Plate Loading Test Procedures
Plate Loading Test Procedures
EXCAVATIONS
Acquire all the necessary data for the control of the lifting layers
of a roadway.
∆p
Mi= D (in MN/m²)
∆s
where:
Note: the test is carried out either with one load or with two loads.
3. EQUIPMENT
4. OPERATING MODE
CME 50 p. 2/28
The examined surface must be flat, homogeneous, and free from any overload.
minimum radius equal to 4 times the diameter of the plate. The places dried out by the action
from the sun, hardened by prolonged action of frost or showing an accumulation of water are
to avoid.
The 200 cm² surface plate is intended for tests on clay, silt, gravel (caliber
maximum ≤ 40 mm), embankments (maximum size ≤ 40 mm).
The 750 cm² surface plate is intended for tests on sand, gravel (size
maximum ≤ 75 mm), gravel (maximum size ≤ 75 mm), material containing
large elements (maximum caliber ≤ 75 mm).
The thickness of the layer to be examined (aside from the soil masses) must be between:
between 8 and 48 cm in the case of a 200 cm² plate;
between 10 and 90 cm in the case of a 750 cm² plate.
Bring the charging plate in contact with the surface to be examined, if necessary.
with the help of a thin layer of fine sand or plaster that does not exceed the perimeter of the
plate. The comparators arranged at 120° rest directly on the plate, at 6
On its part. The joint and the load column are placed in the vertical axis of the
plate. The supports of the reference structure as well as those of the ballast device are
at least 4 times the diameter of the plate away from the center of the latter (figure
50.01/2). The reference frame must be stable and protected from direct sunlight.
During the test, all traffic near the test site must be avoided.
4.2.1. Precharge
Apply a preload of 0.02 MN/m². Take the readings of the comparators, each
minute, until stabilization of the plate's subsidence (criterion: increase in
lectures performed on each of the comparators less than 0.02 mm per minute). The
The average of the last readings is the relative zero of the vertical settlement of the plate.
4.2.2. Charging
Raise the pressure to 0.05 MN/m². Take the readings from the gauges every minute.
until stabilization (increments < 0.02 mm per minute on each of the
comparators).
a) for a foundation soil and backfill: levels of 0.05 MN/m² up to the pressure
maximum of 0.35 MN/m²;
CME 50 p. 3/28
b) for a sub-foundation: levels of 0.10 MN/m² up to the maximum pressure of
0.55 MN/m²;
c) for a foundation: levels of 0.10 MN/m² up to the maximum pressure of
0.55 MN/m².
The test is canceled and the equipment is reinstalled in another location that meets the requirements.
prescriptions of § 4.1.1. when one of the comparators deviates by more than 0.5 mm (plate
of 200 cm²) or 0.9 mm (plate of 750 cm²) of the average of the readings made, at
same pressure level, to the three comparators.
5. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
Gather the experimental points in order to obtain the load curve related to the first cycle.
loading.
159.6 Δp
M1= (plate 200cm2 )
∆s
or again:
309,1.∆p 2
M1= (750cm plaque)
∆s
CME 50 p. 4/28
where:
a) 0.15 MN/m² and 0.05 MN/m² for a soil and for a fill
0.25 MN/m² and 0.15 MN/m² for a sub-foundation
c) 0.35 MN/m² and 0.25 MN/m² for a foundation
CME 50 p. 5/28
25 AA cups 25
4 ±0 +0
+0 1 1
Ø30 ±0.1 1 Ø159.8 ±0.1
views in plan
A A A A
Panel of 200cm²
750cm² plaque
AA coupe 200cm2
750 cm2
view in plan
A A
edges in mm.
Fig. 50.01/1
CME 50 p. 6/28
View in plan
ballast truck
reference building
charging plate
3D 3D (of diameter D)
sampling area
Fig. 50.01/2
CME 50 p. 7/28
∆p
Contact pressure p in MN/m2
0 0, 0 2 0, 1 0, 2 0, 3 0, 4 0, 5 0, 6
∆s
1 2
D
D; unloading
Settlements in mm.
