Data Collection Program for PRIMAX1500/2500/3500

USER GUIDE
PRIMAX Data Collection Manual
1. Introduction to the manual 5

2. Installation 8
2.1 PC Laptop specifications 8
2.2 How to install PRIMAX data collection software into your laptop 8
2.3 How to establish connection between FWD and PC 12
2.4 How to apply calibration values to the FWD 13
2.5 Importing calibration values from FWD to data collection program 14
2.5.1 How to check calibration values 15
2.5.2 How to check placement of geophones 17
2.5.3 How to leave out the signal from a geophone 17
2.5.4 How to create a new channelset 18
2.5.5 How to adjust calibration values for geophones and loadcell. 19

3. How to start and log on to the program 20

3.1 How to create personal logon and use more logons 21
3.2 How to select another database 22
3.3 How to make a new database 23
3.4 How to import SQL databases from earlier versions. 25

4. How to navigate in the program / Layouts 27

4.1 Description of Operator mode / Layout for control of FWD 27
4.1.1 Window 1 Menu Bar: 27
4.1.2 Window 2: 32
4.1.3 Window 3: 33
4.1.4 Window 4: 35
4.1.5 Window 5: 37
4.2 Description of Administrator mode /Layout for data processing 39
4.3 How to select a default layout 40
4.4 How to create and save your own layout 41
4.4.1 How to move windows in layouts 42

FIELD WORK 43

5. How to create a new project 43

5.1 Projects in FWD format (for RoSy Design back-calculation software) and Flat format (for Excel spread sheet) 43
5.1.1 Manage projects 43
5.1.2 Manage jobs – how to create a job 43
5.1.3 Manage pavement – how to select pavement type 45
5.1.4 Manage lane and road side 45
5.2 Projects in PDDX format 46
5.2.1 Manage PDDX projects 46
5.2.2 Manage jobs for a PDDX project 47
5.2.3 Manage pavement type for a PDDX project 48
5.2.4 Manage sections for a PDDX project 49
5.2.5 Adding more facilities and sections to a specific PDDX project 51
5.2.6 Opening an existing PDDX job 52
5.3 Airport projects - defining slabs 53
5.3.1 Manage airport projects 53
5.3.2 Manage jobs for an airport project 54
5.3.3 Manage pavement type for an airport project 55

2 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

 5.3.4 Manage slabs for an airport project 55

6. Procedures for data collection 56

6.1 The procedure Full calibration Height/Force 57
6.2 The procedure Multi Force samples (kN) 57
6.3 The procedure Samples (kN) / how to set up a procedure with target load 50 kN and 2 sample drops 58
6.4 The procedure Samples (mm) 58
6.5 How to create a New Procedure 59

7. Start data collection 62

7.1 Manual temperature measurements 62
7.2 Check GPS information 62
7.3 Initiate DMI 63
7.3.1 When and how to calibrate DMI 64
7.4 Activate warning light 65
7.5 Activate spray mark 65
7.6 Activate camera 65
7.7 Make a drop 66
7.8 How to add a description to a point 67
7.9 How to operate the FWD in manual mode from the laptop 68

8. Warnings during operation / sampling 69

8.1 Load range, deflection range, decreasing deflection and repeatability data warnings 69
8.2 Data warning about manual temperature 70
8.3 Warning on calibration status 71

PROJECT MANAGEMENT / DATA PROCESSING 72

9. How to export collected data 72

9.1 How to export a project including all sub-directories 72
9.2 How to export selected parts of a project, e.g. a district 76

10. Modifying data 77

10.1 How to change drop details in a Project, Job, Location and Drop 77
10.2 How to add notes to a project 79
10.3 How to delete a job 80
10.4 How to delete a project 81

11. How to baseline geophone signals 82

11.1 How to baseline geophone signals for an entire project 82
11.2 How to baseline geophone signals for a single drop 83

Appendix A. Manage FWD settings 85

A.1 Language setting 85
A.2 Show options 86
A.3 Calculations 86
A.4 Temperature settings 86
A.5 Low Pass filter 87
A.6 Tour Track 88
The Tour Track procedure is under construction and will work with the next version of the program. 88
A.7 Camera setting 89
A.8 DMI Setting 89
A.9 Spray mark Setting 90
A.10 Warning light Setting 90

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  3

Appendix B: Icons / buttons and their functions 91

Appendix C: How to perform a Calibration Procedure (Stacking Tower Test) 94

1.0 Stacking Tower Test 94
1.1 Set Correction 95
1.2 Absolute Calibration of Geophones 95
1.2 Calibration of Load Cell 96
1.3 Calibration of Temperature Sensor 97

Appendix D: Survey of facility windows 98

Appendix E: Support team 104

4 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

1. Introduction to the manual
Welcome to our manual on PRIMAX Data Collection Software. This software is applied for operation of the
PRIMAX falling weight deflectometer when collecting data.

Normally the software is already installed on the laptop supplied to you by the manufacturer along with the
PRIMAX FWD. If this is not the case, information on installation and import of calibration values can be found
in section 2.
Getting started with the program is described in the sections 3 and 4. Logon is described in section 3. Section
4 explains how to navigate in the various layouts of the program.

The manual is then split in two parts:

PART 1 preparation and performance of field work sections 5 to 8
As preparation to a measuring job you design the database in which collected data are to be registered, see
section 5. The software allows you to control the FWD operations from your laptop. Section 6 explains how to
define your data collection procedure and section 7 describes the steps to follow when performing a
measuring job. Section 8 explains warnings which may occur when collecting data.

PART 2 project management and data processing sections 9 to 11

Having completed the measuring job, you can export the collected data to your calculation program (e.g.
RoSy® Design). Export of data is described in section 9. Working with the collected data you may want to
change some parameters. How to modify a project is described in section 10.

Appendices
Appendix A How to manage settings of the FWD
Appendix B A list of all program icons and their matching explanations
Appendix C A description of the various facility windows

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  5

Screen picture:
The screen picture is divided into 5 sections:
UL: Upper left
UR: Upper right
LL: Lower left
LR: Lower right
Our guide applies these abbreviations to tell which part of the screen we are dealing with.
An example: [UL] tells the user that we are dealing with the Upper Left corner of the screen picture.
Below sketch illustrates the system:

UL UR
(Upper Left) (Upper Right)

C
(Centre)

LL LR
(Lower Left) (Lower Right)

In case you need help, you are always welcome to contact our support department. You find contact
information in Appendix D of this manual.

User manual: PRIMAX FWD 1.05

© Grontmij A/S, Pavement Consultants, Kokbjerg 5, DK-6000 Kolding

This edition was first published in 2009

All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Publishers.

The English version of the PRIMAX user manual is the only authorised manual. Any other translations of this
manual are not valid and Grontmij A/S cannot be held responsible for the contents of such manuals.

Printed in Denmark by Grontmij A/S

6 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

DOCUMENT CHANGE RECORD
Issue Date Changes Approved
(e.g. change notes, amendments, software
function change)

1 2009 First issue of revised manual John Kern

2 June 2010 Second issue of revised manual John Kern

Additions due to software updates

3 Nov. 2010 Third issue of revised manual John Kern

Additions due to software updates

4 Jan. 2011 Forth issue of revised manual John Kern

Additions due to software updates

5 April 2012 Fifth issue of revised manual John Kern

Additions due to software updates

6 June 2012 Version 3.1.7 comply to manual dated 18-06- John Kern
2012

7 Sep. 2014 Version 4.0.12 Michael

Henriksen

PLEASE NOTE:
If you have questions or any comments to this manual, you are most welcome to contact
our support team, see last page of this manual.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  7

2. Installation
Normally the data collection program has been installed on the laptop supplied by the manufacturer together
with the FWD.
If this is not the case, guidance can be found in below sections 2.1 to 2.5 on how to install the program and
how to import calibration values from the FWD into the data collection software on the laptop.

2.1 PC Laptop specifications

To see more relevant information on the computer screen simultaneously will require a computer with a
relatively big screen (17.3in) and high resolution (1920x1080).
We recommend a computer with the following minimum specifications: (e.g. a Dell computer XPX L702x)
 Display 17.3in WLED with a resolution at 1920x1080)
 Graphics: 1GBNVIDIA GeForce
 Intel Corei5 (2,3 Ghz) or similar
 4GB RAM
 320GB HD
 Optical drive
 Ethernet port
 Windows 8 home premium (64bit)

2.2 How to install PRIMAX data collection software into your laptop
Below installation of data collection software on a clean laptop without any programs installed is described. In
case one or more of the needed programs have already been installed on the laptop, not all below windows
will appear. Simply continue in the manual until a window similar to the one on your laptop appears.

To install the FWD PRIMAX data collection software,

plug in the memory stick with the program into your
laptop.
From this memory stick run the setup Application in
the folder FWD-Primax SQL.
This application contains all installations needed.

8 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Click Accept for:
MICROSOFT.NET FRAMEWORK 4 (x86 andx64)

Click Accept for:

MICROSOFT SQL SERVER 2008
EXPRESS EDITION

Click Install and the programs will be

installed.

Check off (√)checkbox “I have read

and accepted the licence terms”.
Click Install and the programs will be
installed:
MICROSOFT VISUAL C+ + 2010
RUNTIME LIBRARIES WITH SERVICE
PACK 1

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  9

 Click Finish and the programs will be
installed. A time window will appear.

