Project VIA15 | Carrying capacity measurements for the right measures

During overnight hours, QRoad performed VGD measurements-also known as "fall weight deflection measurements"-to determine the stiffness, residual life and maintenance measures to be taken for the pavement.

Henk Jan Roeke, director of QRoad, explains the method. "To establish the bearing capacity of roads, we simulate heavy wheel loads," he explains. "After all, precisely these heavy loads are the normative damage factor for pavements. With the VGD measurements, we load the road surface to then determine the layer stiffnesses of the pavement and subgrade." QRoad's work does not cause any damage to the road. 

Exact estimates

It took some fifty nights, before QRoad carried out the measurements in all work sections of the A15 and A12. "To minimize traffic disruption, the various works for this project took place combined in the evening and night," Henk Jan Roeke explains. "Because you often meet the same people then, a friendly bond develops. That certainly contributed to the excellent atmosphere on this project. Thanks to QRoad's measurement data, GelreGroen now knows exactly the carrying capacity of the existing roads. It knows what measures need to be taken and what it will cost to bring these roads back into top condition."