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KUAB America KUAB America, a division of ERI, has been providing final assembly and maintenance of the KUAB 2m-FWD in the United States since 1988. Presently, over fifteen KUAB 2m-FWDs are in active use in the U.S. In addition, KUAB America has manufactured the sale of many more units throughout North America, South America, and Asia. KUAB America provides maintenance and support activities to all U.S. users of the KUAB 2m-FWD through its facilities in Savoy, Illinois. Features The KUAB 2m-FWD is a trailer mounted dynamic impulse loading device which can be towed by any suitable towing vehicle. The equipment is completely enclosed by a metal housing for protection against harmful elements, and testing can be performed with all protective features in place. Bay doors on the bottom of the housing open automatically during testing, eliminating the need for the FWD operator to leave the tow vehicle. The KUAB 2m-FWD meets or exceeds all of the requirements of ASTM Standard Test Method D 4694-96 and the SHRP calibration protocol for FWD equipment. Following are a few of he unique features of KUAB 2m-FWD:
Models The three most widely used models of the KUAB 2m-FWD vary primarily in loading capacity. The KUAB 50 model is the lightest and most versatile testing system over a broad range of highway, street and parking lot pavements, with a standard load range of 3,000 to 14,000 lbs-force. The KUAB 150 model offers a standard load range of 3,000 to 33,000 lbf. making it a suitable testing device for airport pavements, as well. The upper load limit of both machines can be modified to meet the needs of the client. The largest KUAB 2m-FWD available, Model 150, is capable of generating a dynamic load of 66,000 lbf. A special structural loading device, Model 600SP, to be delivered to US Navy got testing bridges and piers is under development. This unique equipment is first of its kind in the world which can deliver a maximumload of 120,000 lbf. KUAB Users
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The first KUAB 2m-FWD was manufactured in
1976 for the Swedish Road Administration with the intention of improving upon the design
of all other nondestructive deflection testing equipment available at that time. Since
then, over eighty KUAB 2m-FWD test systems have been delivered worldwide to governmental
transportation agencies, research institutes, material testing laboratories, and private
consultants. Through twenty years of testing, the KUAB 2m-FWD has become a seasoned test
system in the field of transportation. Several of the unique features incorporated on the
first unit remain as recognized innovations to this day. All KUAB 2m-FWDs are manufactured
using quality materials and workmanship, ensuring the test system will provide reliable
service for many years. In fact, the prototype unit built in 1976 is still in use today.