Next program to appear is:

Primax Setup Wizard
Click Next

Select Installation Folder will appear

next:
Click Next

Confirm Installation will appear next :

Click Next and a time window will
appear

10 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

 Next program to install is:
GigEViewer Setup Wizard
Click Next

Ready to Install will appear:

Click Install
During installation the system asks:
“Would you also like to install the
Filter driver?” Click Yes

Installation Complete will appear:

Click Close and when the window is
closed, the system will request Restart.
Click Yes

Upon successful installation a shortcut icon to the FWD data collection software will have been placed
on the desktop of your PC.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  11

2.3 How to establish connection between FWD and PC
To be able to establish a connection between PC and FWD unit, the PC network connections should be
adjusted. How to do this depends on the PC operating system.

Go to Network and Sharing Center.

Select Local Area Connections and the window
Local Area Connection Status will appear.
Click the button Properties and the window Local
Area Connection Properties will appear.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and
click Properties.
The FWD applies the following IP address:
192.168.100.100.
with subnet mask = 255.255.255.0

12 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

2.4 How to apply calibration values to the FWD

Calibration values have been found on a CD or memory stick supplied by the manufacturer. Copy FWD
calibration value file, in this case XXX-387.cal.
Select Computer on command bar.

Access RIO by typing ftp://192.168.100.1/

Unfold the folder ni-rt until the folder data appears.

Copy the file XXX-387.cal into ftp://192.168.100.1/ni-rt/startup/data/
The calibration values are now transferred to the FWD RIO.

! If the folder Data does not exist, create the folder in the path ftp://192.168.100.1/ni-rt/startup

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  13

2.5 Importing calibration values from FWD to data collection program
Before using a new database (see 3.3 How to make a new database), calibration values must be imported
from the FWD unit to the database.
Also the procedure described below is relevant after the recommended annual calibration of load cell and
geophones, or when taking a new PC into operation. When purchasing a new FWD including a PC for data
collection, the calibration values will have been entered to the data collection program by the supplier.
After re-calibration re-install the RIO unit with the new calibration values in the FWD.

Establish connection to the FWD and open the data collection program by clicking the icon FWD on the
PC desktop. Follow logon procedure described in section 3 (How to start and log on to the program).

Click the icon Manage Equipment in the top bar and the window Manage Equipment opens.

Place curser on the FWD

equipment name, in this case
FWD-GMCBTrailer and
highlight text.
Click the button Import and all
calibration data and all other
important data will be
transferred to the laptop from
the FWD.
Check off (√) checkbox
Enabled.
Click the button Save and
Close and data is saved.

When the calibration values have been imported, check actual values applied by the data collection software
by comparing these with the values specified on calibration certificate received from the manufacturer.

14 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

2.5.1 How to check calibration values

Click the icon Manage Equipment in the top bar and the window Manage Equipment opens.

In the window Manage

Equipment mark the arrow next
to the text FWD-GMCBTrailer to
unfold tree structure to see
information on geophones and
load cell.

Unfold the Sensors

Now information for all

geophones and load cell is
displayed.
Mark eg. Geophone, SN:387-01
to see specific information on
geophone 01.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  15

In addition to technical
specifications for geophone 01
the date of the latest calibration
can be seen as well.

Mark the calibration date, and the

calibration details on the
particular geophone appears.
Compare Cut-Off freq. and
Constant values for each
geophone to those of the
calibration certificate.
Relative Adj, User Ref and
External Ref are all set to 1.
If Cut-Off freq. and Constant
values are equal to the values in
the calibration certificate, click
Save and Close.

The Constant value for the load

cell can be found in the same
way and compared to the value of
the calibration certificate.

16 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

2.5.2 How to check placement of geophones

Click the icon Manage Equipment in the top bar and the window Manage Equipment opens.

Unfold until Auto-generated

Channel set is open and
highlight it.
Select the tab Channels.
Click Ch. Number to sort the
geophones by number.
Fill in X and Y positions for
the geophones according to
their positions on the
geophone beam.
Set Rep. tolerance to 5% for
geophones within 1.5 meter
from the centre geophone and
to 10% for the rest of the
geophones.
In this example a T-Beam is in
use and due to the fact that
geophones no. 15, 16 and 17
are on the negative side of the
load cell the values are
negative.
Click the button Save and
Close and data is saved.

2.5.3 How to leave out the signal from a geophone

In the example above (2.5.2 How to check placement of geophones) all geophones are marked Enabled.
If you want to leave out the signal from one or more of the geophones, remove the check mark in the column
Enabled, and the geophone will not generate data.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  17

2.5.4 How to create a new channelset

If the geophones are moved, on the Beam and/or the T-beam it’s possible to make a new Channelset
depending on the geophones location.

Click the icon Manage Equipment in the top bar and the window Manage Equipment opens.

Unfold until Autogenerated

Channelsetup is open and
highlight it.
Autogenerated Channelsetup
must be highlighted, when
creating a new channelset.
Otherwise it will not be created
correctly.

Click the arrow down beside Add

New and Channel Setup appear.

Click on Channel Setup and a

new Autogenerated
Channelsetup is generated.

Highlight the new Autogenerated

Channelsetup and then change
the name to e.g. Setup1
When the name is changed
switch between the lines called
Autogenerated Channelset and
the name will change to Setup1

Highlight the Channelset, desired

used, in this e.g. Setup1. Enabled
it by the thick mark and it’s
activated.

18 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

2.5.5 How to adjust calibration values for geophones and loadcell.

Geophone calibration adjustment

If a stacking test is performed and a
geophone show e.g. 1% to less,
according to the original calibration, a
factor 1,01 has to be inserted in Relative
Adj, User Ref or External Ref.
Unfold, in this e.g. Geophone 1 and
change Geophone 1 to factor 1,01 in
Relative Adj.
! The new factor is only allowed to be
inserted in Relative Adj or User Ref or
External Ref and only in one of them.
When the factor is changed click Export
and then Save and Close.

Loadcell calibration adjustment

If a Load calibration is performed and the

Loadcell show e.g. 2% to much,
according to the original calibration, a
factor 0,98 has to be inserted in Relative
Adj, User Ref or External Ref.
Unfold, in this e.g. the Loadcell and in this
e.g. change the Loadcell to factor 0,98 in
Relative Adj.
! The new factor is only allowed to be
inserted in Relative Adj or User Ref or
External Ref and only in one of them.
When the factor is changed click Export
and then Save and Close.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  19

3. How to start and log on to the program
Open the program by clicking the shortcut icon FWD on the desktop of the PC.

A logon will appear [UL].

When logging on for the first
time leave the fields Server
and database unchanged
(see in sections 3.2 and 3.3
how to operate with more
databases).
Enter operator ID and
password. If more operators
work with the FWD, we
recommend all operators to
log on with individual logons,
see section 3.1 How to
create personal logon and
use more logons.
For the first logon:
Operator = cb
Password = cb
Check off (√)checkbox
Default layout the first time
the PRIMAX data collection
software is applied.
Click the button OK and the
data collection program is
ready.

20 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

3.1 How to create personal logon and use more logons

You have the possibility of creating

your own logon account.
Press the button with 3 dots in
the window Logon [UL].

A new window Manage operators

will open.
Click the button ADD New
Mark a new empty field (will turn
light blue). Fill in contact details.
Initials can be max. 3 characters.
Click the button Save and Close
Before leaving the logon window,
check off (√)checkbox Default
layout.
When logging on the next time,
select your personal logon account
by clicking the drop down button.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  21

3.2 How to select another database
Click File and then click Open and the Window
Logon to Primax dabase opens.

In the window Log on to

Primax database default
database is the one used last.
In this example Copenhagen.
If data is to be stored in this
database, go on with the log
on procedure and the
database Copenhagen is
ready for data collection.

To select another existing

database click the drop down
button next to Database.
You can now see all available
databases, in this case
Argentina, Brazil and
Copenhagen.
When clicking e.g. the
database Argentina, it will be
highlighted and displayed as
the active database.
Go on with the log on
procedure and the database
Argentina is ready for data
collection.

22 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

3.3 How to make a new database
A database has a limit of 10GB. If the data amount exceeds this limit, a new database must be created.
Also for a smaller amount of data there can be certain advantages in working with more databases. Gathering
all data from a specific project in a separate database, you can easily share raw data with a colleague at in
the office or with the client.
In the window Log on
to Primax database
click the 3 dot button
next to Database.
The window Manage
databases will
appear.

Enter a name for the

new data base in the
window Manage
databases, e.g.
Airport.
Click the button Add
New and Airport
appears in top row.
In the Info display the
text Creating
Airport, finished
appears and the
database Airport is
now ready for data
collection.
Close the window by
clicking the cross in
upper right corner.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  23

The window Logon
to Primax database
will appear again.
Select the new
database (as
described in 3.2).

Note: Before using a new database, calibration values have to be imported from the FWD unit to the
database, including X and Y positions of the geophones, see 2.5 Importing calibration values from FWD to
data collection program.

24 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

3.4 How to import SQL databases from earlier versions.
In earlier versions the versions the SQL databases where stored in the path C:\Program Files\Grontmij Carl
Bro\Primax\ and stored in files called e.g. DB_Primax_Data.mdf and DB_Primax_Data_Log.ldf

In order to view the data in Version 4.0.1 and forward the database must be renamed and copied into a new
path.

