Do-it-yourself compaction test
No experience needed | easy & quick | worldwide accepted
Light Weight Deflectometer
Lightweight Deflectometer – test soil compaction in 2 minutes
Light Weight Deflectometer for dynamic load plate test to measure the load bearing capacity of unbound base layer, granular layers, subgrades/subsoils, 2,990 €. The test method applied is worldwide recognized and complies with ASTM E2835-11. It is a perfect tool to determine the compaction quality of existing ground soil before starting, subbase layers before overlay, highly compacted layers, granular layers and backfill material in earthworks and road constructions. Using TERRATEST® LWD is the easy and fast way to check quality of soil compaction in construction sites. One single person needs only two minutes to perform the test, no load vehicle as counterweight is needed.
Same day delivery.
Buy online for best price!
The TERRATEST® Light Weight Deflectometer guides the user step by step through the entire test procedure with intuitive voice instructions and on-screen navigation. Thanks to its simple operation, TERRATEST® enables fast, reliable, and smart do-it-yourself compaction testing – suitable for professionals and non-experts alike.
TERRATEST® is the world leader in development and manufacturing of Light Weight Deflectometer equipment. We guarantee an unbeatable price for our cable device fully equipped with printer, GPS, EVERFULL battery and audio guided of 2,990 €. TERRATEST® soil testing equipment offers: absolutely high-quality made in Germany and best price guarantee.
3 models, fully equipped - no extra costs for printer or GPS
With Cable + Printer + APP
All extras included:
Voice assistant, GPS, WiFi for App connection, Printer, EVERFULL-Battery, PC-Software
Bluetooth + Smartphone + APP
All extras included:
Bluetooth, Voice assistant, GPS, PC-Software,
WiFi for App connection, EVERFULL-Battery
Bluetooth + Smartphone + APP + Printer
All extras included:
Bluetooth, Voice assistant, GPS, PC-Software,
WiFi for App connection, Printer, EVERFULL-Battery
Light Weight Deflectometer for soil compaction testing
The Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) is the industry standard device for soil compaction testing and load-bearing capacity measurement on construction sites. Contractors, engineers and testing laboratories worldwide use a Light Weight Deflectometer to perform fast, reliable and standard-compliant dynamic plate load tests directly on site.
A Light Weight Deflectometer allows immediate verification of the compaction quality of soils, base layers and backfill materials during construction. The test provides precise information about the deformation modulus (EvD) and the load-bearing capacity of the ground, ensuring that construction layers meet the required engineering standards.
Compared to traditional static plate load tests, the Light Weight Deflectometer test is significantly faster and easier to perform. Measurements can be completed within seconds, allowing construction teams to perform multiple compaction tests across the entire construction site without interrupting the workflow.
The TERRATEST Light Weight Deflectometer is designed specifically for road construction, civil engineering, trench construction, pipeline installation and cable trench compaction testing. The device performs reliably even in confined construction areas such as narrow trenches, pipeline excavations and utility installations, where other testing equipment cannot be used efficiently.
Thanks to modern Bluetooth® technology and smartphone integration, the TERRATEST Light Weight Deflectometer enables fully digital compaction testing. Measurement results can be analyzed directly on the smartphone and documented in a professional compaction test report, including photos and satellite positioning of the test location.
As construction sites become increasingly digital, the Light Weight Deflectometer has become an essential tool for modern quality control in earthworks and infrastructure construction.
Light Weight Deflectometer manufacturer
for load bearing capacity testing
As an experienced Light Weight Deflectometer manufacturer, TERRATEST develops and produces high-precision LWD test equipment for soil compaction testing on construction sites worldwide. Our Light Weight Deflectometer devices are used by contractors, engineering companies, testing laboratories and government agencies to perform fast and reliable dynamic plate load tests directly on site.
A Light Weight Deflectometer is the most efficient tool for verifying the load-bearing capacity and compaction quality of soils, aggregates and base layers during construction. Compared with traditional testing methods, the LWD test with a Light Weight Deflectometer provides immediate results, allowing construction teams to identify insufficient compaction and correct it without delay.
TERRATEST Light Weight Deflectometers are designed for demanding applications in:
- Road and highway construction
- Railway and infrastructure projects
- Pipeline and trench construction
- Cable and fiber optic trench installations
- Earthworks and foundation preparation
Our Light Weight Deflectometer systems combine precision measurement technology with modern digital documentation. The wireless TERRATEST 8000 APP Light Weight Deflectometer allows engineers to perform compaction tests using a smartphone-based measuring system, eliminating cables and external measuring units.
