Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
OWNER’S MANUAL
Version 1.0.1
This document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced
in any form without written permission of Dynatest.
Arial and Times New Roman are registered trademarks of The Monotype Corporation PLC.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Any other trademark is a registered trademark of the respective company.
REMARK!
i Encircled capital letters refer to an item illustrated.
1.1 Unpacking
When the machine is delivered, carefully inspect the shipping carton and the machine for
damage. If damage is evident, save the shipping carton so that it can be inspected by the
carrier that delivered it. Contact the carrier immediately to file a freight damage claim. Make
sure all parts are included and in good condition.
Over recent years demand for an automated device has arisen and this prompted Dynatest to
re-design its 1970 device, enhancing and automating the LWD mechanics by means of the
latest technology, adding electronics and analysis software that go far beyond what is
currently offered in the market place. The new device has been designed to meet international
standards that are under development for this type of equipment.
The Dynatest LWD meets all current standards the ASTM E 2583, the UK IAN73 and also
the standards in Denmark and Italy
The equipment is precision-engineered, using stainless or anodized material for all metal parts.
The system is powered by a pack of four AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries, providing
approximately 2000 measurements or the equivalent to more than 12 hours of continuous
operation.
With the additional (optional) 2 x 5kg weights added, the Dynatest LWD can produce up to
15kN peak loads. The LWD weighs about 22 kg (with the standard 10kg drop weight), and it is
highly portable and easily carried around a construction site. There is an optional, specially designed
trolley available.
The LWD is ideal for Quality Assurance / Quality Control on subgrade, subbase and thin
flexible constructions, on newly built or existing constructions to ensure that specifications
are met. It can similarly be used to identify weaknesses, leading to further tests by FWDs and
other material analysis techniques.
The optional software package LWDmod offers advanced features for data organization,
analysis and reporting:
• Imports data into a project database, allowing organization of multiple files into one
database.
• Graphical features to view test results, and to eliminate selected drops or points from
the file.
• Editing features.
• Automated selection of drops to be used in the analysis.
• Calculation of surface moduli.
• Back -calculation of layer moduli for multi-layer systems, using the results of
multiple tests.
• Calculation of subgrade non-linearity.
2.2 Application
The Light Weight Deflectometer is a handy instrument for on-site measurement of bearing
capacity and stiffness of subgrade, subbase and thin flexible constructions. Only one person is
needed for the operation and the equipment can work under very difficult conditions and areas
with poor accessibility like in excavation trenches. Site locations can be captured by means of
GPS (Geographic Positioning System), which enable presentation of data in maps or general
plans of site. (GPS option available late 2006).
Loading
Loading plate diameters 100mm (3.9 in), 150mm (5.9 in) & 300 mm (11.8 in)standard
(optional 200 mm (7.9 in))
Drop Weight Mass 10 kg (22 lb) (optionally 15/20 kg (33/44 lb))
Drop Height 850 mm (33.5 in) max.
Loading range >15 kN (3370 lbf) peak load using the optional 20 kg (44 lb)
drop weight
Loading type Essentially half sine
Pulse duration 15 - >30 ms
Load Cell
Range 0-25.0 kN (0-5,500 lbf)
Accuracy 2% ± 2 kPa (2.25 lbf)
Precision 0,0003 kN (0.067 lbf)
Deflection Sensor(s)
Type of sensor Velocity transducer (Geophone)
Number 1 with the standard unit (optionally 1 or 2 additional sensors)
Range 0-2200 μm (0-87 mil)
Sampling frequency 4,000 Hz on each sensor
Sampling period 60-120 ms (set by user)
Accuracy 2% ± 2 ųm (0.08 mil)
Precision 0.1 ųm
3.2 Transportation
Transportation box for standard equipment (optional)
Material High impact ABS
Carrying capacity 80 kg (176 lb)
Net weight 11 kg (24 lb)
External dimensions 750 x 500 x 250 mm (29.5 x 19.7 x 9.8 in)
3.4 Registration
The machine Model and Serial Numbers are shown on the main unit, or can be found in the
“about” box in the LWD software. This information is needed when ordering spare parts for
the machine. Use the space below to note the machine Model and Part Numbers for future
reference.
Model Number……………………………
Serial Number…………………………………
i NOTE:
NEVER use a low, 2-pad stack ALONE!!
The additional three smaller pads must always be on top of the
buffer pad stack!
a. For the basic 10 kg weight, first apply the low stack
of “2”Grey pads, then the stack of “4” black pads
(with the additional three smaller pads on top)
Lift the weight until the magnets of the drop weight “click” and locks to the bottom of the
Catch Assy.
• By turning counter
clockwise the 3 Snap Lock
mechanisms, the locks can
be released and turned
90 deg.s to either side.