The 2 files must be renamed as below (e.g. called Copenhagen)

DB_Primax_Data.mdf renames to PrimaxDB_Copenhagen.mdf

DB_Primax_Data_Log.ldf renames to PrimaxDB_Copenhagen_Log.ldf

How to copy the files into the path: C:\ProgramData\Grontmij\Primax\Databases

Start the FWD Data Collection

Software, and press the 3
dots beside database

Press the Attach bottom in

the next window

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  25

The Database
PrimaxDB_Copenhagen.mdf
is now shown in the list to the
left as Copenhagen.

Highlight the Database

Copenhagen and press the
Open bottom.

The Database Copenhagen is

now showed in the list.

Close the window, and the

database is now showing in the
drop down list.

Choose the database

Copenhagen and the “old” data
can be read in Version 4.0.1
and newer software.

26 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

4. How to navigate in the program / Layouts
The screen layout consists of various facility windows which can be combined as required. Alternatively one
of the two default layouts Administrator mode or Operator mode, which we have prepared for you, can be
selected. The two modes described in brief in the following.
When using the software for the first time, layouts from the path C:\ProgramData\Grontmij\Primax\ have to
be installed. Subsequently find and select a layout as described in 4.3 How to select a default layout.
Prints of the most common facility windows can be found in Appendix C.

4.1 Description of Operator mode / Layout for control of FWD

In Operator mode the information that an operator will normally need when preparing the data collection and
when operating the FWD is available. The operator controls the FWD in this mode. All input for the FWD is
given or read through the windows 1,2,3,4 and 5.

1 2

4 5

4.1.1 Window 1 Menu Bar:

4.1.1.1 First Row in the Menu Bar:

The first row of the Menu Bar indicated Program Version and Data base.
In this case Version 4.0 Build 1 and database in use is London.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  27

4.1.1.2 Second Row in the Menu Bar:

The second row contains File, Edit, Layout, Control, Help and Paint Style

File:
Click File and seven options appear. Open, Export, Import,
Setting, Report designer, Reports/preview and Exit.

Click Open and the Logon Window appears.

In this Window the database can be changed without leaving
the Data Collection Program.

Export under export Export to FWD-file opens a dialog window

allowing specification of which geophone and drop type to
export. Export Images opens a dialog window allowing
specification of which images to export
Settings opens Manage Settings for DMI, spray marking
equipment, calculation, warning light settings, temperature
settings, low-pass filter, camera and language code
Exit closes Data Collection Program.

Edit:
Any changes of drop details in Project, Job, Location and
Drop can be saved here.

Layout:
Load default layouts e.g. Administration layout or Operator
layout.

28 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Control:
Instead of using the buttons Start, Continue, Redo and
Accept, the F keys can be used. F5=Start, F4=Continue,
F3=Redo and F2=Accept.

Help:
Click on Help and a new window opens.

Click the icon or F1 to open the Data Collection Manual.

If the laptop is connected to a 3G, modem it is possible to go
online for support

Click the icon and a link to Grontmij

Pavement-consultants opens if the laptop has internet
connection.

Paint Style:

Click and several skins appear. With this, the user

can customize the operator Window.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  29

4.1.1.3 Third Row in the Menu Bar:
In the third row the following Icons/buttons are placed:
Save Delete Drops Export to FWD-File
Export Images Recalculate Drops Manage Layouts
Manage Procedures Manage Sections Manage Equipments
Settings Drops today Load Layout
Save Layout Current Language Navigator
Project Job Location
Drop CPU Settings
Input/Output State Control
Time History Translation Temperature
Drop Details Peak And E0 Location E0
Beam Hysteresis Show Wave
Camera

4.1.1.3.1 Icons/buttons and their functions in third row:

Save Drop When opening Administration mode, the icon Save is greyed. Any
Details: changes to drop details in Project, Job, Location and Drop are saved
by clicking the icon Save Drop Details. The icon will be highlighted and
changes are saved in database

Delete Drops
When a filter is made in the Naviator, the icon can be used to delete
the drops shown in the tree structure. The icon will be highlighted when
a filter is made

Export to Exports all drops selected in Project Navigator. A dialog window

FWD-File: opens allowing specification of which geophone and drop type to export

Export Exports all images selected in Navigator. A dialog window open

Images: allowing specification of which images to export.
Recalculate Recalculates all drops displayed in Project Navigator. This list can be
Drops: reduced by means of a filter before clicking the button Recalculate
Drops. Peak/force, deflection, pulse time, E0 and warnings are re-
evaluated
Manage Displays Operator layout in Project Navigator. New layouts can be
Layout: added by clicking Add New

Manage Displays procedures already performed. New ones can be added by

Procedure: clicking Add New for Procedure and Sequence
Manage When applying PDDX as export format, this format can be set up by
Section: opening Section in Operator mode

30 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Manage Controls import/export of calibration values to/from FWD and data
Equipment: collection program, DMI calibration and defines camera function offset
Manage Displays Manage Settings for DMI, spray marking equipment,
Settings: calculations, warning light settings, temperature settings, low-pass filter,
camera and language code
Drop today: Drop today= 99 Show the drop made/day. The drop will be reset every night at 00:00.

Load Layout: Loads default layouts e.g. Administration layout or Operator layout

Save Layout: Saves new layouts or changes in default layouts

Current Selects new language for user interface

Languages:

Navigator: Displays tree structure in Project Navigator

Project: Displays project information

Job: Displays job information

Location: Displays information on locations

Drop: Displays drop information

CPU: Displays CPU status and setting

Settings: Displays settings used for controlling FWD

Input/output: Displays state of indicators, manual keys and relays

State: Displays state of the battery voltage, surface temperature, air

temperature, manual temperature, CPU temperature and height of
weight
Control: Open and close the Control Window

Time History Displays load (kN), time (ms) and deflection (µm) in a graph
Graph:

Translation: Opens window for setting languages used in data collection program

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  31

Temperature: Displays in a graph development in surface temperature, air
temperature, manual temperature and CPU temperature related to time
Drop Details: Displays all data from every single sample drop

Peak and E0 Displays peak and E0 graph in peak deflection (µm), geophone offset
Graph: (mm) and E0 (MPa)
Location Displays location E0 in chainage (m) and E0 (MPa)
E0s:
FWD Beam: Displays geophone beam position - up or down

Hysteresis: Displays relation between deflections and force as graphics drawn over
120ms
Displays the deflection ball as a wave
Show Wave:

Camera: Displays latest taken picture

4.1.2 Window 2:
1 2

5
4
5
5
5

From Window 2 the FWD is operated and the Icons/buttons controlling the FWD operation are described
below. All other functions in window 2 are described in Section 7. Start data collection.

The button Start starts the data collection procedure.

When highlighted, it is ready to start the data
collection procedure. During the procedure it turns
grey and highlights again when the procedure is
completed.

If an error occurs during data collection, the button

Accept will switch from grey to highlighted. If the
button is clicked, the data will be accepted and
stored in the database.

32 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

 If an error occurs during data collection, the button
Redo will switch from grey to highlighted. If the
button is clicked, the FWD will redo the measuring. If
the new data is within the acceptable limits, it will
automatically be stored and the button will turn grey
again.

If an error occurs during data collection, the button

Continue will switch from grey to highlighted. If the
button is clicked, the FWD will raise the foot and data
will not be stored.

The Warning light can be activated manually by

clicking the button Warn Light. The warning light
can also be controlled from the computer in the
window Manage Settings (Appendix A). When the
warning is default controlled from Manage Settings,
the button will be highlighted or grey according to
the settings in Manage Settings.
If the spray mark equipment is activated through
Manage Settings (Appendix A) the letters on the
button Spray Mark will flash and turn red.

4.1.3 Window 3:

In the window Control details on sampling procedure are entered, see Section 6. Procedures for data
collection.
Data warnings occurring during operation can be seen in this window, see Sections 8 Warnings during
operation/sampling and the window can be switched to manual mode, see Section 7.9 How to operate the
FWD in manual mode from the laptop.

The Window can also be applied as an informer window when applying the buttons State, Input/Output,
Setting and CPU descreibed below.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  33

Click State: Displays battery voltage level, surface temperature, air temperature,
manual temperature, CPU temperature and elevation level of weight

Click Displays state of indicators, manual keys and relays

Input/output:

Click Displays settings applied for FWD controlling

Settings:

34 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Click CPU: Displays CPU status and setting

Click Open Control Window and FWD returns to default window.

Control:

4.1.4 Window 4:

In window 4 the window Time History Graph is open as default when the program starts. It is possible to
open the three windows Drop Details, Temperature and Location E0s described below.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  35

Click Drop Displays all data from each individual sample drop
Details:

Click Displays surface temperature, air temperature, manual temperature

Temperature: and CPU temperature in relation to time in a graph

Click Displays location E0 in chainage (measuring point) (m) and E0 (MPa)

Location
E0s:

36 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Click Time Displays load (kN), time (ms) and deflection (µm) in a graph after which
History the window returns to default mode
Graph:

4.1.5 Window 5:

Window 5 displays Peak and E0 graphs, which are valuable indicators for the operator. This facility reveals
whether the collected data are in order or there is something wrong with the data, without checking all
numbers in the drop.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  37

In this window the beam is displayed as well and in combination with window 3 (Traffic light), it is displayed
when the FWD is ready to move on. See section 7.7 Make a drop.

Peak and E0 Displays peak and E0 graphs in peak deflection (µm), geophone offset
Graph: (mm) and E0 (MPa)

FWD Beam Displays geophone beam position - up or down

38 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

4.2 Description of Administrator mode /Layout for data processing
In Administrator mode all information needed to process collected data can be found. This mode is applied
for exporting data to other programs and for data changes and modifications.