2; second charging cycle
LOAD DIAGRAM -
CASE OF A FILL
Fig. 50.01/3
CME 50 p. 8/28
PLATE TEST - 200cm²
Pressure in MN/m2
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
1.0 D
2.0
C
3.0
4.0
5.0 A B
Rights MN/m² / mm M1
0A 0.069 11
0B 0.107 17
0C 0.219 35
0D 0.689 110
Fig. 50.01/4a
CME 50 p. 9/28
PLATE TEST - 750cm²
1.0
D
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0 A B C
Fig. 50.01.4b
CME 50 p. 10/28
50.03. DYNAMIC PENETRATION TEST OF A SOIL A
THE HELP OF THE DRILLING PROBE - TYPE CRR
(version 12/2015)
Basic references:
Rapid assessment of soil bearing capacity using a lightweight driving probe type
CRR, CRR, Brussels, 1978.
NBN EN ISO 22476-2: Geotechnical investigation and testing: In-situ tests.
Part 2, dynamic penetration test (ISO 22476-2:2005)
The test is carried out in accordance with the light dynamic penetrometer test (DPL)
described in the standard NBN EN ISO 22476-2, with the exception of the shape and dimensions
from the penetration point that meets the description of point 3 (equipment) here-
after. The principle of the test, the equipment, the operating procedure, and the content of
Test reports are as described in the standard NBN EN ISO 22476-2.
L D A
CME 50 p. 11/28
50.06. IN SITU DENSITY BY RING
VOLUMETRIC (version 05/2014)
Basic references:
NF P94-053(1991): Soils: Reconnaissance and tests – Determination of mass
volumetric of fine soils in the laboratory
CEN/TS 17892-1(2004): Geotechnical reconnaissance and testing – Soil tests at
laboratory - part 1: Determination of water content
2.2 Sub-sample
Mass obtained after drying, at the end of successive weighings spaced at least 1 hour apart
of the interval, when the last weighing does not differ by more than 0.1% from the previous one.
NOTE: Often the constant mass can be achieved after drying the test sample in a
oven set at (110 ± 5)°C for a predetermined period of time. Testing laboratories
can determine the time required to reach the constant mass depending on the type and the
sample size and depending on the drying capacity of the oven used.
The ratio of the mass of the soil to the volume V it occupies (including fluids)
ρ=
ρ d=ρ.
CME 50 p. 12/28
3. PRINCIPLE OF THE METHOD
The dry bulk density can be calculated from the apparent bulk density.
and the water content.
5. OPERATING PROCEDURE
5.1. Sampling
The test can be carried out:
On an unaltered sample taken by the sinking of a corer in accordance with
in §6 of the standard NBN EN ISO 22475-1;
On a soil block taken in accordance with the NBN EN ISO 22475-1 standard;
On a sample prepared by laboratory compaction according to a methodology
normalized
Directly on the ground in situ (in place).
The dimensions of the initial sample must allow for the preparation of
the subsequent test taken in accordance with the conditions of the NF P94-053 standard.
The handling, transport, and storage of samples will be carried out in compliance with
requirements of §11 of the NBN EN ISO 22475-1. Special attention will be given to
the preservation of their unaltered character.
The test sample is prepared in accordance with §6.1.1 of the NF P94-053 standard.
The bulk density of the soil is determined in accordance with §6.1.2 of the NF P94 standard.
053.
CME 50 p. 13/28
5.4. Determination of the dry bulk density of the soil
If the dry bulk density of the soil is sought, the moisture content of the sample taken
is determined according to the CEN/TS17892-1 standard.
The dry bulk density of the soil is then obtained by calculation using the formula defined at
point 2.6 above.
The test sample thus constituted can be used to determine other characteristics.
such as compressibility or permeability in the oedometer for example.
ρ=
Where
m is the mass of the test sample (in g)
V is the volume of the volumetric ring (in cm³).
ρ d=ρ.
Where
• ρ is the bulk density of the soil (in g/cm³ or in kg/m³)
What is the soil moisture content (in %)?
7. TEST REPORT
BIBLIOGRAPHY
NF P94-053 1991 Suns: Reconnaissance and tests – Determination of the
bulk density of fine soils in the laboratory
NBN EN 1997-2 2007 Eurocode 7 – Geotechnical design – Part 2:
Reconnaissance of land and soils
NBN EN ISO 22475-1 2007 Reconnaissance and geotechnical testing - Methods of
piezometric measurements and sampling - Part 1:
Technical principles of the works
CME 50 p. 14/28
50.06. COMPACTION RATE (version 04/2013)
basic references:
•NF P94-093: Soils: reconnaissance and tests: determination of references
Compaction of a material: standard Proctor test. Modified Proctor test.
CME 50.06: In situ density by volumetric ring
CME 52.03: In situ density of a foundation made of unbound materials
more compacted (sand bottle method)
Compare the result of in situ compaction to the conventional compaction carried out in
laboratory on the same material.
