AZA 0930 LIGHT WEIGHT DEFLECTOMETER

Description

AZA 0930 Light Weight Deflectometer: Rapid On-Site Compaction and Bearing Capacity Assessment by Azalab

The Azalab AZA 0930 Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) is a highly portable and efficient geotechnical testing device designed for the rapid and non-destructive assessment of the bearing capacity and compaction quality of unbound granular layers, subgrades, and backfills. Crucial for quality control in civil engineering projects, such as road construction, railway embankments, foundation works, and trench backfills, the AZA 0930 provides immediate, real-time results, eliminating the need for complex and time-consuming laboratory tests or heavy, expensive traditional plate load test equipment. Its ease of use and instant feedback make it an invaluable tool for site engineers, contractors, and quality assurance personnel across India.

How the AZA 0930 Light Weight Deflectometer Works

The AZA 0930 Light Weight Deflectometer operates on the principle of dynamic plate loading. A test involves:

1. Setup: The device is positioned on the prepared test surface. A loading plate is placed directly on the ground.
2. Impulse Load: A known mass (drop weight) is manually lifted to a specified height and then released to fall freely onto a spring mechanism, which in turn applies a short-duration, reproducible impulse load to the loading plate.
3. Deflection Measurement: A highly sensitive geophone (deflection sensor) mounted at the center of the loading plate accurately measures the peak vertical deflection of the ground surface caused by the impulse load.
4. Data Calculation: The integrated electronic unit processes the measured deflection data along with the known applied force (measured via a load cell) to calculate the dynamic deformation modulus (Evd or E-value). This Evd value directly correlates to the bearing capacity and compaction quality of the material. Multiple drops (typically 3-5 pre-impacts to settle the plate, followed by 3-5 measurement drops) are performed at each test point to ensure consistency and statistical reliability. Results are available within minutes, allowing for immediate decisions on site.

Key Features for Efficient and Accurate Field Testing: The Azalab AZA 0930 Light Weight Deflectometer is engineered for robustness, precision, and user-friendliness in demanding field conditions:

• Integrated Design: A compact, self-contained unit comprising the drop weight system, loading plate, and electronic control unit.
• Standardized Drop Weight & Height: Ensures consistent and reproducible impact energy, complying with relevant testing standards.
• High-Precision Deflection Sensor: Features a sensitive geophone for accurate measurement of peak deflection, often with high resolution.
• Integrated Load Cell: Ensures the applied force is precisely measured, contributing to accurate Evd calculations.
• Intuitive Control Unit: Equipped with a clear digital display (often backlit for various lighting conditions) to show real-time deflection values, Evd values, and test parameters.
• Data Storage & Transfer: Built-in memory for storing numerous test results, which can then be easily transferred to a PC via USB or Bluetooth for further analysis, mapping, and report generation.
• Rechargeable Battery: Long-lasting rechargeable battery for extended field operation.
• Robust & Portable: Designed for rugged field use, lightweight enough for single-person operation and easy transport to various test locations.
• Quick Test Cycle: Delivers results in a matter of minutes per test point, significantly speeding up quality control processes.

Wide-Ranging Applications and Standards Compliance: The Azalab AZA 0930 Light Weight Deflectometer is an indispensable tool in various civil engineering and construction applications across India:

• Road Construction: Quality control of subgrade, sub-base, and unbound base layers before paving.
• Railway Embankments: Compaction control for railway track beds.
• Foundation Engineering: Assessing bearing capacity for shallow foundations.
• Trench Backfill: Ensuring adequate compaction of backfilled trenches for utility lines.
• Airport Pavements: Preliminary assessment of unbound pavement layers.
• Sports Fields & Pavements: Compaction control for specialized surfaces.

The AZA 0930 is designed to comply with relevant national and international standards for LWD testing, ensuring reliability and comparability of results:

• ASTM E2835: Standard Test Method for Measuring Deflections using a Portable Impulse Plate Load Test Device.
• EN 13840 (or related national variants like DIN 18134 in Germany): Often referenced for Light Falling Weight Deflectometers in European contexts.
• IRC Guidelines: While not a specific equipment standard, the results obtained from LWDs are increasingly being accepted and correlated with Indian Road Congress (IRC) specifications for road construction quality control.

Azalab’s Commitment to Quality and Support: Azalab is dedicated to providing high-quality, precise testing equipment that empowers construction professionals with accurate, real-time data. The AZA 0930 Light Weight Deflectometer reflects our commitment to innovation, reliability, and user satisfaction. We understand the critical importance of ensuring adequate compaction and bearing capacity in civil engineering projects for long-term structural integrity and performance. Our instruments are engineered to meet the stringent demands of modern construction practices in India and globally, backed by comprehensive customer support and service.

Further Information and Resources: For detailed operational procedures, interpretation of results, and correlation with other geotechnical parameters, users should refer to the product manual, relevant industry standards, and consult with Azalab’s technical support team.

Specifications:

• Model: AZA 0930
• Product Type: Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) / Light Falling Weight Deflectometer (LFWD)
• Measurement Principle: Dynamic Plate Load Test / Impulse Deflection Measurement
• Drop Weight: Typically 10 kg (standardized)
• Drop Height: Typically 500 mm (standardized)
• Loading Plate Diameter: Typically 300 mm
• Load Application: Impulse load via spring mechanism.
• Load Cell: Integrated load cell for precise force measurement.
• Deflection Sensor: High-precision Geophone.
• Deflection Measurement Range: Typically 0.1 to 2.0 mm (or more).
• Deflection Resolution: Typically 0.01 mm or 0.001 mm.
• Display: Digital display (e.g., LCD, backlit).
• Calculated Parameter: Dynamic Deformation Modulus (Evd or E-value) in MN/m² or MPa.
• Data Storage: Internal memory for numerous test points.
• Data Output: USB, Bluetooth (for PC transfer and reporting).
• Power Source: Rechargeable battery pack (e.g., Li-Ion).
• Operating Temperature: Typically -10°C to +50°C.
• Dimensions (Approx.): [Specify overall assembled dimensions, e.g., 1200 x 300 x 300 mm for typical LWD].
• Weight (Approx.): [Specify total weight, e.g., 15-20 kg].
• Standards Compliance: ASTM E2835, EN 13840, relevant national guidelines (e.g., correlation to IRC).
• Country of Origin: Made in India.
• Included Accessories: Charging unit, data transfer cable/software, user manual, transport case.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):

• Q: What is the main purpose of the AZA 0930 Light Weight Deflectometer?
  • A: It is used for rapid, non-destructive assessment of the bearing capacity and compaction quality of unbound granular materials and subgrades.
• Q: What kind of results does the LWD provide?
  • A: It calculates the dynamic deformation modulus (Evd or E-value) which is a measure of the material’s stiffness and compaction.
• Q: Is the AZA 0930 suitable for all soil types?
  • A: It is primarily designed for unbound granular materials, soils, and backfills. For highly cohesive or saturated clays, other tests might be more appropriate.
• Q: How quickly does the AZA 0930 provide results?
  • A: Results are typically available within minutes per test point, allowing for immediate on-site quality control.
• Q: Is the AZA 0930 easy to transport and use?
  • A: Yes, it is designed to be lightweight and portable for single-person operation and easy transport to various field locations.
• Q: What standards does the AZA 0930 comply with?
  • A: It complies with international standards like ASTM E2835 and EN 13840, and its results are often correlated with Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines.