Light-weight Deflectometer

A Light-weight Deflectometer (LWD) is a portable device used to assess the strength and stability of soil or pavement layers. It works by gently applying a controlled force to the surface and measuring how much the surface deflects or bends in response. The amount of deflection provides engineers with immediate information about the material’s ability to support loads, helping them determine if the ground or pavement is suitable for construction. Because it is lightweight and quick, the LWD is ideal for on-site testing, offering reliable data without the need for extensive laboratory analysis.