We determine on the material the maximum value of its dry bulk density obtained.
by conventional compaction in the laboratory at different water contents. The procedure
Compaction for the determination of the normal or modified Proctor optimum is described.
in the NF P94-093.
We obtain the value of the dry bulk density of the same material placed in situ.
by one of the methods for determining the in situ dry bulk density: method
of the volumetric ring (CME 50.06), sand bottle method (CME 52.03), or
equivalent method.
Let MVSin placethe density of in situ compacted material, expressed in kg/m³. Let it be
MVSOPNor MVSOPMthe density corresponding to the normal Proctor optimum or to
the modified proctor optimum, obtained in the laboratory and expressed in kg/m³.
MVSin place
Taux compactage(%) .100
MVSOP (N or M )
4. TEST REPORT
the method for determining in situ density and the value of MVSin place
expressed in kg/m³;
the conventional laboratory compaction method and the value of the MVSOPNor
MVSOPMexpressed in kg/m³;
the compaction rate expressed in %;
the proportion of elements greater than 20 mm.
CME 50 p. 15/28
50.07. DEFORMATION MODULE AT THE PLATE OF
DIAMETER OF 60 CM
Basic reference: OPERATING PROCEDURE OF L.C.P.C. – "PLATE TEST" - DUNOD
PARIS 1973.
The test consists of measuring, using a device defined in point 3, the displacement.
vertical from the surface of the ground located directly below the center of gravity of a plate
Rigidly loaded. This displacement is called deflection (W).
The characteristics of the plate (shape, dimensions, rigidity) as well as the values of
charges that are applied to it are indicated at points 3 and 4.
we measure the deflections of the point in question during two loading cycles and
from a defined initial reference position at point 4.
We calculate, knowing the loads transmitted by the plate and the deflections.
corresponding, the modules and the coefficient defined in point 5.
3. EQUIPMENT
CME 50 p. 16/28
SET OF EQUIPMENT
Fig. 50.08/1a
CME 50 p. 17/28
Measuring devices
It consists, on one hand, of a load cell with gauges 0 - 10,000 daN connected to the XY recorder which
commands the movement of the stylus based on the applied load and, on the other hand,
a manometer inserted into the hydraulic circuit (or possibly a ring
dynamometric on the rod of the cylinder) which allows for visual control of the load
applied to the plate in order to comply, in particular, with the ascent speeds
charges defined in chapter 4.
4. OPERATING MODE
Once the location of the measurement point is chosen, it is necessary to operate as indicated below.
after
Using a steel ruler, clear the area of the plate of all the
fluffy material; finish with a soft brush;
regularize the prepared surface by spreading a layer as thin as
possible from clean sand 0/1 mm slightly moist;
execute at the center of the interposing layer, using a spatula, a small
circular cuvette of 2 cm radius, whose role is to allow the quill of
the measure rests well on the ground and not on the interposing layer.
If there is a concern that the material will flow under the gauge during load application,
thus provoking a false reading of the deflection, we stiffen the surface of the bowl
CME 50 p. 18/28
by depositing, with a spatula, a thin layer of plaster. One must wait for the setting of
this one before continuing the trial (5min). This precaution can also be
considered for materials containing a low proportion of 0/5 mm elements. In
in this case, the pigeon could indeed, during the load, slide from the element on which it
rest and fall into a void
•then perfect the installation of the plate on the ground by subjecting it to two or
three alternative rotations of about 30°;
After placing the plate, install the Benkelman beam, ensuring that
its points of support on the ground are located at a distance of at least 2.5 m from those
of the reaction mass. Install, if necessary, the beam protection tunnel
Benkelman;
Then place the electronic scale between the support face of the cylinder and the plate.
•make the electrical connections between the sensor, the electronic scale and
the recorderXY;
finish installing the plate by applying it for about ten
seconds, a load of 850 daN corresponding to an average pressure under the
0.3 bar plate. Release this load and bring the stylus of the XY recorder to
point 0 of the coordinate system;
Position the test sheet on the recorder's table.
The provisions regarding the initial reference position having been established:
Load the plate at a speed of approximately 80 daN/s until achieving an average pressure
under the plate of 2.5 bars, which corresponds to a total load of 7,065 daN. When
this pressure is reached, wait for the stabilization of the deflection.
Then remove the load from under the plate in about 2 to 3 seconds.
In the same way as for the first cycle, load the plate at a speed of 80.
daN/s until achieving an average pressure under the plate of 2 bars, which corresponds to
at a total load of 5,650 daN.