• When selecting the 150 mm plate, the 3 Snap Locks MUST be LEFT RELEASED (but
preferably NOT turned 90 deg.s). It is IMPORTANT that the indicator pin is at and stays
at the very end of the groove, at the 150 mm mark, for any drop made with this setting!
Centre Lever
• Ensure that the additional deflection sensors are placed vertically on the subbase /
subgrade layer.
• The sensors must be kept vertical with the cable not pulled tight.
If you have received a compressed setup file (setup.zip) unzip the file into a new folder on
your desktop/laptop PC. Once unzipped, run the "Setup.exe" to start the installation.
If you have received a CD ROM then run "Setup.exe" directly from the CD drive.
After initialization you will see the welcome screen (Figure 1). Choose "Next" to install the
Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) software.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Once installation is complete on the PDA you will be prompted to see if any additional steps
are necessary on the PDA. Select OK.
Figure 8 is shown when the installation has successfully completed. Select Finish to close the
installation program.
Figure 8
You will have to reinstall the software on the PDA after a power failure/loss or a hard reset.
Perform following steps to reinstall the data collection software on the PDA:
Connect the PDA to the Desktop PC via the cradle as described in the user’s manual for the
PDA.
Open the ActiveSync window and select "Add/Remove programs" in the "Tools" menu as
shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9
Figure 10
For Pairing to be successful the LWD wireless module has to be Discoverable (meaning other
Bluetooth devices is able discover or “see” it) and the PDA has to be in Discover mode
(meaning that it will searches for other devices to connect to).
The LWD wireless module (Figure 11) will remain in discoverable mode for the 5 minutes
after connecting the batteries or until a connection has been established if connected before
the end of the 5minute period. A green steady light on the module indicates that the module is
in discoverable mode.
light indicator
Figure 11
The pairing process differs from PDA to PDA device used, so please refer to your PDA's
manual for information on how to pair with it. Below is an example which will apply to most
PDA's available.
Before beginning the pairing process, be sure that the Bluetooth radio on the PDA is turned
on. A blue flashing light on the PDA normally indicates that the Bluetooth radio is on. To turn
on the Bluetooth radio tap the small Bluetooth icon in the lower right corner as shown in
Figure 12 and select "Turn Bluetooth ON" (If the text says "Turn Bluetooth OFF" then the
Bluetooth radio is on) - refer to the users manual of your PDA if this doesn't apply to your
model.
Enter the Bluetooth manager by taping the Bluetooth icon in the lower right corner and select
"Bluetooth Manager" (Figure 13).
Figure 13
Figure 15
WM2003 :Tap the lookup icon (the small paper with a magnifier in front) as shown in Figure
16 to start searching for the LWD wireless module.
Lookup icon
Figure 16
The search starts automatically when the Bluetooth Browser opens (Figure 18).
The search can take up to 30 seconds to finish but as soon as the LWD wireless module is
shown (Figure 18) you can tap the icon to continue the pairing process. During this state it is
important that the LWD wireless module is in discoverable mode (the green light indicator
must be ON).
Passkey:
4 last digits of
the serial number
Figure 17
After tapping the LWD Bluetooth device icon, a passkey must be entered (Figure 19). The
Passkey is the last four digits of the LWD Wireless module serial number as shown in Figure
17.
Select OK to return to the Paired devices dialog where the module should be listed as shown
in Figure 20.
Figure 20
Select OK until all windows are closed and the PDA background window is shown. The
devices are now paired!
Figure 21
Navigate to the Serial Port tab and note the "Outbound Com Port" (Figure 22) - this
number will be used later in this manual. The Outbound COM Port number is sometimes
referred to as the "Client port".
Figure 22
Select “New Outgoing Port”,select the LWD, Press [Next], Select COM port usually COM4
or COM5. The COM port should be the same as selected in the LWD field program
Figure 23
3031 LWD
program
icon
Figure 24
After program initialization the Select file dialog is shown (Figure 25)
Figure 25
Click on “Tools” on the bottom menu, select “Settings”. Select the General tab (FIG 25 b).
Set the COM Port to the same port setting selected in the Bluetooth setup and the GPS (if
available).
Select Metric Units will display the data in (kN, kPa, ms…). Imperial Units (lbf, psi, ms…) .
The selection will not affect how the data is collected or stored, and can be changed to view
the data in other units at any time during the testing
Ensure that the Bluetooth is turned on pressing down the switch on the wireless module. The
LED light will come on when activated.
To connect the PDA to the LWD either select “Tools” and “Connect to LWD” (Fig 25c) or
press and hold the stylus on the graph (Fig 25d). The PDA will beep when connected and the
LED light on the wireless module will flash.
The Bluetooth will remain on whilst in use and will automatically go into sleep mode when
not in use (saving the battery power). Whilst in sleep mode the PDA can be connected to the
PDA as shown above without turning on the wireless module on the LWD.
