Insitu assessment of stiffness modulus for highway foundations during construction

Several portable field devices that measure stiffness modulus are reviewed in detail in this paper including the German Dynamic Plate Test (also known as the Lightweight Drop Tester), the TRL foundation tester (UK), the Prima (Denmark) and the Humboldt Soil Stiffness Gauge (USA, also known as the GeoGauge). Laboratory and field data are presented which explain the many important influences on the measured data and demonstrate comparative performance with respect to the Falling Weight Deflectometer. These field data show significant scatter and site specific correlation. A strategy for compliance testing during construction, as part of a performancebased specification approach for the UK, is suggested. Conclusions are made regarding the devices’ relative merits and limitations, and considerations for their introduction into contractual use for routine assessment during construction.