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      • Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD)

Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD)

The falling weight deflectometer (FWD) is a test system for performing non-destructive testing of pavements. The system develops force from acceleration caused by the arrest of a falling weight. These forces are transmitted onto the surface of a structure, causing it to deflect much as it would due to the weight of a passing wheel load.

Because the FWD is a complex system that contains electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems, proper calibration is needed to ensure accurate data are obtained. FHWA supports a TxDOT managed (operated at TTI) calibration center that serves the southern region. The center calibrates all the sensors on the FWD, ensuring proper data collection in the field.

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