1 2

Window 1 Tree structure is used to filter and export data see section 9 How to export collected data
Window 2 Time History Graph displaying load (kN), time (ms) and deflection (µm) in a graph
Window 3 All data from each individual sample drop is displayed.
Window 4 Project, Job, Location and Drop are displayed. In the four sections of this window data can
be modified. See (Section 10 Modifying data).

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  39

4.3 How to select a default layout

Select Layouts in the menu

bar or click the icon Load
Layout in the tool bar.

Select the relevant default

layout e.g. Operator mode
and click the button Open.
The layout of the window on
the desktop then changes to
Operator mode.
NOTE: When using the
program for the first time, files
are to be located in the path
C:\ProgramData\Gronttmij\P
rimax

40 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

4.4 How to create and save your own layout
The operator can design his own favorite layout by moving, closing or opening the various windows.

When a new screen layout has been composed, it is stored by clicking the icon Save Layout in the tool
bar.

Save the new favourite layout

in the window Save Layout
naming it e.g. My Mode.
Remember to save it.
Next time a layout is loaded,
the new layout My Mode will
be in the list.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  41

4.4.1 How to move windows in layouts

All the dynamic sub-windows can be moved

around in layout, and can be adjusted as the user
of the software wishes. In the example below the
dynamic sub-window FWD Beam is used

Click on the sub-window, and hold down the left

mouse bottom to start moving the window around.
When moving the sub-window on the screen,
the different areas where it can be placed appears.
The icon which appears together with the sub-window,
can be used to place it either the left, upper, right, lower
part or as a tab of the chosen area.

If the sub-window shall be placed as the upper part

of an area, move it to the wanted area and point
the mouse as show beside.

The sub-window will

now be placed as an upper part of the area.

If the sub-window shall be placed as a tap

of an area, move it to the wanted area and point
the mouse as show beside.

The sub-window will now be shown

as a tap in the area

42 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Field work

5. How to create a new project

5.1 Projects in FWD format (for RoSy Design back-calculation software)
and Flat format (for Excel spread sheet)

5.1.1 Manage projects

In the layout Operator mode open the

window Manage project by clicking the 3
dot button in the field Project [UR].
A project is ready for data collection when
all information on the given project has
been entered (project, job, pavement, lane,
and road side), see below.

NOTE: The project will not be displayed in

the Project Navigator and drop list before
the first drop has been performed!

In the window Manage projects click the

button Add New to create a new project.
Enter project name, e.g. Copenhagen.
Enter client name, e.g. Grontmij.
Click Save and Close to save the new
project.

Note: Avoid using special characters in the

project name such as “ and \ , as the name
of the project will be used as file name
when exporting data (see section 9 on
export of data). The use of special
characters may cause the file name to be
illegal and prevent the export of data.

5.1.2 Manage jobs – how to create a job

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  43

In the layout Operator mode click the 3
dot button in the field Job [UR] to open
Manage jobs for project Copenhagen.

Click the button Add New to create a job

for project Copenhagen and enter
information on:
District: e.g. Copenhagen South
Road number: e.g. 12
Road name: e.g. Main Street
Chainage0 (= start reference): e.g.
Intersection with street no. 25
Weather Condition: select from
predefined options by clicking the drop
down button e.g. Clouded or click the 3
dot button to create a new Weather
Condition.
Direction: select from the predefined
ones by clicking the drop down button
e.g. East or click the 3 dot button to
create a new Direction.
Click Save and Close to save the new job
for project Copenhagen.

44 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

5.1.3 Manage pavement – how to select pavement type

In the layout Operator mode click the drop down

button in the field Pavement [UR] to select pavement
type e.g. Asphalt for project Copenhagen, job
Copenhagen South, or click the 3 dot button to
create a new pavement type.

5.1.4 Manage lane and road side

In the layout Operator mode select the tab Lane
and enter lane and in which side of the road
measurements are done for project Copenhagen,
job Copenhagen South, e.g. first lane right (1R).

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  45

5.2 Projects in PDDX format
5.2.1 Manage PDDX projects

In the layout Operator mode open the window

Manage Projects by clicking the 3 dot button in the
field Project [UR].
A project is ready for data collection when all
information on a given project has been entered
(project, job, pavement, and sections, see below).
NOTE: The project will not be displayed in the
Project Navigator and drop list before the first drop
has been performed!

Click the button Add New in the window Manage

Projects to create a new project.
Enter project name, e.g. Copenhagen.
Enter client name, e.g. Grontmij.
Click Save and Close to save the new project.

Note: Avoid using special characters in the project

name such as “ and \ , as the name of the project will
be used as file name when exporting data (see
section 9 on export of data). The use of special
characters may cause the file name to be illegal and
prevent the export of data.

46 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

5.2.2 Manage jobs for a PDDX project

In the layout Operator mode click the 3 dot

button in the field Job[UR] to open the
window Manage jobs for project
Copenhagen.

Click the button Add New to create a job for

project Copenhagen and fill in information
on:
District: e.g. Copenhagen Centrum.
Road number: leave empty.
Road name: leave empty.
Chainage0: leave empty.
Weather Condition: select from the
predefined ones by clicking the drop down
button e.g. Clouded or click the 3 dot button
to create a new Weather Condition.
Direction: select from the predefined ones
by clicking the drop down button e.g. East
or click the 3 dot button to create a new
Direction.
Click Save and Close to save the new job
for project Copenhagen.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  47

5.2.3 Manage pavement type for a PDDX project

In the layout Operator mode click the drop down

button in the field Pavement [UR] to select pavement
type e.g. Asphalt for project Copenhagen, job
Copenhagen Centrum, or click the 3 dot button to
create a new pavement type.

48 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

5.2.4 Manage sections for a PDDX project

In the layout Operator mode

select the tab Section [UR].
Click the 3 dot button and
the window Manage
Sections will then open.

Select Add New.

Site, Facility and Section
appear.

Select Site.

Having selected Site the field

Site Name appears.
Highlight it with the mouse
curser.
Now the site name can be
entered, in this example
Copenhagen Centrum.
Go on by clicking the arrow
next to Add New and select
Facility

Select Facility.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  49

In the window Manage
Sections, Copenhagen
Centrum, Facility Name an
arrow will appear to the left of
the site name (Copenhagen
Centrum). Click at the arrow
and the field Facility Name
appears.
When mouse is over Facility
Name, it is highlighted.

Now the facility name can be

entered, in this example a
road name (Main Street) and
a road number (66).
Go on by clicking the arrow
next to Add New and select
Section

Select Section.

An arrow will appear to the

left of the facility name (Main
Street).
Click the arrow and the field
Section Name
(Copenhagen Centrum.)
appears.

Mouse over the field Section

50 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Name and it is highlighted.
Now the section name can
be entered, in this example
Bridge/Baker Street.
The start reference point
Chainage0 is in this example
Baker Street.
Important! Having inserted
Chainage 0, and the window
looks like this, it must be
saved.
Click the button Save and
Close.

5.2.5 Adding more facilities and sections to a specific PDDX project

Several facilities and sections can be added to a specific project (e.g. Copenhagen).
Below an example is given of how to add another street (a new facility) to the project Copenhagen, job
Copenhagen Centrum (described in section 5.2.4).

In the window Manage Sections,

Copenhagen Centrum, Main Street
click the button Add New and select
Facility.

A new field Facility Name appears.

When mousing over, it is highlighted.
Now the name of the new facility can
be entered, in this example a road
name (King Street) and a road
number (88).

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  51

Go on by clicking the arrow next to
Add New and select Section.

An arrow will appear to the left of the

facility name (King Street). Click the
arrow and the field Section Name
appears.
Now the section name for King Street
can be entered, in this example the
area to be measured on King Street
is between Queen Street/Knight
Street.
The start reference point Chainage 0
is in this example Queen Street.
Two facilities (roads) can now be
found under the project Copenhagen
and the job Copenhagen Centrum.
More roads (facilities) can be added
as required following the procedure
above.
Important! Press the button Save and
Close to save data before closing the
window.

5.2.6 Opening an existing PDDX job

To open an already existing job, click at
the drop down button in the field
Section and select the job.

52 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

5.3 Airport projects - defining slabs
5.3.1 Manage airport projects

In the layout Operator mode open the

window Manage project by clicking the 3
dot button in the field Project[UR].
A project is ready for data collection when all
information on the given project has been
entered (project, job, pavement, lane, and
road side), see below.
NOTE: The project will not be displayed in
the Project Navigator and drop list before
the first drop has been performed!

Click the button Add New in the window

Manage projects to create a new project.
Enter project name, e.g. Copenhagen
Airport.
Enter client name, e.g. Grontmij.
Click Save and Close to save the new
project.

Note: Avoid the use of special characters in

the project name such as “ and \ , as the
name of the project will be used as file name
when exporting data (see section 9 on
export of data). The use of special
characters may cause the file name to be
illegal and prevent the export of data.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  53

5.3.2 Manage jobs for an airport project

In the layout Operator mode click the 3

dot button in the field Job [UR] to open
Manage jobs for project Copenhagen
Airport.

Click the button Add New to create a job

for the project Copenhagen Airport and
enter information on:
District: e.g. Copenhagen Airport
Road number: e.g. Row 4
Road name: e.g. Apron 1
Chainage0 (= start reference): e.g.
Terminal 1
Weather Condition: select from the
predefined options by clicking the drop
down button e.g. Clouded or click the 3
dot button to create new Weather
Condition.
Direction: select from the predefined
options by clicking the drop down button
e.g. East or click the 3 dot button to
create a new Direction.
Click the button Save and Close to store
the new job for project Copenhagen
Airport.