When the stabilization of the deflection is achieved, the test itself is finished:
carry out unloading maneuvers, lifting the plate, storing the
material and proceed to the next measurement point.
Then measure on the test sheet (e.g., figure 50.08/4) the values of the deflections.
obtained after stabilization, namely:
CME 50 p. 19/28
W1mm, deflection following the first loading;
W2mm, deflection following the second loading.
Precautions to take
During the waiting for stabilization, keep the load under the plate as constant as possible.
how possible
The operator responsible for carrying out the loading cycles must note at the end of each
cycle, the values of the applied load and the corresponding deflection indicated
by the manometer or the torque ring and the potentiometric comparator;
this precaution allows to control the proper functioning of the measuring chain;
If, by maneuver incident, the value of the load applied for one or the other of the
two charging cycles is slightly higher than previously indicated,
maintain this value but the corresponding module value must be recalculated
according to the general formula indicated in point 5;
• also note on the test sheet any detail or incident that could influence the
numeric or graphical results, such as: downpour during the test, transition of a
heavy machinery near the test point, wind, sun, etc. In particular, note the weather
of the deflection stabilization if it is greater than two minutes;
At the end of the test, it is recommended in the case of water-sensitive soils to take samples.
about 1,500 g of material at the test point, in order to determine its moisture content and
potentially the Atterberg limits, in view of the interpretation of the results
digital.
NOTE:
If for some reason the XY recorder is not available, the point plot by
a point of the load-deformation curve can still be achieved. In this case, the
the first operator indicates the load (every 1,000 daN for example) and the second reads on
the potentiometric comparator the corresponding deflection.
5. EXPRESSION OF RESULTS
From the measured results on the test sheet, we calculate the modules of
deformation related to each of the two loading cycles according to the general formula
giving the total deflection at the surface of an indefinite, homogeneous, and elastic mass
subjected to a load on a rigid circular plate:
W=
15
.Qa
.
Ev
(1−σ )
2
where:
Given the values of the average pressure retained, the diameter of the plate and
by assimilating the expression (1 – σ2) to 1, the deformation modules at the first and at the
The second load is calculated according to the formulas below:
CME 50 p. 20/28
1125 900
E v1 = andv2 =
W1 W2
E v2
We then calculate the ratioK= to within 0.01.
E v1
6. TEST REPORT
Each paragraph of this point refers to the paragraph with the same number in
the previous points.
Measuring device
CME 50 p. 21/28
The elements of the electronic measurement chain: load cell, comparator
potentiometric, XY recorder are widely marketed instruments.
The electrical power source required for the implementation of the electronic measurement chain
may simply be constituted by the truck's battery or by a small group
auxiliary generator of 0.5 kVA.
The dial of the pressure gauge or the comparator of the torque ring
can be advantageously graduated directly in force applied to the plate and
contain markers to control the speed of loading the plate.
The test described in this procedure allows for the achievement, with two agents, of 20 to 30
measures per day.
Ø45
5 Ø250
12ribsat30°-Ep1.0-
10 Ø120
Ø26H7
Ø90 3
Tnp
ih-sairt
technicallydimensioned
Onath lepaltes
20 145
190
90
30
D
15
3
Ø600
A A
A - A e p u oC Palnveiw
CME 50 p. 22/28
Measurecombined
guidebush
Tigeduvérin
Pigedemesure
Facedwiththechallenge
Ø50
Pesonélectronique 10
51
PlateØ600
41
Ø26H79.6
Ballsocket
Flaredend
lapoutreBENKELMAN
Ø12h7
CME 50 p. 23/28
50.08 - § 4.2 Example of a standard test sheet
Measurementofthedeformabilityofaplatformbyplatetesting
Laboratoryof: Trialno:
1125 CONCLUSIONS:
W1= 2.5 She1 = 450bars
W1
She2
K= =2
It1
900
W2 1.0 She2= =900bars
W2
Eventually
W1
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0 1 2 3
Deflectionsinmm
W2
CME 50 p. 24/28
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Adjustment from 5 to 250 bars. Nominal flow rate 80 l/min.
A B
Flow limiters:
man.
Discharge circuit mounting
Bmontésur discharge circuit
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[Link]
CME 50 p. 25/28
50.08. DENSITOMETER
CME 50 p. 26/28
50.10. MODULE OF ELASTICITY
CME 50 p. 27/28
50.11. PANDA TEST
CME 50 p. 28/28