Since 2017, Teede Tehnokeskus has been carrying out plate load tests, which make it possible to assess the load-bearing capacity of the subgrade layers of the road under construction or reconstruction already during construction.

Many road owners are familiar with the situation where the FWD bearing capacity indicators measured on the pavement at the completion of construction have turned out to be insufficient, which in turn manifests itself in rapidly forming ruts and a shorter lifespan of the pavement. Analysis of these measurements has pointed to problems in the layers just below the coating. Most often, the reasons for low bearing capacity are insufficient drainage and insufficient compaction of the foundation layers, but other choices also play a role – both in terms of materials used and technology.

The plate load test is a widely used measuring method in the world to determine the bearing capacity of the layers to be built immediately after each layer is built, allowing measures to be taken to achieve the desired bearing capacity already during construction. The test is carried out according to DIN 18134:2012-04 or EVS 934:2016. The test is accredited.