54 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

5.3.3 Manage pavement type for an airport project

Click the drop down button next to Pavement [UR]

to select pavement type for the project Copenhagen
Airport, job Copenhagen Airport.
Alternatively select the 3 dot button to create a new
pavement type.
In this case Concrete was selected.

5.3.4 Manage slabs for an airport project

In the layout Operator mode select the tab Slab

[UR] and the slab window appears.
Enter the name of the slab (normally a number) e.g.
A1.
Select FWD position by clicking the drop down
button next to Position. Select from the following
predefined options:
Code for RoSy Design
 Unknown
 Center c+10
 CenterRight c+21
 EnteringCenter c+22
 CenterLeft c+23
 LeavingCenter c+24
 EnteringRight c+31
 EnteringLeft c+32
 LeavingLeft c+33
 LeavingRight c+34
In this example Center was selected.
Note: When the above has been selected, the
project is ready for data collection. The project will
not be shown in the Project Navigator and Drop list
before the first drop has been performed.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  55

6. Procedures for data collection
In the layout Operator mode under the tab Sequence you find the predefined sampling procedures.
Click the drop down button
next to Procedure [C] to see
the four options briefly
described below and described
in detail in the following sections
6.1 to 6.4.
Furthermore, it is possible to set
up an individual procedure, e.g.
according to specific project
specifications, see 6.5 How to
create a new procedure.

Full calibration Height/Force: Initial procedure for the FWD to determine the relation between drop
height and transferred force (kN). Must be performed prior to applying a
(chapter 6.1)
procedure based on a fixed force (kN), when switching to another
database (chapter 3.3) or in case of changing pavement types during data
collection (chapter 12).

Multi Force samples (kN): This procedure is intended for e.g. airports where sampling is often done
with different loads on the same spot.
(chapter 6.2)
Prior to applying this procedure the procedure Full calibration
Height/Force must be performed.
The values of the drops (in kN) are automatically saved if the checkbox
Auto save is checked off (√). If Auto save is not checked off, data from
each drop must be saved by clicking the button Accept .

Samples (kN): Procedure for sampling at a given kN load.

(chapter 6.3) Prior to applying this procedure, the procedure Full calibration
Height/Force must be performed.
The values of the drops (in kN) are automatically saved if the checkbox
Auto save is checked off (√). If Auto save is not checked off, data from
each drop must be saved by clicking the button Accept .

Samples (mm): Procedure for sampling at a given drop height (mm). For this procedure
the target load is indicated in mm and must be adjusted manually
(chapter 6.4)
according to the desired kN or kPa.
The values of the drops (in kN) are automatically saved if the checkbox
Auto save is checked off (√). If Auto save is not checked off, data from
each drop must be saved by clicking the button Accept .

56 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

6.1 The procedure Full calibration Height/Force
To run the procedure Full calibration Height/Force, select this procedure under Procedure in the layout
Operator mode under the tab Sequence (see chapter 6).
Select the relevant project (see chapter 5).
Click the button Start
Data sampled from the drops made in the procedure Full calibration Height/Force is not automatically
saved in the database, but must be accepted by clicking the button Accept before the calibration is
completed.
The data collection program and FWD are now ready.
NOTE: Every time the data collection program is started, the procedure Full calibration Height/Force has to
be performed prior to data collection following a procedure based on a fixed force (kN), otherwise the
program and the FWD will not work. The only procedure which can work without calibration is Samples
(mm).

6.2 The procedure Multi Force samples (kN)

Multi Force samples (kN): This procedure is intended for e.g. airports where sampling is often done
with different loads in the same point. Prior to applying this procedure, the
procedure Full calibration Height/Force must be performed.
(See chapter 6.5 How to create a new procedure.)

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  57

6.3 The procedure Samples (kN) / how to set up a procedure with target
load 50 kN and 2 sample drops

In the layout Operator mode

under the tab Sequence select
the procedure Samples (kN).
Click the drop down button in the
field Height/Force. A numerical
display appears. Enter the
number 50 using the numerical
display. The number will then be
displayed in the field
Height/Force.

Click the drop down button in the

field Drops. A numerical display
appears. Enter the number 2
using the numerical display. The
number will then be displayed in
the field Drops.

6.4 The procedure Samples (mm)

The procedure Samples (mm) can be set up similarly to the procedure Samples (kN), (See 6.3.)

58 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

6.5 How to create a New Procedure
In a given database a specific procedure can be created. If/when the database is changed all custom-made
procedures will disappear. They can only be applied for the database in which they have been created. (See
3.2 on how to select another database or 3.3 on how to make a new database.)

In the layout Operator mode under

the tab Sequence under Procedure.
Click the + button and the Procedure
Wizard appears.

Basic settings appear from the first

page.
For Pre Drop the warning light can
either be turned on or off when
lowering the foot.
A settle drop can be included in the
procedure. A settle drop is normally
required. If not remove the tick mark
(√).
Sample drop macros cannot be
changed.
For Post Drop the warning light can
turned on or off when raising the foot.
Click the button Next

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  59

On the second page of the
Procedure Wizard the new
procedure is created.
Fill in all required information in the
lower row: number of drops, size and
unit of the load (kN, mm or kPa).
In Save option data can be save
from all, none or last drop.
Click Add and the new drop appears
in the list of drop lines in your new
procedure.

In this example three new sample

drops have been added and the new
Multi Drop Procedure contains:
1 Pre drop
1 Settle drop
1 Sample drop of 50 kN
1 Sample drop of 80 kN
1 Sample drop of 100 kN
1 Post drop
To change the order of the three
added sample drops place the curser
on one of the lines and click the
buttons Up or Down.
Click the button Next

60 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

On the third page the new procedure
is named, e.g. Highway 66
Click the button Finish and the
procedure is saved.
Note: If and when the data base is
changed, all new procedures will
disappear. New procedures are only
connected to the database in which
they are made.

In the layout Operator

mode under Procedure
the new procedure
Highway 66 will be
displayed together with the
four predefined
procedures.
Select Highway 66 to
make it the active
procedure.
To the right the values of
the procedure Highway 66
are displayed.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  61

7. Start data collection
Having selected the relevant database (chapter 3.3), created the project (section 5), selected sampling
procedure (section 6), the FWD is ready to start collecting data.

7.1 Manual temperature measurements

[UR] [UR]
Drill a hole in the pavement and
insert the temperature sensor
mounted on the FWD in the hole
for about 2 minutes. Check off
(√)the checkbox in the red field
Man temp. The field changes
colour and displays the current
pavement temperature.
During data collection the field
Man Temp will turn red again
every hour*. Repeat the above
temperature measuring
procedure.
* The interval for manual temperature
measuring can be changed in
Manage settings (Appendix A.5)

7.2 Check GPS information

If the FWD is equipped with a GPS system

(including license), the connection can be
checked under the tab GPS.
All input from the satellite antenna will be
displayed.
If there is a signal from the GPS antenna a
green tick mark will be shown in the GPS
fan

If there is NO signal from the GPS antenna

a red X wil be shown in the GPS fan.

62 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

7.3 Initiate DMI
Click the 3 dot button in the DMI
field. [UR]
A new window Initiate DMI will open.

Set the interval between the drop

points, e.g. 100 m in the field
Interval.
To stagger measuring points in right
and left lanes set an offset of e.g. 50
m can be set for one of the lanes in
the field Offset.
Click the button Accept to close the
window and save settings.

When the DMI is set, activate it by

clicking the icon Start

To calculate backwards, check off
(√)the checkbox Backward.
Remember to change lane direction
from left to right or opposite.

The icon will change to the icon Stop

and the digit 0 will start to flash

red/white. The DMI is ready.

When the FWD starts moving forward

or backward, this Window Navigate
to next location will appear on the
screen and guide the operator to the
next chainage.
It shows the actual distance and the
distance to the next chainage.
When the chainage has been
reached, the window will disappear
again.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  63

7.3.1 When and how to calibrate DMI

The DMI should be calibrated regularly, e.g. every 30 days. The calibration interval is set in the window
Manage Settings, see Appendix A.1.
The creation of a new database (see 3.3 How to make a new database) must also be followed by a DMI
calibration.

If the number of days since last calibration have

been exceeded a warning text will appear in the
window Change DMI

To calibrate the DMI click the icon Manage Equipment in the top menu bar and the window Manage
Equipment opens.

In Manage Equipment select the

tab Calibrations
The window DMI will then appear.
Latest date for calibrating DMI and
latest calibration counts per km is
displayed in this window.
Click Calibrate and the window
Calibrate Counter will appear.

64 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Enter distance to go for the
calibration (e.g. 1000 meter). Set
Counts = 0
Drive exactly 1000 meter and the
counter will show e.g. 8.758 counts.
Click Accept to complete the
calibration.

7.4 Activate warning light

The warning light is activated by clicking the button Warn Light [UR]. Depending on the settings
in the window Manage Settings (Appendix A.4), it will either flash constantly or only when the foot is down.

When the light is on, the button will be highlighted and grey when off.

7.5 Activate spray mark

To automatically spray mark every second, third or at all measurement, the spray marking equipment must be
controlled from the settings in Manage Settings (Appendix A.2).

If the spray marking equipment is not activated, a single mark can be made by clicking the button
[UR].
If the spray mark is activated, the letters in the button Spray Mark will flash and the colour will turn red
.

