plate load test

plate load test 50kn 

What is plate load test:

A. Definition & Objective

The plate load test is an in-situ field test conducted to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of soil and the probable settlement under a given load. It is primarily used for Shallow Foundation design.

• Ultimate Bearing Capacity: The maximum load the soil can handle before shear failure.

• Allowable Settlement: Ensuring the structure doesn’t sink beyond safety limits.

B. Apparatus & Equipment

• Test Plates: Square or circular mild steel plates (thickness $\ge 25\text{ mm}$), sizes ranging from $300\text{ mm}$ to $750\text{ mm}$.

• Loading Gear: Hydraulic jack, pressure gauge, and a reaction beam or loaded platform (Truss/Sandbags).

• Settlement Recording: At least two Dial Gauges with a sensitivity of $0.01\text{ mm}$ placed on a reference beam.

C. Testing Procedure (Step-by-Step)

1. Excavation: A pit is dug to the proposed foundation level. The bottom must be perfectly leveled.

2. Placement: The plate load test centrally. The hydraulic jack is positioned between the plate and the reaction beam.

3. Seating Load: A small initial load (approx. 70 g/cm2) is applied to seat the plate properly.

4. Loading Increments: Load is applied in increments (usually 1/5th of the estimated ultimate load).

5. Observation: Settlement is recorded via dial gauges. Readings are taken at $1,4,10,20,40,\dots$ and $60$ minutes.

6. Termination: The test continues until the load reaches $1.5$ times the estimated ultimate load or settlement exceeds $25\text{ mm}$.

D. Limitations to Consider

• Depth Influence: The test only reflects the characteristics of the soil at a depth of about twice the plate width ($2B$). It may miss weaker strata deeper down.

• Scale Effect: Results from a small plate ($300\text{ mm}$) may differ significantly from a large foundation ($3\text{ m}$).

• Time Factor: It is a short-term test; it cannot accurately predict long-term Consolidation Settlement in cohesive (clayey) soils.

4. Key Calculation Formulas

The relationship between the settlement of the plate (Sp​) and the foundation (Sf​) depends on the soil type:

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