Equipment
Samitron soil stiffness and modulus measurement tool
Getting Precise Measurements –
Midwest’s Samitron®
A non-invasive rapid way to index surface CBR, Midwest’s Samitron is a precise tool that quickly measures the lift stiffness and material modulus of soil or aggregate. Because it can measure the load-bearing characteristics of compacted material, using the Samitron to estimate roadway performance can reduce construction costs by 20 percent or more.
The Samitron is also an efficient tool for measuring the quality of product application and monitoring the health of a surface between scheduled maintenance appointments. Doing so will enable you to know the real-time effects of weather and traffic on a road, runway or other surface so you can adjust scheduled maintenance accordingly.
How the Samitron works
The Samitron measures the force imparted to the soil and the resulting surface deflection as a function of frequency. The device sends very small displacements into the ground at 25 steady-state frequencies between 100 and 196 hertz. Stiffness is determined at each frequency, and the average of 25 frequencies is displayed in one minute.
Unlike density gauges, Midwest’s Samitron can be used in place. At 22 pounds and 10 inches by 11 inches, the device is easily moved from one place to another to gather multiple measurements. A ring-shaped foot placed on the ground – without penetrating it – supports the device, the shaker that drives the foot, and sensors that measure the force-displacement frequency. Little or no surface preparation is needed to use this simple instrument. Typically a slight rotation is needed to obtain the desired 100% contact between the foot and the ground.
Related Services
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Installation Quality Assurance Testing
Uniformity, strength, and dust reduction testing to determine how long a surface will perform optimally and when it needs further stabilizing to prevent a surface failure
