FastFWD
Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer
The FastFWD is designed to drop a load pulse to the pavement surface simulating the impact produced by a rolling vehicle wheel. It is 5 times faster per drop than the original FWD.
Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer
The Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer (FastFWD) is 5 times faster per drop than the original Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD). The FWD is designed to drop a load pulse to the pavement surface simulating the impact produced by a moving vehicle. The load pulse is measured by a load cell with a resolution of 0.1 kPa, and the pavement response is recorded by up to 15 deflection sensors with a resolution of 0.1μm.
Download brochures
The post-processing software (i.e. Dynatest ELMOD– Evaluation of Layer Moduli and Overlay Design) can be used to back-calculate the pavement layer moduli based on the impact load and surface deflection basin. The results can effectively be used for the evaluation of pavement structural conditions and overlay design based on empirical or mechanistic-empirical pavement design guides.
Key features and benefits
- The Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer (FastFWD) is 5 times faster per drop than the Falling Weight Deflectometer
- No hydraulics
- Measurement of thin asphalt layers or similar materials even block pavement
- Same sensor setup and user interface as with the Falling Weight Deflectometer
- Passes AASHTO R 32 and the UK Correlation trial
- Nondestructive structural testing device
- 75% more test points per hour or 45% less traffic exposure
- Lower maintenance cost – no hydraulic systems
- Ease of training operators and service personnel
- Consistent data with Dynatest Model 8002 FWD
- ELMOD Software
- Upgrade capability from Model 8002 FWD to FastFWD
The new DynaWare24
The new DynaWare24 project will improve the current user interface of the Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer and elevate the electronics, hardware, and software to modern standards. In the future DynaWare24 will also be integrated with the Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD).
Thanks to the DynaWare24 project it will be possible to offer advanced GIS visualization when collecting data and when planning survey routes.
Now, our product roadmap, among several exciting features, includes the integration of cloud-based remote control, support, and data verification.
The DynaWare24 project brings a complete hardware redesign that will be more streamlined. Wirings will be drastically reduced making service and calibration a breeze.
Immediate AI-based inspection of any detected fault of the geophones makes troubleshooting easier and faster.
Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer video
Watch the video here and see how fast a Fast Falling Weight Deflector really is and what benefits it provides.
Get a closer look
Electro-mechanical system with ease of maintenance
Peak load range approximately 4 to 120kN / 150kN
Meets ASTM D-4694, D-4695 and equivalent standards
Fast movement due to electric motor, 3-drop testing performed in less than 15 seconds
Up to 15 seismic deflection sensors
1
2
3
Standard Equipment
- Four segmented loading plate with
swivel accommodates uneven or rutted
pavement surfaces - Air/Pavement Temperature Sensors
- Distance Measuring Instrument
(DMI) - On board generator for standalone
operation
Advances
- A single direct drive, 3-phase torque
motor and ball screw assembly
drives the new system replacing the
hydraulic system in FWD - Very fast—up to 160 test points per hour
- 8002 FWD’s can be upgraded to the
new FastFWD Model 8012 system - Less maintenance costs—no hydraulic
system - Less impact due to reduced survey time
Available Upgrade Options
- Folding trailer (standard EU and option for US) for ease of shipment
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
- Camera system for plate location or
photo-logging - Trailer mounted light(s) or strobe(s)
- Rear or Rear & Transverse Sensor
Extension Bars - Ground Penetrating Radar
- Spare parts kit
- Additional deflection sensors (up to 15)
- Thin pavement conversion kit
The use of Falling Weight testing
Data collected from the Dynatest FastFWD can be used to determine the structural capacity of pavements to analyze the physical properties of the road. When analyzing the data from the Dynatest FastFWD with ELMOD software, it is possible to obtain information about the condition of the road such as: surface layers, subgrade layer, layer moduli, layer types, thickness, range of moduli, Poisson’s ratio and bearing capacity.
This information can be used to estimate overlay requirements, remaining life of the pavement, and effective creation of a Pavement Management Plan.
ELMOD Software - only available for Dynatest Equipment
- Evaluation of Layer Moduli and Overlay Design
- Dynatest’s ELMOD software may be used for the analysis and design of flexible, rigid, and composite pavements
- Allows quick data reduction and analysis of FastFWD load/deflection measurements
- Capable of back calculation of the layer moduli, for a typical drop sequence, in less than a second
- Fast calculation of the seasonally adjusted moduli, residual life of the pavement, and required overlay thickness for a given service life
- For maintenance and repair (M&R), the LCCA (Life Cycle Cost Analysis) module allows the user to select the optimal M&R solution
for a pavement section according to cost/benefit ratios - To analyze the bearing capacity of airfield pavements, the ELMOD software can calculate both the new ACR/PCR classification and the traditional ACN/PCN values. This dual calculation will be available until November 2024, when the new ACR/PCR system becomes fully applicable under FAA AC150/5335-5D guidelines.
Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer and Accelerated Pavement Testing
Since the year 1900, Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) has played a crucial role in fostering innovation and enhancing our understanding of pavements through accelerated testing, and is a valuable tool that can be utilized to predict and validate pavement performance. The possibility of using the FastFWD for Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) to study pavement deterioration will shorten the gap between the Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) and small-scale laboratory test methods.
The FastFWD (with an APT application package) has proven to be able to be used as an intermediate tool, between small-scale laboratory tests (bending beam, shear, and triaxial tests) and full scale accelerated pavement tests. Several tests have been conducted with great success. Read more about this application in the brochure or application note below.
Download Brochure
FastFWD Accelerated Pavement Testing
Download Application Note
Watch our video about The Fast Falling Weight Deflectometer in APT
The FastFWD (with an APT application package) has proven to be able to be used as an intermediate tool between small-scale laboratory tests (bending beam, shear, and triaxial tests) and full scale accelerated pavement tests. See more in this video.
Do you need more information?
Fill in this form and you will get contacted by one of our specialists.
Equipment
Dynatest provides clients around the world with high-quality equipment for pavement evaluation.