7.6 Activate camera

If the FWD is equipped with a camera (including relevant license), this is set as described in Manage
Settings (Appendix A.7).

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  65

7.7 Make a drop
Having checked the manual temperature and activated the DMI the first drop can be performed at the defined
load (see section 5 about Procedures for data collection and the example in section (5.1 How to set up a
procedure with target load 50 kN and 2 sample drops).

Click the button and the defined procedure will start. During the procedure this button will turn
grey

and it highlights again when the procedure has been completed.

During the sampling sequence the actual position of the geophone beam can be seen in the small pane FWD
beam.
When the procedure starts, the geophone beam is lowered and the light signal turns from green to red.
FWD Beam is down

When the geophone beam is up, the pane FWD beam shows the beam is up and the light signal turns from
red to green.
FWD Beam is up

If the geophone data of the drop is within the acceptable limits of load range, deflection range, deflection
decreasing and repeatability, data will be saved automatically if the procedure is set to auto-save, (See
section 6 on Procedures) and the FWD is ready for the next sequence.
If Auto save is not selected, data from each drop must be manually saved by clicking the button Accept
. Clicking this button data will be accepted and saved and the FWD is ready for the next sequence.
If the geophone data of the drop is not within the acceptable limits of load range, deflection range, deflection
decreasing and repeatability, please (See section 8 about Data warnings).

! WARNING: DO NOT MOVE THE FWD WITH THE GEOPHONE BEAM DOWN (light signal is red).
THIS WOULD DAMAGE THE FWD.

66 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

7.8 How to add a description to a point
A comment can be made to a single drop. When the
drop has been made, the comment is linked to this
specific drop.
For example the operator in chainage [UR] 100
enters this comment in the field Description Cracks
in right side of the road.
Moving on to the next chainage the field Description
will again be empty and a new comment can be
made.
NOTE: Comments can also be added to the values
in the relevant database after data collection has
been completed, (See section10 Modifying data)

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  67

7.9 How to operate the FWD in manual mode from the laptop
The FWD can be manual operated in two ways. From
the manual box and from the laptop. In the window
Control switch between the tabs Sequence and
Manual and the window changes to Manual mode.

Description of the buttons and how they work:

Lock:
On: Turns the transport lock into a ‘locked’ position.
Off: Turns the transport lock into an ‘unlocked’
position.

Foot:
Up: Elevates the foot.
Down: Lowers the foot.

Magnet:
Up: Elevates the magnet (and the weight if
attached).
Down: Lowers the magnet (and the weight if
attached).

Start sampling: starts the sampling procedure.

68 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

8. Warnings during operation / sampling
8.1 Load range, deflection range, decreasing deflection and repeatability
data warnings
If load range, deflection range, decreasing deflection or [UR]
repeatability is out of range, the following will happen:
The buttons Accept and Redo[UR] will be highlighted.
If you click Accept, the data will be stored and the procedure will
continue.
If you click Redo, the FWD will redo the procedure and if data is
acceptable this time, data will be stored. If not, the error will
appear again.
If you click Continue, the FWD will raise the foot and beam and be
ready for the next sampling. The data out of range from this drop
will not be stored.
In the layout Operator mode errors concerning load range, deflection range, decreasing deflection and
repeatability can be observed in the following three ways: in the drop list [UL], as red lights in the pane
Procedure [C] and as a warning in the pane FWD Beam[LR] .

An example:
If geophone no. 14 is out of range in terms of decreasing deflection and repeatability, geophone no. 15 will
turn red in the drop list under the tab Sequence.

Under the tab

Sequence, a red dot
will appear next to the
text Deflection
Decreasing and
Repeatability and the
data will only be saved
if clicking the button
Accept.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  69

In the panel FWD
Beam geophone no. 15
will change colour from
yellow to red.

8.2 Data warning about manual temperature

If manual temperature is out of range

compared to acceptable values indicated
in the window Manage Settings, a red
dot will appear under the tab Sequence
next to Temperature Range [C].
The dot will stay red until the temperature
is again within the acceptable range.
TIP: the maximum or minimum
temperature can be changed in the
window Manage Settings (See
appendix A).

70 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

8.3 Warning on calibration status

For correct operation of the FWD we recommend annual

calibration.
Eleven months after last calibration the window Your
FWD needs calibration will appear every time the data
collection program is opened and connected to the FWD.
This window will show when the equipment has been
calibrated.
Clicking the button Why calibrate you will be directed to
the Grontmij webpage containing general information on
calibration (provided the laptop has internet connection
e.g. through a 3G modem).
Click the button Continue and the data collection
program starts.

When the program opens, the calibration status can also

be found in the layout Operator Mode under the button
Spray Mark. [UR]
In this example the calibration is overdue by 1 year and 4
months.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  71

Project management / Data
processing

9. How to export collected data

In the layout Administrator mode in the Project Navigator pane all projects and all sub-directories can be
filtered allowing export of only one project or one of the sub-directories and not the entire database.

9.1 How to export a project including all sub-directories

Be sure to have accessed the program
selecting the relevant database (see sections
3.2 and 3.3 about databases).
In the Project Navigator click the button filter
in the field Project (the filter button appears
when mousing over the field) and all projects
in the actual database are displayed.

Click and highlight e.g. Paris and the project

Paris including all sub-directories are ready for
export.

When the export has been done, click on the X

in the button of the window Project Navigator
and the filter is removed again.

72 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Click the button Export. [UL] and the
window Export Data opens.

In the window Export Data the field Output

directory describes where the exported data
will be stored on the computer. Click the 3
dots and the window Browse for Folder
appears.

It is recommendable to make a new folder and

export data to this.
Actual data selected for the export is displayed
at the top of the window Export Data, here the
export includes data from 3 Locations / 6
Drops.

You have the possibility of selecting between

more available formats of the export.
Click the drop down button next to the field
Output Format and all available formats are
listed:
FWD = Gromtmij format
PDDX = AASHTO format
F25 = US format (normally)
Flat = Excel spreadsheet format
ANA = Custom made Grontmij FWD format
Mark the chosen format, e.g. FWD.If time
history data should be included in the export,
check off (√)checkbox Include Time history.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  73

Click the drop down button next to the field
Metric/Imperial and all available formats are
displayed.
Mark the selected format.

Click the arrow next to the field All enabled

sensors and a drop down window will appear.
Checking off (√) the checkbox Only enabled
data from all available sensors will be exported
and the text All enabled sensors will be
shown at the top of the window.

To export data from only some of the sensors

check off (√)the checkbox Only selected.
The numbers of the geophones selected for
export can be seen to the right of the field and
also at the top of the window, in this case data
from geophones no. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12 will
be included in the export
For selection of geophones, please see
section 2.4.3 How to leave out the signal from
a geophone.

74 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

If not choosing either Only enabled or Only
selected data from all sensors will be
exported and the text Sensors All will be
displayed at the top of the window.

Click the arrow next to the field Smoothing /

Cut Off Frequency and a drop down window
will appear.

CutOff frequency is normally set to 60 Hz (see

Appendix A.6 Low-pass filter).
It can be disabled by removing the check mark
(√) from the checkbox Active or set at another
value in the field Cutoff Freq.

Checking off (√) the checkbox Only Last Drop

in Sequence only data from the last drop of
each sequence will be exported.

In the field Max drops in sequence you can

choose only to export some data from each
sequence, e.g. 2 drops of a sequence
containing 5 drops. Data from the last two
drops will then be included in the export.

Click OK and the data will be exported to a

folder as specified in the field Output
directory.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  75

9.2 How to export selected parts of a project, e.g. a district

If only a district is to be exported, it is done

in the same way as shown in How to
export a project.
First choose the Project as shown in How
to export a project.
Make certain to have accessed the program
choosing the relevant database (see
sections 3.2 and 3.3 about databases).
In the Project Navigator click the filter
button in the field District (the filter button
appears when mousing over the field) and
all districts in the actual Project are shown.
Choose in this e.g. District East London.

Click on project again and now only District

East London is shown as a sub-directory.
Now the district can be exported and this is
done as shown in How to export a project.
All other parts in the project as e.g. Road
name, Lane and Chainage can be
exported separately.

When the export is done, Click on the X in

the button of the window Project Navigator
and the filter is removed again.

76 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

10. Modifying data
10.1 How to change drop details in a Project, Job, Location and Drop
In the Project Navigator panel [UL] in
the layout Administrator mode select
the project in which to change details and
open it by marking it.
The example below shows how to change
the direction in Job from north to west.

Click at the top of the window and the

upper frame of the Job window turns
blue.

In the pane Job[C] click the drop down

button next to the field Direction and
select West.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  77

In the field Direction West is now
highlighted. Press the Tab key on the
keyboard.

When pressing the Tab key on the

keyboard, the icon Save in the upper left
corner of the display will change from
grey to highlighted.

Click on icon Save (it changes to grey

again) and the direction in Job will have
been changed from North to West.

Using same procedure, as described upon, data can be modified and changed in Project, Location and Drop
as well.

78 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

10.2 How to add notes to a project

In the pane Location[LR] in the layout Administrator

Mode it is possible to add a comment (description) to a
specific point, e.g. the operator’s handwritten notes.
Find the chainage to which the comment is related, e.g.
chainage 200.
Enter the notes under the tab Description and it will be
linked in the database to chainage 200.
To save the comments press the Tab key on the
keyboard.