By selecting the “File” on the bottom menu you have the following options:
"New" Opens the "Save As" file dialog in which the file name and location must be
determined.
“Open" opens the Open file dialog in which you can select an existing file.
"1. … (Shows last file opened)" is only available if the previous data file is present.
To start using the program select "New" In the "Save As" dialog enter a proper name for the
file/project (Figure 26).
The location drop down menu lets you select if the file will be stored in the main memory
(volatile memory - data is lost if power fails) or on a CF card (persistent memory). Some
PDA's like iPaq has an "internal" CF card (iPAQ File Store) - refer to the PDA user’s manual
for further information.
Figure 26
Select OK to finish the "Save As" file dialog. A File information dialog is shown next in
which further file information can be entered like Client Name and Client Code (Figure 27).
Select OK to continue. A "Location" dialog is now shown in which location information can
be entered. The Location of the measurement, and can be entered with alpha-numeric
characters. A Description, Remarks can be entered as optional. Each field is a text fields that
can contain up to 200 characters. , Temperature and GPS can be entered by selecting the
appropriate tab.
Figure 28
Select the “GPS” TAB, and the select the “GPS” on the bottom menu. To start and read the
GPS select “Read GPS”. “Stop GPS” turns the GPS off. “clear GPS data” Clears the data.
“Format” allows the selection of GPS data format in “Deg, Deg Min, Deg Min Sec”
Force sensor
Deflection row
sensor rows
(D1 to D3)
Figure 29
Figure 30
On the general tab (Figure 31) set the Comm Port to the Bluetooth outbound port as
determined earlier. On the same tab set the units that should be used throughout the program.
Figure 31
Figure 32
Select OK to close the settings dialog. Verify that the Bluetooth radio on your PDA is ON by
checking that the blue lamp is flashing. It is important that the radio is ON before continuing
with the next step because otherwise the PDA may halt or get unstable! To connect to the
Dynatest equipment, either tap and hold the graph area and select "Connect To LWD"
(Figure 33) or select Tools Ö Connect to LWD (Figure 34).
Figure 33
Figure 34
Figure 35
If the equipment is moved to another location or if the information to the location must be
changed select Tools Ö New Location (Figure 36) to open the location information dialog
(Figure 28). Enter the new information and select OK to return to the main screen. All
succeeding drops are connected to the new location information.
Figure 36
The connection to the equipment can be closed to save power by either tap and hold the graph
area and selecting "Disconnect LWD" or by selecting Tools Ö Disconnect LWD (Figure 37).
However, the connection is always automatically closed when the program is closed, so there
is no need to manually shut down the connection, if the program will be closed immediately
thereafter.
Figure 37
Figure 38
The LWD data collection program icon can from now on be found in the quick launch bar in
the start menu (Figure 39).
Figure 39
Select plate
View selected diameter
drop at selected
location View first drop at
selected location
Figure 40
A new drop is always appended to the end of the file and the viewer will automatically jump
to view the new drop when it is made. To view to location information that corresponds to the
viewed drop select View Ö Location information as shown in Figure 41.
Figure 41
The location information dialog box is shown in Figure 42. It is not possible to edit the
information.
Figure 42
• Setup the LWD as described in Section 4 “Preparing the LWD for use”.
• If the surface to be tested is a coarse material or uneven, spread some sand (like
e.g. used with a Sand Cone Density Apparatus) on the testing point and flatten it
out over an area of at least 300mm diameter, only filling the holes and grooves
(meaning that the highest points should still be just visible)
• Place the 300mm ribbed rubber pad on the flattened test spot and locate the LWD
300mm plate on top.
• IF both plate sizes (i.e. 150 & 300mm dia.) are to be used in a test point, then
ALWAYS FIRST test with the 300 mm plate, THEN with the 150 mm plate. For
each plate diameter, start with a sequence at a large drop height, then at a small
drop height. Changing between the two plate diameters is explained in Section 4
“Preparing the LWD for use” - “The Dual Plate System”
NOTE: when testing on soft material and utilising the Sensor Locking Plug (to lock the
geophone to the plate and also plugging the centre hole of the plate), the test should be
performed WITHOUT using the 300mm ribbed rubber pad.
• Launch the LWD software on the PDA, by following the instructions as described
in Section 6 “Using the Software”.
• When you get to the “Connect to LWD” message on the PDA screen, slide the
small switch (close to the bottom of the LWD battery compartment) first
downwards, then upwards and check that the green LED in the top of the LWD
Bluetooth Module is now constantly ON
• Now tap the “Connect to LWD” message to connect the LWD to the PDA via the
Bluetooth connection
• Wait a few seconds for an audible signal, after which the green LED on the LWD
Bluetooth Module must be blinking, indicating successful connection
• Ensure the geophone is correctly centred and seated by FIRST pressing down
FULLY the Centre Lever, then RELEASING it swiftly.