This innovative approach makes TERRATEST one of the most advanced Light Weight Deflectometer manufacturers for digital construction site testing.
The system enables users to generate instant digital compaction test reports, including:
- Dynamic plate load test results
- GPS location of the test point
- Photo documentation of the measurement area
- Satellite overview of the construction site
Because of its robust design, high measurement accuracy and digital workflow, the TERRATEST Light Weight Deflectometer has become a preferred solution for modern compaction control in infrastructure construction projects worldwide.
Light Weight Deflectometer – also known as:
Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD), dynamic plate load tester, dynamic plate load test device, soil compaction tester, compaction test equipment, plate load test device, portable soil testing equipment.
Light Weight Deflectometer
the perfect tool to optimize compaction work
Light Weight Deflectometer is ideal for self-checking compaction work.
Lightweight Deflectometer helps prevent soil settlement damage and protects you from expensive warranty repairs.
Light Weight Deflectometer provides the best way to check soil compaction performing a big number of tests in a very short time over a large area.
Lightweight Deflectometer is ideal to check compaction quality in places hard to reach like trenchees and backfill.
Light Weight Deflectometer is the best way to control your compaction work during construction period and helps you to save time an money.
Conclusion: Lightweight Deflectometer is essentially the civil engineer’s spirit level. It provides immediate information on compaction quality and soil compactability — within just a few minutes.
That’s why experts are choosing Light Weight Deflectometer to optimize compaction works.
Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD)
soil compaction testing with the ASTM E2835-11 LWD
A Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) is one of the most widely used instruments for soil compaction testing in earthworks, road construction, and civil engineering projects.
The Light Weight Deflectometer according to ASTM E2835-11 enables contractors and engineers to perform fast and reliable soil compaction tests directly on the construction site. Within seconds, the device measures the soil deformation modulus and load-bearing capacity, providing immediate information about the current compaction quality.
Using a Light Weight Deflectometer, construction companies can perform LWD tests independently with their own staff, eliminating the need for external testing laboratories and significantly reducing testing costs and project delays.
Why use a Light Weight Deflectometer
for load bearing cpacity testing?
Insufficient soil compaction is one of the most common causes of settlement damage in infrastructure projects, including roads, pipelines, foundations, and railways.
A Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) allows contractors to detect insufficient compaction immediately during construction work.
With fast LWD soil compaction tests across the entire construction site, engineers can quickly determine whether the required soil bearing capacity and compaction level have been achieved.
Early compaction control with a Light Weight Deflectometer helps prevent:
- settlement damage
- expensive rework
- construction delays
- costly warranty claims
For this reason, the Light Weight Deflectometer has become an essential soil compaction testing device worldwide.
Dynamic plate load test vs static load plate test
Compared with the traditional static plate load test, the dynamic plate load test with the use of Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) offers several advantages.
While plate load tests require significant time and equipment, an LWD test can be completed within seconds directly on the construction site.
Advantages of the Light Weight Deflectometer include:
- fast soil compaction testing within seconds
- portable and easy-to-use testing equipment
- immediate measurement results on site
- testing directly during compaction work
- significantly lower testing costs
Because of these advantages, the Light Weight Deflectometer is widely used as a practical alternative to the plate load test for soil compaction control.
What are the minimum results for compaction quality?
The minimum results for soil compaction depend on what will later be constructed on the tested ground. With a Light Weight Deflectometer, you can quickly, reliably, and standards-compliantly measure the load-bearing capacity and compaction quality of soil directly on site. Thanks to the audio-guided function of the Light Weight Deflectometer, no experience is needed to operate the device.
Within just two minutes, the Light Weight Deflectometer delivers the measurement result in MPa. If required, the result can be printed immediately for on-site documentation, providing construction managers, engineers, and inspectors with transparent and traceable verification of soil compaction.
A comparison with the reference table attached to the device instantly shows whether the achieved soil compaction meets the technical minimum-requirements of your construction project — for example in earthworks, road construction and pipeline installation.
As a global leader in Light Weight Deflectometer equipment, TERRATEST® stands for precise measuring technology, robust design, and reliable measurement results on construction sites worldwide.
