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Geophone handheld drop light weight falling weight deflectometer FWD

Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) is a non-destructive testing device used to evaluate the performance of rigid or flexible pavement structures such as roads and airport runways. It simulates the dynamic impact of vehicle loads on the road surface, measures the deflection response of the road surface, and analyzes the bearing capacity, layered modulus, and potential damage of the road structure.

    Working principle

    Impact load simulation:
    By using a hydraulic system, a hammer of a certain mass (usually 50-300kg) is lifted to a predetermined height (such as 10-30cm) and then freely falls to impact the bearing plate (usually 30cm in diameter), generating a transient pulse load (lasting about 25-30 milliseconds), simulating the dynamic wheel load during vehicle operation (equivalent to standard axle load, such as 50kN or higher).
     
    Bending measurement:
    Under the action of impact load, the road surface undergoes elastic deformation (deflection). By arranging high-precision sensors (such as velocity or acceleration displacement sensors) at the center of the bearing plate and different radial distances (such as 0, 30, 60, 90cm, etc.), the dynamic deflection time history curves of each measuring point are recorded, and the maximum deflection value (μ m level accuracy) is extracted.

    Data collection and analysis:
    The system automatically collects deflection Basin data and combines inversion algorithms (such as elastic layered system theory) to calculate the elastic modulus of each structural layer (asphalt layer, base layer, soil foundation) and evaluate the structural integrity.


    Advantages:
    -Fast, non-destructive, and high-precision;
    -Dynamic loads are closer to actual traffic conditions;
    -Multi sensor synchronous measurement provides spatial deformation information.

    PRoduct Feature

    1.Imported sensors and parts of components are used to achieve high test accuracy.

    2.LCD display in English, with corresponding hints in Chinese and English under different interfaces, and with backlight, has better visibility in various environments;

    3.Easy to operate and fast to test. It only takes 35 seconds to detect a point.

    4.Automatically calculate Evd value and display curve, accurate and intuitive;

    5.Hand-held mainframe with Bluetooth micro printer can print directly on the spot to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of the test results. 6.USB transmission interface, easy to connect with the computer;

    7.The Falling Weight Deflectometer simulates the impact effect of high-speed train on subgrade. Compared with static load test, it can better reflect the actual stress of subgrade soil.

    Zealchon main picture (2)

    Application scenarios

    Zealchon main picture 3

    Road surface structure evaluation: detecting hidden diseases such as loose base, void, and weak soil foundation.

    Maintenance decision: Based on the shape of the deflection basin, determine the damaged layer and guide milling or reinforcement.

    Construction quality control: Verify the compaction and uniformity of the newly constructed road surface.
    Inverse modulus calculation: Use software such as MODULUS and EverCalc to invert the material parameters of each layer.

    Parameter

    Product Name

    Evd Dynamic Deformation Modulus Tester

    Maximum impact force

    7.07kN

    Impact duration

    17.0 ± 1.5ms

    Power supply

    4 R6 batteries

    Measurement range of settlement value

    0.1-2.0mm ± 0.02mm

    Applicable types of garbage

    Various types of soil and soil rock mixed fillers with particle size not exceeding 1/4 of the diameter of the load plate

    Scope of testing

    10mpaEEvdE225_ pa

    Test the depth of impact

    0~500-m

    Working environment temperature

    -10~40 ℃

    Material:

    Aluminum alloy

    Whole machine volume

    1220 × 395 × 380mm

    weight

    56kg

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

    Q1: What is the main difference between a Handheld Lightweight FWD (LFWD) and a standard heavy FWD?
    A:Portability & Speed: The Handheld LFWD weighs significantly less and is operated manually by one person without needing a towing vehicle. A complete test takes only 1–2 minutes per point.
    Target Applications: Standard heavy FWDs are designed for deep pavement structural evaluation (highway/airport runways). LFWD is optimized for subgrade, subbase layer testing, trench backfill compaction, railway subgrades, and small/confined construction sites where heavy vehicles cannot enter.

    Q2: How deep can this Geophone Handheld LFWD measure?
    A: Under standard operating conditions (falling weight of 10–15 kg and drop height of ~80 cm), the measurement dynamic stress penetrates to a depth of approx. 500 mm – 800 mm (0.5 m – 0.8 m) depending on the soil/material type.

    Q3: How accurate and reliable is the Geophone sensor compared to traditional load cell/accelerometer systems?
    A:Our instrument uses high-precision velocity-transducer Geophones specifically calibrated for dynamic impulse deformation.
    High Sensitivity & Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Captures micro-deflections accurately without drift.
    Direct Displacement Derivation: Precision digital integration algorithm yields real-time deflection measurements with an accuracy within ±0.01 mm.
    Durability: Shock-proof industrial geophone construction ensures long-term consistency under harsh field conditions.

    Q4: Which standard test methods and international engineering codes does this equipment comply with?
    A: The device complies with key international standards for Dynamic Modulus Evd testing:
    ASTM E2835: Standard Test Method for Measuring Deflections using a Portable Impulse Plate Load Test Device.
    TB 10102 / JGJ 79: Railway and foundation engineering soil testing standards.
    German Standard TP BF-StB Part B 8.3: Standard test procedure for Light Drop Weight Tester Evd.

    Q5: How do I read the test data? Can it export reports on-site?
    A:Real-time Display: The integrated handheld controller shows the immediate deflection value d, Dynamic Modulus Evd, and impact curve right after dropping the weight.
    Data Export: Supports Bluetooth / USB transfer to smartphones or PCs.
    Automated Reporting: Our companion App/Software generates standardized test reports (including GPS coordinates, time stamps, load curves, and pass/fail summary) in PDF/Excel formats on-site.

    Q6: Does the device require frequent calibration? How often should it be calibrated?
    A:Recommended Calibration Interval: Once every 12 months or after 10,000 impacts under normal field usage.
    Standardization: Each unit leaves our factory pre-calibrated with an individual Calibration Certificate. We also provide calibration adapters/guidelines for local third-party metrology agencies.

    Q7: What is included in the standard package, and is it easy to transport?
    The standard package includes:
    Integrated Drop Weight Unit & Handheld Guide Bar
    Base Load Plate with Built-in Geophone Sensor
    Bluetooth Digital Controller / Data Logger
    Heavy-duty Aluminum Transport Case (Wheel-equipped)
    Charger, Cables, and Calibration Certificate
    The entire kit is packaged in a single rugged suit-case style box, making it easy for one person to transport in a standard car trunk or check as airline baggage.

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