Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD)
Lightweight Deflectometer TERRATEST 9000 LWD
Worldwide Accredited Dynamic Plate Load Testing Equipment
The Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) TERRATEST 9000 is a professional dynamic plate load testing device designed for fast, reliable, and accurate evaluation of soil compaction and bearing capacity. Developed and manufactured in Germany, this advanced Lightweight Deflectometer combines a high-precision geophone and load cell technology to deliver dependable results for quality control in earthworks, road construction, railway projects, utility trenches, pipeline installation, airports, ports, and infrastructure development.
The TERRATEST 9000 LWD enables contractors, geotechnical engineers, testing laboratories, consultants, and government agencies to verify compaction quality directly on site within minutes. Unlike conventional static plate load testing methods, the Light Weight Deflectometer requires no heavy reaction vehicle, truck, or roller. A single operator can perform a complete dynamic plate load test quickly and efficiently, significantly reducing testing costs and project delays.
Manufactured according to internationally recognized testing standards, the TERRATEST 9000 LWD complies with ASTM E2583, ASTM E2835-11, BS EN 1924-2, and UNI 11531-1 (ANAS Italy). This makes it a trusted solution for compaction control and quality assurance projects worldwide.
Fast and Reliable Compaction Testing
Modern construction projects demand rapid and accurate verification of subgrade performance and compaction quality. The TERRATEST 9000 Lightweight Deflectometer provides immediate measurements of surface deflection, dynamic deformation modulus, and bearing capacity, allowing site personnel to make informed decisions without waiting for laboratory results.
The system is ideally suited for testing:
- Unbound granular materials
- Crushed stone layers
- Gravel and sand subgrades
- Road base and sub-base layers
- Railway ballast foundations
- Utility trench backfill
- Embankments and earthworks
- Soil stabilization projects
- Partially bound construction materials
By identifying insufficient compaction at an early stage, contractors can avoid costly rework, improve construction quality, and maintain project schedules.
Advanced Technology for Accurate Results
The TERRATEST 9000 LWD utilizes a highly sensitive geophone combined with an integrated load cell to accurately measure the response of the ground to a defined impact load. This advanced measurement technology ensures excellent repeatability and reliable test results under a wide range of site conditions.
Key benefits include:
- High-precision geophone measurement system
- Integrated load cell for accurate force monitoring
- Fast dynamic plate load testing
- Excellent repeatability and reproducibility
- Immediate on-site results
- Simple one-person operation
- Rugged construction for demanding environments
- Suitable for quality control and acceptance testing
The intuitive design allows even less experienced operators to perform professional soil testing efficiently while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
Worldwide Accredited and Trusted by Professionals
TERRATEST-LWD has been recognized internationally as a leading manufacturer of Light Weight Deflectometers and dynamic plate load testing equipment. Engineering companies, testing laboratories, contractors, universities, transportation authorities, and government agencies rely on TERRATEST-LWD equipment for daily quality assurance and compaction control operations.
Every TERRATEST 9000 LWD is manufactured according to strict quality standards and can be calibrated in accredited facilities to ensure long-term measurement reliability and compliance with national and international specifications.
Professionals around the world choose TERRATEST-LWD because of:
- German engineering and manufacturing
- International standard compliance
- Proven measurement accuracy
- Long service life
- Global technical support
- Fast delivery times
- Excellent price-performance ratio
Complete LWD System with Extensive Accessories
The TERRATEST 9000 LWD is more than just a testing device. It is a complete Lightweight Deflectometer system that can be configured for a wide variety of applications.
Available accessories include:
- Additional geophones
- Multiple load plate diameters
- Additional drop weights
- Transportation and storage boxes
- Heavy-duty field trolleys
- Calibration services
- Spare parts and maintenance kits
- Custom testing configurations
This flexibility allows users to adapt the equipment to different soil types, layer thicknesses, testing standards, and project requirements.
Why Choose the TERRATEST 9000 Light Weight Deflectometer?
When purchasing a Light Weight Deflectometer, reliability, accuracy, and long-term support are essential. Buying directly from the German manufacturer provides significant advantages, including competitive pricing, expert technical assistance, rapid delivery, and guaranteed product authenticity.
The TERRATEST 9000 offers:
- Fast dynamic plate load testing in less than two minutes
- One-person operation without counterweight vehicles
- Compliance with ASTM, British, and European standards
- Accurate measurement using geophone and load cell technology
- Ideal for compaction testing and bearing capacity assessment
- Suitable for road construction, railways, earthworks, and utilities
- Worldwide calibration and technical support
- Made in Germany quality and reliability
For professionals seeking a dependable and internationally recognized Lightweight Deflectometer, the TERRATEST 9000 LWD delivers the performance, precision, and durability required for modern geotechnical and construction projects worldwide.
TERRATEST 9000 LWD with intuitive smartphone App
The testing process with the TERRATEST-LWD device is fully controlled by the user-friendly TERRATEST-LWD smartphone app for Android. No additional electronics are needed – all test data are automatically stored on your smartphone and can be sent directly from the construction site wherever you want.
