficult to access locations, like in trenches, with no support equipment required.

Site characterisation is unarguably the most important, but also most difficult, component of geo-engineering. The ZFG 3000 Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) with GPS is used for compaction control on sub-grades by measuring the stiffness (modulus) directly in the field, according to ASTM E2835-11 (2015). This equipment is designed to improve the quality of site characterisation and reduce the difficulties involved.

Light Weight Deflectometer ZFG 3000 LWD in Trench Dynamic Modulus

Measuring the level of compaction or bearing capacity of the formation, sub-grade, sub-base and unbound layers and being able to get results immediately to make decisions is very important. The LWD enables you to do this in applications that include road and rail construction, airport runways, taxiways, aprons and parking areas, landfills sites, freight terminals, tank farms, wind farms, temporary pads for mobile crane outriggers or piling rigs, dams, embankments, building and temporary structure foundations, pipe & cable laying, electricity pylons and others.

After scouring the market, we settled on the PANDA DCP test equipment as it offered the technical capability and, moreover, the flexibility required to work in the restricted environment our project presented; overhead clearance typically at 1500mm but as low as 1200mm.  We had a unique problem that required a unique solution and that’s precisely what we found through the team at Insitutek and the PANDA equipment.  The ease of assembly, intuitive operability and compact nature of the equipment, made light of the numerous soundings we required across a widely dispersed area.

Bjorn Schultz

Project Manager, Solar Farm, Australia

We are using the PANDITO DCP for Level 1 site supervision, it’s very portable and we find it handy for flying into sites.

Stephen Flux

Principal Geotechnical Engineer at WANT Geotechnics

I would hate to go back to doing the Plate Load Test using the old method using dial gauges. It would be so time consuming, not to mention manually recording and then processing all the results.

Daniel Pearce

Director - Pearce Geotech

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