Alternative Testing Methods for Quality Assurance – ARRB Research
The acceptance of earthwork and unbound pavement construction in Australia currently relies on density testing and CBRs for Quality Assurance (QA). Though its National Asset Centre of Excellence (NACoE) research program, Queensland Main Roads has sponsored an ARRB research project to update test methods acceptable for use for QA of pavement and subgrade materials including Light Weight Deflectometer’s (LWD’s), PANDA® Instrumented DCP, Clegg Hammer, DCP and Plate Load Testing (PLT). A state-of-the-industry study was completed by FSG Geotechnics & Foundations in 2017, and identified a number test methods that have the potential to:
(a) reliably provide a direct measure of the strength or insitu modulus value; and
(b) offer significant time savings in turnaround time of QA test results.
In 2018, field result trials were then used to bench mark various alternative equipment and compared with traditional density QA measurements to assess the reliability, benefits and limitations of these equipment.
Insitu Test have been collaborating with FSG / ARRB on this project with three devices we supply being utilised – the Zorn Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD), the Anix AX01 Instrumented Plate Load Test (PLT) and the PANDA® Variable Energy Instrumented Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP).
The report on findings is be expected to be available through the ARRB later in the year.
The Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) was not part of the evaluation as the research focused on general earthworks QA during construction. The FWD is useful to evaluate the structural condition of an existing pavement. The FWD is not considered portable (as compared to these devices) and is a different expense consideration for this application. However, for existing pavement evaluation over large lengths, the FWD would be the superior testing device.
I felt the training was very thorough. If anyone doesn’t know how to use a PANDA after that session, they shouldn’t be using one at all.
Our Plate Load equipment is getting a lot of use. We’re very happy with it. 🙂
Insitutek imports, sells and services, unique geotech equipment that has proved of great benefit to those who use it. It has a particularly beneficial role to play for those compacting soil in infrastructure projects.
Insitutek Blogs
Compaction is one of the most important processes in pavement construction and, done well, leads to long-lasting pavement performance and reduced maintenance costs.
Our clients use Intelligent Compaction to create uniform efficient quantified compaction. Our Intelligent Compaction system provides:
We are delighted to officially announce our Ground Improvement portfolio.
For the last three years, we have been working on extending our offer from, just, in situ testing to testing and improving in situ conditions.
With our ground improvement portfolio, our focus is delivering more sustainable outcomes. Here is what we offer:
On 2 August 2024, geomechanics professionals gathered in Canberra for the Australian Geomechanics Society ACT Insitu Testing Practical Workshop. The event focused on practical demonstrations of key insitu testing methods, including Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), Static Plate Load Test (PLT), Dynamic Probing Super Heavy (DPSH), Light Weight […]