PLATE LOAD TEST (PLT)
Purpose:
• To determine the Safe Bearing Capacity (SBC) of soil.
• To estimate the settlement under a given load.
Applicable for: foundations, footings, and structural loads.
Reference Code:
• IS 1888:1982 — “Method of Load Test on Soils”
Equipment Needed:
• Mild steel loading plate (usually 300 mm to 750 mm diameter or square)
• Hydraulic jack with pressure gauge
• Reaction system (kentledge like truck loaded with weights or beams)
• Dial gauges (at least 2–4 for settlement)
• Proving ring/load cell
• Wooden sleepers or steel supports
• Excavation tools
Test Setup:
• A pit is excavated up to the expected foundation level (or test level).
• A steel plate is placed at the center of the pit on a level surface.
• Hydraulic jack is placed centrally over the plate.
• Reaction load is applied by truck, beam, or girder anchored above the jack.
Test Procedure:
1. Preparation:
o Pit size: generally 5 times the size of the plate.
o Level the bottom, lay 5–10 mm sand layer if necessary.
2. Placement:
o Place the steel plate at the center.
o Place hydraulic jack and reaction frame.
3. Loading:
o Apply load increments (usually 1/5th of expected maximum load).
o Each load increment is maintained until settlement becomes negligible (or 1–2
hours per IS code).
4. Observations:
o Settlement is recorded using dial gauges.
5. Load Increments:
o Continue loading until:
▪ Failure occurs (sharp settlement).
▪ Settlement of 25 mm for sandy soils.
▪ Settlement of 50 mm for clayey soils.
6. Unloading:
o Gradually remove load and observe rebound.
Observations Recorded:
Load Applied (kN) Settlement (mm)
0 0
P1 S1
P2 S2
... ...
Graph:
• Plot Load (kN/m²) on Y-axis vs Settlement (mm) on X-axis.
• Identify:
o Ultimate bearing capacity (from curve where settlement suddenly increases).
o Calculate Safe bearing capacity by applying factor of safety (usually 2.5–3).
Important Calculations:
1. Contact pressure (q):
q=Load applied (kN)Area of plate (m2)q = \frac{\text{Load applied (kN)}}{\text{Area of plate
(m}^2\text{)}}q=Area of plate (m2)Load applied (kN)
2. Safe Bearing Capacity (SBC):
For sandy soils:
qsafe=qultimateFactor of Safety (FOS)q_{\text{safe}} =
\frac{q_{\text{ultimate}}}{\text{Factor of Safety (FOS)}}qsafe
=Factor of Safety (FOS)qultimate
FOS typically 2.5 to 3.
3. Settlement Estimation for Actual Foundation:
If test plate = BpB_pBp and actual footing = BfB_fBf,
Approximate Settlement (Δs):
Δsf=Δsp×(BfBp)\Delta s_f = \Delta s_p \times \left( \frac{B_f}{B_p} \right)Δsf=Δsp×(BpBf)
(only approximate — for rough idea).
Summary Points for Plate Load Test
Item Typical Value
Plate Size 300 mm to 750 mm
Pit Depth Foundation level
Load Increments 1/5th or 1/10th of total load
Settlement for Failure 25 mm (sand), 50 mm (clay)
Factor of Safety 2.5 to 3
Example (Quick Calculation)
• Plate size = 600 mm × 600 mm → Area = 0.36 m²
• Ultimate Load = 100 kN
• Contact pressure:
q=1000.36=277.78 kN/m2q = \frac{100}{0.36} = 277.78 \, \text{kN/m}^2q=0.36100
=277.78kN/m2
• Safe Bearing Capacity:
qsafe=277.782.5=111.11 kN/m2q_{\text{safe}} = \frac{277.78}{2.5} = 111.11 \,
\text{kN/m}^2qsafe=2.5277.78=111.11kN/m2
✅ Done.