Minimum Results
Best Light Weight Deflectometer with price guarantee
Order the TERRATEST 7000 STREAM Light Weight Deflectometer, including GPS system and printer, at the unbeatable price of 2,990 €
Our Light Weight Deflectometer with the ROBUSTA electronics box has been the world’s best-selling deflectometer over the past five years and is the only device worldwide equipped with a voice assistant and a smartphone app.
We guarantee that when you purchase from TERRATEST®, you receive an unbeatable price-performance ratio.
Our Light Weight Deflectometer naturally complies with the testing standards in Germany as well as the internationally recognized ASTM E2835-11 standard.
As a global leader in the manufacturing of Lightweight Deflectometers, TERRATEST® stands for precise measurement technology, robust construction, and consistently reliable results on construction sites worldwide.
Faster construction decisions
with LWD soil compaction tests
By performing soil compaction tests directly during compaction work, a Light Weight Deflectometer enables engineers and site managers to make immediate decisions on construction sites.
This leads to:
- faster construction progress
- optimized compaction procedures
- reduced machine operating costs
- lower material consumption
- improved construction quality
The Light Weight Deflectometer provides immediate measurement results, allowing construction teams to adjust compaction work in real time.
Light Weight Deflectometer
the best tool for modern earthworks
Today, the Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) is considered one of the most important soil compaction testing devices in modern earthworks and road construction.
Within only a few minutes, an LWD test provides reliable information about:
- soil stiffness and deformation modulus
- load-bearing capacity of the subgrade
- current soil compaction quality
- required additional compaction effort
Because of its speed, reliability, and ease of use, the Light Weight Deflectometer has become the “spirit level” of modern earthworks and infrastructure construction projects worldwide.
Hello Light Weight Deflectometer,
bye bye testing laboratories!
- Worldwide recognized in accordance with ASTM E2835-11 and various other
International Standards - Perform compaction tests in-house
with your own staff - Results in just 2 minutes by one person
- Audio-guided operation:
LWD speaks every instruction step by step
- No more costs for external laboratories
- No more waiting for laboratory service
- No counterweight required
- No interruption of construction work during test procedure
Click here to receive a personal quotation for your soil testing equipment!
Why a Lightweight Deflectometer
from world market leader TERRATEST®
- More than 15,000 devices in use worldwide
- Voice assistant (device speaks)
Spoken instructions ensure easy handling - All devices fully equipped
GPS system, printer, voice assistant, Wi-Fi for mobile app, EVERFULL power battery, mobile app, PC software - Factory sales, directly from the manufacturer
No retail markup, no expensive sales representatives - 2000 measurements / 600 printouts with a full battery
- With the app for Android and iOS
you can control your lightweight drop weight device via smartphone - MADE IN GERMANY
In-house development, in-house production, in-house direct sales - 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on our lightweight drop weight
Light Weight Deflectometer wireless:
Digital construction site measurements data directly to your cell phone
We produce our Lightweight Deflectometer with Bluetooth® since 2013, now in its third generation – innovative, sophisticated, tried and tested, and specially developed for professional outdoor use in road construction, civil engineering, sewer construction, and pipeline construction.
The Light Weight Deflectometer without cables transmits the measurement data wirelessly via Bluetooth® directly to the measurement electronics or your cell phone. This eliminates the need for a measurement cable. Work becomes faster and more convenient – especially in confined spaces, such as in sewer construction, pipeline construction, in trenches, during backfilling, or when a large number of measurements have to be carried out in a very short time.
A weak point of many wired systems is the connection of the measuring cable to the load plate lying on the ground. With conventional light drop weight tester, the measuring cable is plugged into the socket again for each measurement. This creates mechanical shear forces that can lead to increased wear in the long term. A cable connection is vulnerable to harsh construction site conditions with dust, moisture, and dirt. For this reason, we generally advise against purchasing used Lightweight Deflectometer. TERRATEST® offers refurbished used drop weight devices; please send us your inquiry.
Professional users are therefore increasingly turning to the
TERRATEST 8000 WIRELESS LWD:
- Wireless Bluetooth® transmission
- Maximum operational reliability and durability
- No wear problems due to plug connection
- Optimal solution for mobile and confined areas of application
- Digital data acquisition and documentation
With the TERRATEST 8000 WIRELESS, you are investing in a future-proof, Lightweight Deflectometer for compaction and bearing capacity measurements directly on the construction site.