A practical smartphone holder mounted on top of the device ensures maximum comfort during testing. Since the TERRATEST-LWD app provides complete data management, no extra PC software is required. The app is part of the standard delivery.
For those who prefer working on a computer, optional TERRATEST-LWD PC-software is available for convenient editing and reporting.
7,950 €
INCL. ANDROID APP
Buy at the Best Price!
Get your new Lightweight Deflectometer directly from the German manufacturer with our Best Price Guarantee. If you find a device with the same features at a lower price, we will refund the difference. With a device from TERRATEST-LWD you can always be sure of getting the best price available.
The features of our
Light Weight Deflectometer
- Fast and cost saving test method
- Short time performance supports homogeneity testing all over construction site
- TERRATEST 9000 LWD operates without using nuclear material
- ONE single person can check the compaction quality in less than two minutes
- No counterweight required like a truck, roller or other kind of vehicle
- Immediate on site test results, no time and cost wasting laboratory analysis is required
- Tests can be performed in hard to reach places such as pipeline tranches
- Stiffness and compaction quality control with only ONE device
Click here to receive a personalized quote for your soil testing equipment!
Measure e-modulus and Soil Bearing Capacity directly on site
The primary purpose of a Light Weight Deflectometer is to evaluate the mechanical properties of compacted soil layers and granular materials. The measured dynamic modulus provides valuable information about the load-bearing behavior of the tested material and helps verify whether the required compaction level has been achieved.
This makes the Light Weight Deflectometer an essential tool for:
- Soil compaction control
- Quality assurance during construction
- Acceptance testing of completed works
- Verification of earthworks specifications
- Detection of weak spots before paving or construction
By identifying insufficiently compacted areas at an early stage, costly repairs and project delays can be avoided.
Applications of the Light Weight Deflectometer
The versatility of the Lightweight Deflectometer makes it suitable for a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects.
Typical applications include:
- Earthworks and Civil Engineering
Verify compaction quality of embankments, fills, and foundation layers before further construction activities begin. - Road Construction
Assess the bearing capacity of subgrades, sub-bases, crushed stone layers, and road foundations in accordance with national and international standards. - Utility and Pipeline Construction
Control the compaction quality of trench backfill for water pipelines, gas pipelines, sewer systems, district heating networks, and utility corridors. - Fiber Optic and Broadband Installation
Ensure proper compaction after trenching operations for telecommunications infrastructure and fiber optic cable networks. - Canal and Sewer Construction
Verify soil stability and compaction around underground structures and utility installations. - Railway Construction
Test ballast foundations, track beds, and railway substructures to ensure long-term stability and performance. - Landscaping and Sports Facilities
Evaluate compaction in parks, golf courses, athletic fields, sports grounds, and landscaping projects. - Airport and Industrial Projects
Assess bearing capacity requirements for heavily loaded pavements, logistics areas, and industrial infrastructure.
Optional double impact force for higher compaction levels
For testing highly compacted materials and applications requiring increased impact energy, the TERRATEST 9000 Light Weight Deflectometer can be equipped with two optional additional 5 kg weights.
This configuration generates approximately double the impact force, enabling more effective testing of:
- Heavily compacted aggregate layers
- Industrial pavements
- High-load road structures
- Railway foundations
- Airport construction projects
The modular design allows users to adapt the equipment to varying project requirements while maintaining compliance with applicable testing standards.
Easy Operation for Every User
One of the major advantages of the Light Weight Deflectometer is its simplicity. The compact and ergonomic design allows even inexperienced operators to perform professional compaction tests with minimal training.
Key benefits include:
- One-person operation
- Results available immediately
- No laboratory analysis required
- No reaction vehicle needed
- Portable and lightweight design
- Fast testing process
- Low operating costs
- High measurement accuracy
This ease of use has made the Light Weight Deflectometer a standard tool for contractors, geotechnical consultants, testing laboratories, municipalities, and government agencies worldwide.
Why construction professionals choose the Light Weight Deflectometer
Modern construction projects demand fast, accurate, and cost-effective quality control. The Light Weight Deflectometer has become the preferred solution because it combines mobility, precision, and efficiency in a single device.
Benefits of using a Light Weight Deflectometer include:
- Immediate verification of soil compaction
- Reduced dependence on external laboratories
- Faster project completion
- Improved construction quality
- Lower testing costs
- Compliance with international standards
- Reliable documentation for quality assurance
With its proven performance in thousands of projects worldwide, the TERRATEST 9000 Lightweight Deflectometer provides a practical and highly accurate solution for compaction testing, bearing capacity assessment, and geotechnical quality control across all sectors of the construction industry.
LWD Correlation Day 2019
Edinburgh, Scotland
Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) plays an increasing role in quality control of compaction work of foundations during road construction worldwide. Therefore it is very important that there is reason for highest confidence in the test results delivered by these devices.
During the recent „LWD Correlation Day 2019“ the objective was to understand if different devices (from different manufacturers or even those from the same) need to be calibrated with different factors to deliver the (nearly) exact results, even if every single device has it’s own valid calibration.
