Falling Weight Deflectometer Testing

APTech’s heavy-weight model falling weight deflectometer (FWD) is a specialized pavement testing device that allows the rapid and accurate characterization of the structural condition of all types of paved structures through non-destructive means. APTech's investment in the FWD expands our pavement testing and evaluation capabilities and improves our ability to respond to the unique needs of our clients.

The heavy-weight model FWD is able to apply loads up to 55,000 pounds, thereby simulating loadings ranging from vehicular traffic on highways up to the heaviest aircraft on large commercial airports. One of the primary benefits of FWD testing is the ability to evaluate multiple locations in a short period of time without disturbing the pavement structure.

Through appropriate backcalculation methods, the deflection data can be used to determine the material properties of the pavement layers and the support condition of the underlying subgrade. This information, combined with projected traffic loadings, can be further used to estimate the structural remaining life and allowable loads for each pavement section, enabling better decision-making in the selection and design of rehabilitation projects.

APTech has been involved in FWD testing and data analysis on projects throughout the United States and abroad. Our experience ranges from testing on small general aviation airfields to large commercial airports, as well as roadways and highways.