When pressing the Tab key, the icon Save in the upper
left corner of the display will change from grey to
highlight.

Click on icon Save, (it changes to grey again) and the

comments will have been saved.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  79

10.3 How to delete a job

In the layout Operator mode find the

project in which the job to be deleted is
stored, in this example Copenhagen.

By clicking the 3 dot button next to the

field Job all jobs under the project
Copenhagen are displayed.
In this example select Copenhagen West
by highlighting Copenhagen West with
the curser. The window Manage jobs for
project Copenhagen will then open.

In the window Manage jobs for project

Copenhagen choose which job to delete,
e.g. Copenhagen West.
Click the button Delete and the job is
deleted from the database.
Click Save and Close and the job
Copenhagen West disappears from the
job list.

80 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

10.4 How to delete a project

In the layout Operator mode find the project [UR]

which should be deleted.
If you click the 3 dot button next to the field
Project all projects are displayed.
Select e.g. Copenhagen and the window Manage
Projects will open.

In the window Manage Projects highlight the

project to be deleted e.g. Copenhagen with the
curser.
Click the button Delete and the job is deleted from
the database.
Important! When the Project is deleted, all jobs
in the project are deleted, too.
Click Save and Close and the project
Copenhagen disappears from the project list.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  81

11. How to baseline geophone signals
The geophone signals can be baseline corrected in accordance with the paper Engineering Framework for
the Self-Consistent Analysis of FWD Data submitted to the Transportation Research Board. This can be
done for single drops or for entire projects.
Warning: Make sure that there is no real deflection at the end of the time history!

11.1 How to baseline geophone signals for an entire project

Warning: Make sure that there is no real deflection at the end of the time history!

In the Project Navigator panel [UL] in

the layout Administrator mode click
the filter button in Project (it appears
when mousing over the field) and all
projects in the actual database are
shown.
Select the project in which to change
details and open it by marking it, e.g.
Copenhagen.

Click the icon Manage Settings

in the menu bar and the window
Manage Settings appear.
Check off (√) the checkbox Baseline
Correction.
Click the button Save and Close.

82 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Click the icon Recalculate
Drops [UL].
This will correct all geophone signals
of the selected project to the baseline
and change the picture of the Time
History Graph and the geophone
peak values.
Before baseline correction, original values.

To return to the non re-calculated

values, just uncheck the checkbox
Baseline Correction in the window
Manage Settings and click the button
Save and Close.

Click the icon Recalculate

Drops [UL] again and the values are
changed to the original values. After baseline correction, corrected values.

11.2 How to baseline geophone signals for a single drop

Warning: Make sure that there is no real deflection at the end of the time history!

Open Administrator mode

and place the curser in
Project in the Project
Navigator panel.
When the curser is Project,
click the filter button (it
appears when mousing over
the field) and all projects in
the actual database. A
check mark (filter) appears
[UL]. Click the filter check
mark and all projects in the
actual database are shown.

Select the project in which

to change details and open
it by marking. E.g.
Copenhagen.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  83

Find the actual drop in the
pane Drop Details [C], e.g.
the second drop in
sequence no. 1.
In the pane Drop [LR] click
the arrow next to the field
Calculation Parameters
and a drop down window
will appear.

In this window check off (√)

the checkbox Baseline
Corrected and click the
button Recalculate.

This will correct all

geophone signals of the
selected drop to the
baseline and change the
picture of the Time History
Graph and the geophone
peak values.
Before baseline correction, original values.

To return to the non re-

calculated values, just
uncheck in the checkbox
Baseline Corrected and
click the button Recalculate
again and the values are
changed to the original
values. After baseline correction, corrected values.

84 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Appendix A. Manage FWD settings

Click the icon and the window Manage Settings appears. FWD settings can be defined here, such as
DMI, Spray mark, Calculations, Warning light, Temperature, Low Pass filter, Camera, Language and
Show Options.

Click on Program and the first

Window in Manage Setting
opens. In this window
Language, Show
options,Calculations,
Temperature and LowPass
Filter can be defined.

A.1 Language setting

The standard language of the
PRIMAX data collection
program is English. It is
possible to have translations
into local languages adapted
into the program. If so, another
language can be selected as
default start-up language by
clicking the Arrow button and
selecting this language.
Click the button Save and
Close if any changes were
made in the window.

! The English version of the

PRIMAX user guide is the only
authorised manual. Any other
translations of this manual are
not valid and Grontmij A/S
cannot be held responsible for
the contents of such manuals.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  85

A.2 Show options
The data collection software has been developed for a maximum
of 18 geophones.
When operating with fewer geophones, you can decide only to
show columns for collected data from active geophones by
checking the checkbox Only active columns.
If the checkbox is left unchecked, all columns will be displayed,
including non-active columns.
Click the button Save and Close if any changes were made in
the window.

A.3 Calculations
The calculation parameters Stress Dist. Factor and Poisson’s
Ratio are default values and should only be changed by the
manufacturer Grontmij.

! Without a Licence The Load Plate Radius is maximum 150 mm..

With a Licence the Radius can be set up to 225mm.
Enter the diameter of the load plate in the field Load Plate
Radius.
Click the button Save and Close if any changes were made in
the window.

A.4 Temperature settings

Enter the lowest acceptable pavement temperature at which data
can be collected in the field Minimum.
Enter the highest acceptable pavement temperature, at which
data can be collected in the field Maximum. In Denmark the
default value is normally 37.0 oC.
In other countries, in which pavement temperatures can be
higher, other standards can be used.
In the field Time Interval the interval at which the temperature
should be controlled manually is entered. This can vary from
country to country. Normally the temperature is checked once
every hour (time interval = 3,600 seconds)
Click the button Save and Close if any changes were made in
the window.

86 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

A.5 Low Pass filter
The default settings for the low pass filter are active and 60hz.
The Cut Off Frequency cannot be set lower than 50hz or
higher than 900hz.
Click the button Save and Close if any changes were made in
the window.

Click on Tour Track and the second Window in Manage

Setting opens. This window contains only the Tour Track.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  87

A.6 Tour Track

The Tour Track procedure is under

construction and will work with the
next version of the program.

Click on Hardware and the third

Window in Manage Setting opens.
This window contains Camera, DMI,
Spraymark and Warning light can be
defined.

88 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

A.7 Camera setting
In the field Camera Interval you
can enter how often a picture
should be taken when sampling.
If the interval is set to 0, no
pictures are taken. An interval of 1
means that a picture is taken for
every sample. 2 means that a
picture is taken of every second
sample and so on.
Click the button Save and Close if
any changes were made in the
window.
To define the offset of the camera
(distance between
placement/angle of the camera
and the drop point). Click the icon
Manage Equipment in the top
menu bar and the window Manage
Equipment opens.
Select the tab Camera and the
field Camera Offset displays.
Enter the distance in meters, e.g. 6
and the picture will be taken when
having driven 6 meter away from
the drop point.
Click the button Save and Close if
any changes were made in the
window.

A.8 DMI Setting

The default DMI calibration interval is set to 30 days.

It can be changed to any other interval.
If the number of days entered is exceeded, an alarm
will be displayed in the window Change DMI (see
section 7.3.1)
Test point interval shows the default distance
between drop points. It can be changed to another
distance as described in section 7.3 Initiate DMI).
Click the button Save and Close if any changes were
made in the window.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  89

A.9 Spray mark Setting
Activate spray marking by entering a number in the field Interval.
When entering e.g. 1, a mark will be sprayed for each sample. If the
interval is set to 2, a mark will be sprayed for every second sample
and so on.
Enter for how long the spray can should spray in the field
Spraymark time e.g. 100 ms.
Enter the estimated time it takes to empty the spray can in the field
Content. The entered time should take the spray can size into
account to allow the system to warn the operator well in advance of
an empty spray can.
Click the button Save and Close if any changes were made in the
window.

A.10 Warning light Setting

Turning the warning light on or off is done by activating the button
Warning Light in the layout Operator mode (see section 7.4).
In the window Manage Settings under Warning light it is decided
whether the warning light, when activated, should be flashing
constantly (always on) or only flashing when the foot is down.

If the checkbox Always on is checked (√), the warning light will

flash constantly when the button Warning Light is activated.
If the checkbox On Footdown is checked (√), the warning light will
only flash when the foot is down and stop flashing when the foot is
up again.
Click the button Save and Close if any changes were made in the
window.

