MODELLING OF THE DYNAMIC LOAD PLATE TEST WITH THE LIGHT FALLING WEIGHT DEVICE

In this paper mechanical modelling of the dynamic load plate test with the Light Falling Weight Device (LFWD) is presented. The LFWD is employed on construction sites to verify the compaction degree of soil layers and to evaluate their bearing capacity. The mechanical models developed are intended to provide simple and efficient formulations, which allow a large number of numerical simulations at low expenses. The motion of the device is characterized by a mass-spring-dashpot system. Several one-dimensional linear and nonlinear representations of the soil are discussed and evaluated. Different phases of motion of the LFWD - soil interaction system are identified, and corresponding formulations of the equations of motion are given. In appendices efficient solution procedures of the governing equations of motion are proposed.