Assessing the interactions among factors affecting the light-weight deflectometer measurements

Abstract

Many different factors can influence the outcomes of light-weight deflectometer (LWD) tests. Some of these factors are specific to the type of the used LWD, while others are related to the testing conditions. This paper summarizes the findings of a detailed investigation into the relationships between variables altering the measurements of the light-weight deflectometer test. Field testing was performed to investigate the effect of the sensing configuration (measurement of plate vs ground surface) and testing configuration (in terms of applied load magnitude, number of loadings, and moisture content). To accomplish this objective, a number of in situ LWD and moisture content investigations were conducted on two selected construction materials, namely, sandy subgrade soil and unbound granular material. Considering the multiple influencing factors involved in this study and the material dependency, relationships between the plate deformations and ground deformations could be developed, something which will help in overcoming the standardization problem of various LWD devices and their effect on the compaction control process.