Comparation
To shed light into this matter Light Weight defletometers from the three manufacturers Dynatest LWD 3031, Prima 100 and TERRATEST 9000 LWD were compared. The devices of these three manufacturers are designed according to the specifications ASTM E2583 (USA), British standard BS EN 1924-2 (UK) and UNI 11531-1 (Italy).
Different series of trials were undertaken using around 40 different devices of these brands. The event took place at the Sports Labs headquarters in Livingston (close to Edinburgh, Scotland) on June 11, 2019 and was organized by Michael Gordon, technical director at WSP Scotland and expert in UK pavement design, maintenance and investigation projects. The event was supported by Highways England, Sports Labs, Transport Scotland and AECOM.
Sports Labs designed two different test areas: one inside – under laboratory conditions – and one outside – under conditions of a real construction site. The construction site was protected against rain and wind by a tent.
At the outside construction site there was a test situation of two different gravel layers with a thickness of 350 mm and 230 mm each. The idea was to compare the test results of two devices mounted on a trolley with the test results of the Light Weight Deflectometers. Each Dynatest LWD 3031, Prima 100 and TERRATEST 9000 LWD had to perform 8 tests on this construction site with different stress moduli. On each position the tests had to be done with 100, 40, 60 kPA. These tests had to be performed at exactly the same position right where the two Falling Weight Deflectometers had done the tests before.
Two different rubber plates for testing
The inside test area under laboratory conditions was build up with two different rubber plates pieces of 80 x 80 x 10 cm taken from the tartan track of the Olympic games in London 2012 and a cube of 100 x 100 x 100 cm full of compacted gravel. Here different series of trials took place, with different stress moduli as well, again 100, 40, 60 kPA. On each positions three tests had to be performed with different stress modoli.
At the end of the event all users provided their test results as a CSV file to the organizer Michael Gordon. He will check thoroughly if different Light Weight Deflectometers of Dynatest LWD 3031, Prima 100 and TERRATEST LWD 9000 will deliver nearly identical test results under those varying conditions.
The entire setup and the organization of this international event was very professional. More than 40 devices from England, Scotland, Wales, France, Belgium and Germany were brought together to Sports Labs headquarters to make sure that quality control with TERRATEST 9000 LWD in construction site is the best, safest and most economic test method worldwide.
The features of our
Light Weight Deflectometer
- Fast and cost saving test method
- Short time performance supports homogeneity testing all over construction site
- TERRATEST 9000 LWD operates without using nuclear material
- ONE single person can check the compaction quality in less than two minutes
- No counterweight required like a truck, roller or other kind of vehicle
- Immediate on site test results, no time and cost wasting laboratory analysis is required
- Tests can be performed in hard to reach places such as pipeline tranches
- Stiffness and compaction quality control with only ONE device
Click here to receive a personalized quote for your soil testing equipment!
TERRATEST 9000 LWD with intuitive smartphone App
The testing procedure with the TERRATEST device is seamlessly managed by the intuitive TERRATEST-LWD smartphone app, available for both iOS and Android. No additional electronic devices are required; all test data are instantly stored on your smartphone or tablet. You can send your test results directly from the construction site using your smartphone.
A smartphone holder at the top of the device enhances comfort during testing procedures. With the TERRATEST-LWD app, no extra PC software is necessary, as all test data are readily available within the app. The app is included in the standard package.
For users who prefer the added convenience of editing test results on a PC, TERRATEST-LWD offers optional PC software.
Light Weight Deflectometer Perfect for pipeline construction
The Light Weight Deflectometer is the best tool for compaction tests in hard-to-reach places, such as backfill in trenches. The most requested model for this application is the TERRATEST 9000 LWD Bluetooth, as it allows users to connect the load plate directly to their own smartphones, eliminating the need for a measuring computer during the test procedure.
Light Weight Deflectometer: How It Works
The Light Weight Deflectometer is the ideal equipment for laboratories and construction companies to check the E-Modulus of soil. It is used in earthworks, civil engineering, road construction, canal and pipeline construction, for laying power, fiber optic, and broadband cables, in gardening and landscaping, in sports ground construction, and railway track construction. For higher degrees of compaction, the Light Weight Deflectometer can be optionally equipped with 2 additional 5 kg weights, enabling double force impact. Even inexperienced users can test the quality of soil compaction with this handy measuring device in just two minutes.
Light Weight Deflectometer: Measurement Process
The measurement process works as follows: Place the Light Weight Deflectometer on the ground that needs testing and connect it to the smartphone APP. Then perform a serie of measurement impulses. The display on your smartphone shows the deflection in mm and the deflection curve after each impulse. After the measuring impulse, the display automatically shows the test result, the EVd value in meganewtons per square meter. In less than two minutes, your staff can carry out the control of compaction quality yourself on the construction site. Often the cost of the device pays for itself within a few months.
Light Weight Deflectometer: Easy Testing with Advanced Features
Our Light Weight Deflectometer allows you to send test results to your PC, including date, time, and GPS data, directly from the construction site. The TERRATEST LWD web-based software helps you prepare highly professional compaction test reports, featuring individual protocols, statistical evaluations, and a Google® Maps overview of all measurements conducted on the construction site by your Light Weight Deflectometer.