• Place one foot on either side of plate, slightly on the edges of the plate to prevent
the LWD from making a small jump and side shift as the weight connects Catch
Assy.
• With your feet still partly on the edge of the plate, release the weight as described
in Section 4.2 “The Weight Catch Assy.”, ensuring that your hands or other
objects will not be hit by the weight as it drops. KEEP HOLDING the Catch Assy.
until the weight stops bouncing!
• The PDA will now give an audible sound, indicating that the measurement data
were registered and transferred successfully. A couple seconds later, another
audible sound indicates that the LWD is ready for another drop.
• The test should be repeated at least 3 times, or until the results show consistency
from one drop to the next.
• In case of testing with two plate diameters, please repeat the above procedure
using a significantly smaller drop height.
• In case of testing with two plate diameters, now change from the 300mm to the
150mm dia. plate as described in Section 4 “Preparing the LWD for use” -
“The Dual Plate System” and repeat the tests from a large as well as from a
small drop height.
• On completion of testing, the data can be transferred to the computer via either the
cable supplied with the PDA, or Bluetooth (if available).
• The 100mm dia. loading plate diameter is obtained by removing the six M6 Allen
bolts in the bottom of the Main Unit, close to the edge of the 150mm dia plate
(using the supplied 5mm Allen key), and then removing the flange which was
held by these bolts.
• Please re-insert the bolts in the threaded holes and tighten them all the way (to
prevent contamination of the threaded holes and loss/misplacement of the bolts)
• The 200mm dia. loading plate diameter is obtained by first performing the first of
the two steps above, and then replacing the removed flange with the (optional)
200mm dia. plate, re-applying and tightening the six M6 Allen bolts.
REMARK!
i Clean the machine regularly to ensure that the loading plate and geophones are seated
properly while testing. The accumulation of dirt around the geophone pin may impact
the accuracy of the measurements.
CAUTION!
C Only use NiMH rechargeable batteries (size AA) appropriate for the battery charger.
9.2 Calibration
It is recommended that the LWD should be calibrated every 25,000 measurements or every
second year. All calibrations can be traced back to National laboratory reference standards.
In order to have the LWD calibrated, please ship the Main Unit only to Dynatest Denmark
A/S or to our Florida office (please see the section Support & Assistance for the nearest
Dynatest service address)
IMPORTANT!
i All calibrations of the LWD must be carried out by Dynatest.
Call Dynatest for repair parts or service. When discussing your machine, please have
available the Model and Part Number.
Dynatest limits service & support covers the equipment and software manufactured by
Dynatest.
For warranties and enquiries concerning the general use of the PDA equipment please contact
the manufacturer.
Dynatest UK Limited
Unit15, Tapton Park Innovation Centre
Brimington Road
Chesterfield
Derbyshire S41 0TZ, UK
Phone:+44 1246 541931
Fax: +44 1246 230055
Email: uk@dynatest.com
How often does it need In general the LWD should be calibrated approximately every
calibration? 25000 measurements or about every second year.
How do I know when I A simple "self-test" can be done by making a drop from max
have a problem? fall height with the 10 kg (22 lb) weight and 4 buffer pads and
observe that the peak value of the force is about 8 to 10 kN
(1800-2200 lbf). The geophone can be tested by observing that
the surface E-modulus is in the following range: Soft clay: about
1 to 20 MPa (0.1-2.9 ksi), Hard clay: about 20 to 50 MPa (2.9-
7.3 ksi), Sand: about 30 to 70 MPa (4.4-10.2 ksi), Gravel: about
60 to 200 MPa (8.7-29 ksi)
How soon can I get a new The main LWD unit has to be shipped back to Dynatest to have
load cell or geophone? the new load cell or geophone installed. This typically is done in
one working day, the shipping time must be added and can be
arranged by Dynatest or the client.
Is there a rechargeable Yes, the LWD comes with a battery pack consisting of 4 AA,
battery in the main unit? RC6 rechargeable batteries
Is there something extra I Dynatest can supply all components. The client can supply the
should purchase before Handheld PDA if they wish to do so.
getting started?
Is it possible to use our Yes, if your PDA has: Bluetooth capability, min. 32 Mb
existing PDA or Smart memory, Windows mobile 2003 or Windows mobile Version
Phone? 5.0 or newer operating system
Communication is lost with This can be because of a low battery power level in the LWD
the PDA wireless module – change or re-charge the batteries.
What is the penetration There is no rule of theoretical penetration depth for the LWD.
depth of the force applied? The penetration depth depends entirely on the stiffness of the
material, the force applied and the load plate radius.