Light Weight Deflectometer for
soil compaction testing on construction sites
The Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD) is an essential device for soil compaction testing and quality control in road construction, civil engineering, trench construction and pipeline installation. With a Light Weight Deflectometer, contractors can quickly verify the load-bearing capacity and compaction quality of soils and base layers directly on the construction site.
The Light Weight Deflectometer is especially effective in confined work environments, such as utility trenches, pipeline excavations, cable trenches and narrow construction areas, where conventional testing equipment cannot be used efficiently. Even under difficult site conditions, the Light Weight Deflectometer allows fast, reliable and standard-compliant compaction measurements. Wireless Light Weight Deflectometer
with Bluetooth® Technology
In modern trench and pipeline construction, the wireless TERRATEST 8000 APP Light Weight Deflectometer is becoming increasingly popular. This innovative Light Weight Deflectometer operates fully wirelessly via Bluetooth®, eliminating the need for cables and external measuring units.
The TERRATEST 8000 APP Light Weight Deflectometer is controlled directly from a smartphone or tablet, making compaction testing on construction sites faster, easier and more efficient. Because there are no cables between the loading plate and the measuring unit, the Light Weight Deflectometer is particularly well suited for trench compaction testing and confined construction environments.
Digital construction site testing
with the TERRATEST 8000 APP
The TERRATEST 8000 APP Light Weight Deflectometer represents the next generation of digital construction site testing equipment. Unlike traditional systems, the complete measuring electronics of the Light Weight Deflectometer are integrated directly into the load head of the loading plate.
This compact design makes the Light Weight Deflectometer extremely robust and easy to operate, even in harsh construction site environments.
With the smartphone app, users can instantly generate a professional soil compaction test report after each measurement. The digital report can include:
- Measurement results of the Light Weight Deflectometer test
- A photo of the test location
- A satellite overview of the construction site
- Complete digital documentation of the compaction test
The report can be sent immediately by email directly from the construction site, making the Light Weight Deflectometer an ideal solution for modern digital construction workflows.
ROBUSTA® - when the measuring electronics need to be as robust as your construction site
A lightweight deflectometer is exposed to extreme conditions on a daily basis: moisture, dust, sand, temperature fluctuations, and vibrations are part of everyday life on a construction site. The ROBUSTA® measurement electronics were developed precisely for this purpose.
Read more… Professional soil compaction tests with TERRATEST®-software. All without testing lab.
The “TEOLO” evaluation software is already included in the price of the lightweight falling weight device. With “TEOLO,” you can create professional compaction reports at the touch of a button on your PC! “TEOLO” automatically evaluates the measurement results and creates individual reports, a statistical evaluation, and a satellite photo as an overview with all measurement points. Everything you need to present compaction reports to your clients. And all without a testing laboratory. Soil Compaction test in small trenches
Low laying depths of 45 cm and trench widths of only 15 cm significantly accelerate fiber optic expansion. Nevertheless, even in these confined construction conditions, clients still require standard-compliant compaction certificates for the backfill. TERRATEST® developed the TRENCH device precisely for this application. With a special load plate measuring just 100 mm, it enables reliable and reproducible measurements even in the narrowest fiber optic trenches. Read more… Download pricelist + brochures
Lightweight Deflectometer: Functionality
Light Weightt Deflectometer is the ideal equipment for construction companies to check the compaction quality of soil. It is used in earthworks, civil engineering, road construction, canal and pipeline construction, for laying power, fibre optic and broadband cables, in gardening and landscaping, in sports ground construction and railway track construction. For higher degrees of compaction that exceed 120 MN/m² EV2 TERRATEST® is manufacturing the Medium Weight Deflectometer which works with double force impact. In just two minutes, even inexperienced users can test, print and archive the quality of soil compaction with the handy measuring device. The Light Weight Deflectometer from TERRATEST® is equipped with voice navigation and a GPS system. The voice navigation guides the users through the measurement process via spoken commands which makes the operation of our Lightweight Deflectometer child’s play in every sense of the word.
Light Weight Deflectometer: Measurement Process
The measurement process works as follows: Place the load plate with the sensor on the ground that needs testing and connect it to the measuring computer. Now place the loading device on the load plate and switch on the electronic maeasuring computer. First, perform three initial impulses and then three measurement impulses, simply following the voice navigation announcements. This will guide even inexperienced users safely and quickly through the measurement process. The display on measuring computer shows the deflection in mm and the deflection curve after each impulse. After the third measuring impulse, the display of the measuring computer automatically shows the test result, the EVd value in meganewtons per square meter and the distance/speed ratio (s/v value). In less than two minutes, your own staff can carry out the control of compaction quality yourself on the construction site. This means you can avoid the high costs and waiting times that often arise when hiring an external testing laboratory. Often the cost of the device pays for itself within a few months.
