Service
Loadman compaction testing
Loadman is a portable falling weight device for fast compaction control of soil and structural layers without a counterweight. It suits trenches, confined spaces and large areas where many test points are needed.
- Method
- Light weight deflectometer
- Counterweight
- Not needed
- Result
- E modulus (MPa) per point
- Test record
- 5 min by email
- Devices
- Loadman · Heavy Loadman
How Loadman testing works
A loading plate is placed on the test point and a weight is dropped on it. The device measures the deflection caused by the impact and calculates the deformation modulus, the E modulus, of the layer. A poorly compacted spot deflects more and shows a low modulus.
Several drops are made at each point. The first ones seat the plate, and the result is read from the stabilised drops. The result is shown on the device immediately, so weak spots can be recompacted right away, and the test record reaches your email within five minutes.
The method is known as the light weight deflectometer test (in Finnish kevytpudotuspainokoe). Loadman is its most common name.
Loadman is especially suited to
- Trench backfills layer by layer
- Pipe and cable trenches where a truck cannot fit
- Yards, parking areas and pedestrian and cycle paths
- Large areas where many test points are needed
- Compaction control during works before acceptance testing
Heavy Loadman
Heavy Loadman for thicker structures
Heavy Loadman is the heavier version of Loadman. Its greater drop load reaches deeper into the structure, so it can also test thicker and stronger layers – such as the base layers of streets and fields, where the impact of the light device is not enough.
We choose the device according to the structure and the requirements. Both are reported in the same test record.
Note: a Loadman result is not directly the same as the E2 value of a plate load test. If the design requires a plate load test, we check before testing whether the client accepts Loadman – or use both: Loadman for wide coverage, the plate load test for acceptance.
How it works
From site to test record
Loadman needs neither a machine nor a counterweight, so testing fits the site schedule without special arrangements.
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Requirements
The compaction and bearing capacity requirements of the design, the layers to test and the test frequency.
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Test points
Points are placed according to the structure and area, and their locations are recorded with GPS.
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Testing
Several drops per point. The result is shown immediately, so weak spots can be recompacted right away.
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Test record
E moduli and GPS locations per point, compared with the requirement. In your email within five minutes.
Area
Compaction testing in the Helsinki region and across Finland
We test on sites in the Helsinki region – Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa – and on long projects anywhere in Finland.
FAQ
Questions about Loadman testing
What is a light weight deflectometer test?
A test in which a weight is dropped on a loading plate and the E modulus of the layer is calculated from the deflection. It is used especially for compaction control. Loadman testing is the most common name for the method.
How quickly do I get the results?
The result is shown on the device immediately at the test point, and the test record reaches your email within five minutes.
Is a counterweight needed?
No. Loadman is a portable device that needs no machine or truck as a counterweight, which is why it suits trenches and confined spaces that a plate load test counterweight cannot reach.
Can Loadman replace a plate load test?
Not always. A Loadman result is not directly the same as the E2 value of a plate load test. If the design requires a plate load test, we check before testing whether the client accepts Loadman as an alternative.
What is the difference between Loadman and Heavy Loadman?
Heavy Loadman is the heavier version, whose greater drop load reaches deeper into the structure. It is used for thicker and stronger layers where the light device's impact is not enough.
How much does compaction testing cost?
Pricing is case by case: an hourly rate or a fixed price. The price is calculated from the drawings, based on the number of test points, the size of the area and the number of site visits. Contact us and send the drawings.
A tester or inspector for your project, for its entire duration
Tell us about your project and send the drawings: we use them to calculate the duration and price of the work, as an hourly rate or a fixed price.