90 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

Appendix B: Icons / buttons and their functions

Start Starts DMI

Stop Stops DMI

Tree Displays tree structure in Project Navigator

structure

Project Displays project information

Job Displays job information

Location Displays information on locations

Drop Displays drop information

Translation Opens window for setting languages used in data collection program

CPU Displays CPU status and setting

Settings Displays settings used for controlling FWD

Input/output Displays state of indicators, manual keys and relays

State Displays state of the battery voltage, surface temperature, air temperature,
manual temperature, CPU temperature and height of weight
Temperature Displays in a graph development in surface temperature, air temperature,
manual temperature and CPU temperature related to time
Camera Displays latest taken picture

Time History Displays load (kN), time (ms) and deflection (µm) in a graph
Graph

Drop Details Displays all data from every single sample drop

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  91

Location E0s Displays location E0 in chainage (m) and E0 (MPa)

Peak and E0 Displays peak and E0 graph in peak deflection (µm), geophone offset (mm)
Graph and E0 (MPa)

FWD Beam Displays geophone beam position - up or down

Manage Displays Manage Settings for DMI, spray marking equipment, calculations,
Settings warning light settings, temperature settings, low-pass filter, camera and
language code
Save Drop When opening the administration mode, the icon Save is not highlighted.
Details Any changes of drop details in Project, Job, Location and Drop are saved
by clicking the icon Save Drop Details. The icon will highlight and the
changes are saved in the database
Export to Exports all drops selected in Project Navigator. A dialog window opens
FWD-File allowing specification of which geophone and drop type to export

Recalculate Recalculates all drops shown in Project Navigator. This list can be reduced
Drops by applying a filter before clicking the button Recalculate Drops.
Peak/force, deflection, pulse time, E0 and warnings are re-evaluated.
Manage Displays Operator layout in Project Navigator. New layouts can be added
Layout by clicking Add New

Manage Displays procedures already performed. New ones can be added by clicking
Procedure Add New for Procedure and Sequence

Manage When applying PDDX as export format, this format can be set up by opening
Section Section in Operator mode

Manage Controls import/export of calibration values to/from FWD and data collection
Equipment program, DMI calibration and defines camera function offset

Load Layout Loads default layouts e.g. Administrator mode or Operator mode

Save Layout Saves new layouts or changes in default layouts

Current Selects a new language for user interface

Languages

92 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

The button Start starts the data collection procedure.
When highlighted, it is ready to start the data
collection procedure. During the procedure it turns
grey and highlights again when the procedure is
completed.

If an error occurs during data collection, the button

Accept will turn from grey to highlighted. If the button
is clicked, the data will be accepted and stored in the
database.

If an error occurs during data collection, the button

Redo will turn from grey to highlighted. If the button
is clicked, the FWD will redo the measuring. If the
new data is within the acceptable limits, it will
automatically be stored and the button will turn grey
again.
If an error occurs during data collection, the button
Continue will turn from grey to highlighted. If the
button is clicked, the FWD will raise the foot and data
will not be stored.
The Warning light can be activated manually by
clicking the button Warn Light The warning light can
also be controlled from the computer in the window
Manage Settings (section 6.4). When the warning is
default controlled from Manage Settings, the button
will be highlight or grey according to the settings in
Manage Settings.
If the spray mark equipment is activated through
Manage Settings (section 6.2), the letters on the
button Spray Mark will flash and turn red.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  93

Appendix C: How to perform a Calibration Procedure
(Stacking Tower Test)

It is possible for users of the PRIMAX FWD test system to carry out relative verification of the deflection
measurements by comparing the overall sensitivities of the deflection measuring channels from 1-18.
Such verification can be carried out on a regular basis, e.g. once every third month.

1.0 Stacking Tower Test

The test is carried out with the following procedure:

1. Remove all deflection sensors from their holders on the

geophone beam and the centre geophone in the foot.
2. Position the geophones in the stacking tower. Levels
from 1-18.
3. Support the stacking tower in a vertical position. Place
it as close to the FWD loading plate as possible where
a peak deflection in the order of close to 300 m may
be produced. It is a good idea to mark up the spot so
that it will be possible to carry out the test at the same
place the next time. If the deflection was less than 300
m, then move the stacking tower closer to the loading
plate or/and increase drop height or/and add more
weight.
4. Warm up the FWD rubber buffers and condition the test
point by repeating a sequence of ten drops until the
loads and deflections that are registered are nearly
uniform. If the required deflection level cannot be
achieved, relocate the FWD to another pavement.
5. Lower the FWD load plate and apply 2 test drops for
which no data is recorded, followed (with automatic
raising of the foot) by 10 replicate drops for which peak
values of load and deflection are recorded. Only these
last 10 drops will be used in the analysis.
6. Determine the mean for the 10 drops of each sensor
(1-18).

The specifications of the accuracy of the stacking tower

can e.g. be made according to CROW Protocol A

If one or more geophones fall outside the range of normal

deviation (e.g. CROW Protocol A) then place the sensors
at other levels of the stacking tower and repeat the test.

94 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

If the position of the sensor, in the stacking tower, is the
source of the sensors outside the range. Check the
connections in the stand and the test should be repeated
again.

If the position of the geophone in the stacking tower is not

the source, then the Relative Adj, User Ref or External
Ref. can be adjusted in Manager Equipment. See: “2.5.5
How to adjust calibration values for geophones and
loadcell”.

1.1 Set Correction

If a sensor reading deviates so much that it cannot be adjusted by means of the relative gain factor in set
correction, then first try to switch two sensors in two channels.

For example: Geophone 2  channel 1 and Geophone 1  channel 2)

In this way it can be checked if the error is related to the geophones or the channels (electronics/software).

If the problem turns out to be sensor related, the geophone can be replaced with a spare sensor. After this, a
new calibration factor for the channel is needed in Manager Equipment.
It is also possible to send geophone and analog card to Grontmij Pavement Consultants for an absolute
calibration. This is what we usually recommend.

If the problem turns out to be channel related, the analog card and all geophones must be sent to Grontmij
Pavement Consultants for repair and new calibration.

After adjustment of a relative gain factor in set correction or replacement of a geophone, a new stacking tower
test is always required.

1.2 Absolute Calibration of Geophones

An absolute calibration of geophones can be carried out by Grontmij Pavement Consultants on site, for
instance in connection with a service visit.
It is also possible to send geophones 1-18 and the electronic analog cards along with a copy of the
calibration file to Grontmij for calibration.
It is highly recommended that an absolute calibration is carried out at least once a year.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  95

When an absolute calibration is carried out, highly advanced equipment is used, which is capable of
calibrating/testing at several different frequencies and amplitudes. This means it is possible to test the
geophone in its entire working area.

When the geophones call parameters have been found

Cut off [Hz] Cut off frequency for filter compensation

Offset [ADC] Natural noise in electronic and geophone
Slope [gg] Reinforcement

The calibration equipment automatically carries out a number of tests to find out if the found calibration
parameters are correct.

1.2 Calibration of Load Cell

The load cell has been factory-calibrated prior to delivery using a
high-accuracy reference load cell. In addition to this a
calibration/verification of the load cell is carried out against a high-
accuracy load (3 loads connected in parallel), which is
calibrated/verified once a year at an approved, national institute.

A load cell does not normally need calibration. Grontmij Pavement

Consultants recommend that the FWD is used regularly on a
test/reference point with a given weight and drop height. In this way it
can be assured that the load value is within an acceptable value.

If so wanted, the load cell can be dismounted and sent Grontmij Bro
Pavement Consultants for an absolute calibration/verification, if
necessary along with the geophones. In this case we need the
following parts:

- Load cell
- Analog card
- Copy of calibration file

If it’s wanted to carry out a load cell test, on a reference load cell, it
must be a construction similar to that of Grontmij Pavement
Consultants, - a construction consisting of min. 3 load cells.

The reason for this is the loading plate otherwise will slide to the
side. The reference load cell shall be placed on a very rigid base. If
not, the reference load cell will typically show larger loads than the
FWD load cell.

96 ∙ User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software

A principal rule is the centre deflection, which is placed above the
reference platform, must not exceed approx. 500 m at a load of Reference load cell
approx. 50kN.

If it is necessary to change the calibration parameters for the load

cell, this can be done in Manage equipment see: 2.5.5 How to
adjust calibration values for geophones and loadcell.

1.3 Calibration of Temperature Sensor

Temperature sensors (air – surface – manual) are all three of a high-accuracy P100 type. This means they
have all been tested/calibrated at the factory. They are calibrated against a high-accuracy P100 simulator,
which at least once a year is sent to an approved, national institute.

Normally, it is not necessary to calibrate temperature sensors. If you want to carry out a test/verification of the
temperature sensors, a high accuracy temperature instrument can be used as reference, for instance in a
liquid and with all three included.

If for some reason, it is necessary to change the sensor, an original Grontmij sensor can be used without
problems and without calibration.

If it is necessary to change the calibration parameters for, temperature sensors this can be done on in
Manage equipment see: 2.5.5 How to adjust calibration values for geophones and loadcell.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  97

Appendix D: Survey of facility windows

Se prints and short descriptions of the facility windows:

Layout: Operator mode, window: Control
Layout: Administrator mode
Layout: Operator mode, window: CPU
Layout: Operator mode, window: Input / Output
Layout: Operator mode, window: Settings

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 Layout: Operator mode, window: Control

Operator Mode
The operator controls the FWD in the mode Operator mode.
All input for the FWD is given through this window and all information from the FWD can be read in the windows State,
Input/Output, Settings and CPU.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  99

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Layout: Administrator mode

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Administrator mode
The layout Administrator Mode is the mode which is applied for data changes and modifications.
This mode is also applied when exporting data to other programs.
 Layout: Operator mode, window: CPU

CPU Window
In this window the operator can follow status and settings of the CPU (Central Processing Unit).

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  101

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Layout: Operator mode, window: Input / Output

Input/Output Window
In this window the operator can see the digital input and output, state of switches and relays.
 Layout: Operator mode, window: Settings

Settings
In this window the operator can manage and see settings for control and operation of the FWD.

User Guide PRIMAX Data Collection Software  103

Appendix E: Support team
For more information please contact:

René Clemen
Production Manager
Phone: +45 8228 1573
Mobile: +45 2723 1573
Email: [email protected]

Bjørn Lautrup Nørskov

Technician
Phone: +45 8228 1574
Mobile: +45 9137 7037
Email: [email protected]

Michael Henriksen
Technician
Phone: +45 8228 1507
Mobile: +45 2723 1507
Email: [email protected]

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