Lightweight Deflectometer: Easy testing supported by many features
Our Lightweight Deflectometer testing equipment enables you to print or send the test result to your PC, including the date, time and GPS data, straight from the construction site. TERRATEST 7000 STREAM also enables the user to stream the measurement results directly from the electronic measuring computer to their smartphone using the streaming USB-device. This means that with the cable model too, you have the possibility to essentially send data to the client in real time by email, directly from the construction site. The Light Weight Deflectometer is therefore even more convenient to use. The TERRATEST® “TEOLO” web based software will help you prepare a highly professional presentation of your compaction report. This consists of an individual protocol, statistical evaluation and Google®-Maps overview of all measurements carried out on the respective construction site by your Light Weight Deflectometer.
Technical details Light Weight Deflectometer according ASTM E2835-11
| TERRATEST 7000 STREAM (KABEL) |
TERRATEST 8000 APP (BLUETOOTH®) |
TERRATEST 8000 WIRELESS (BLUETOOTH®) |
|
| Electronic measuring computer "ROBUSTA" | |||
| Dimensions "ROBUSTA"-Box (L x W x H) | 230 x 220 x 170 mm | 230 x 220 x 170 mm | |
| Weight "ROBUSTA"-Box, incl. measuring computer | 4 kg | 4 kg | |
| Deflection range 0,1 to 2,0 mm ± 0,02 mm | • | • | |
| Measuring range Evd < 225 MN/m² | • | • | |
| Temperature range 0 to 40 °C | • | • | |
| Extremely suitable for construction sites, protection class IP53 against dust and water, shock resistant, TÜV certified | • | • | |
| Measuring cable using "Klinke"-Connection | • | ||
| Graphic display monochrom, illuminated | 40 x 72 mm | 40 x 72 mm | |
| High performance 32bit-processor | • | Smartphone | • |
| GPS-system, precision < 10 m | • | Smartphone | • |
| USB-device for data storage | • | • | |
| Thermal printer | • | • | |
| WiFi for APP connection | • | • | |
| Bluetooth®-System, Bluetooth® Low Energy 4.1, range 10 m |
• | ||
| Voice-Command, spoken menu navigation, 10 languages available |
• | Smartphone | • |
| Capacity of internal memory | 2000 | Smartphone | 2000 |
| Panasonic power battery, 6,9 Volt, rechargeable Capacity: 2000 Tests or 600 printouts, lifetime 5 years/20°C |
• | Smartphone | • |
| Electronic measuring computer Load plate Bluetooth® (8000 WIRELESS) |
|||
| Deflection range 0,1 to 2,0 mm ± 0,02 mm | • | • | |
| Measuring range Evd < 225 MN/m² | • | • | |
| Temperature range 0 to 40 °C | • | • | |
| Extremely suitable for construction sites, protection class IP53 against dust and water, shock resistant, TÜV certified | • | • | |
| High performance 32bit-processor | • | • | |
| Bluetooth®-System, Bluethooth® Low Energie 4.1, range 10 m |
• | • | |
| Lithium-Ionen-battery, 9 V, recharcheable, Capacity 5000 Tests, Lifetime 6-8 years/20°C |
• | • | |
| LWD load mechanism 10 kg falling weight |
|||
| Steel ST52, chemically nick plated | • | • | • |
| Total weight 15 kg +/- 150 g | • | • | • |
| Mass of falling weights 10 kg +/- 100 g | • | • | • |
| maximum impactforce 7,07 kN +/- 70 N | • | • | • |
| Time of impact 17,0 ± 1,5 ms | • | • | • |
| Spring element 17 disk springs | • | • | • |
| Load plate | |||
| Steel ST52, chemically nick plated | • | • | • |
| Diameter 300 mm +/- 0,5 mm | • | • | • |
| Plate thickness 20 mm +/-0,2 mm | • | • | • |
| Plate weight 15 +/- 250 g | • | • | • |
| Acceleration meter | • | • | • |
| 2 grips, Aluminium | • | • | • |
| Load head with Bluetooth®-System | • | • |
