The dynamic plate load test is a rapid method for determining the load-bearing capacity of compacted materials in earthworks, foundation engineering and road construction. It is used to verify the suitability of soils and subgrades, such as compacted fill layers, for construction purposes. The test enables immediate assessment of the compaction quality of placed layers, even during construction.
Today, the dynamic plate load test performed using the ZFG light weight deflectometer is a standard testing method in all areas of road and transport infrastructure construction. It can be used regardless of whether soils are compacted using hand-operated tampers and vibratory plates or ride-on road rollers. With the ZFG 3000 or the ZFG 3.1 from ZORN, you can quickly and reliably assess the quality of soil compaction at any time.
In Germany, the safe and standardized use of this testing device, commonly referred to as a falling weight plate, is governed in particular by the Technical Testing Regulations for Soil and Rock in Road Construction (TP BF-StB), Part B 8.3, in conjunction with the Additional Technical Contract Conditions and Guidelines for Earthworks in Road Construction (ZTV E-StB).
Highly qualified specialists have been actively involved in relevant research and standardization committees for decades, both in Germany and internationally. Numerous international standards and regulations, including ASTM E2835-11 and the Austrian testing specification RVS 08.03.04, now enable professionals to perform dynamic plate load tests safely under the conditions and requirements applicable in their respective countries.
Geotechnik Dunkel operates a calibration facility for light weight deflectometers. The facility has been approved by the German Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt).
