Plate Load Test – Introduction
Plate Load Test is a field test2 used to find the soil’s bearing capacity and how much it will settle under load. In simple terms, a
large steel plate is placed on the soil (at the depth of the foundation) and a known load is applied. The goal is to determine
the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil (the maximum load it can take) and the corresponding settlement 1 . This
information is vital for designing shallow foundations. Engineers use it to check or confirm assumptions about soil strength
and to size footings safely .
Core Concept
A plate load test simulates the actual conditions under a foundation by applying pressure through 5 4 a steel plate. The basic
principle is: apply increasing load on a rigid plate and measure its settlement. As the hydraulic jack pushes down on the
plate (with a heavy reaction frame above it), the soil beneath compresses. When the load increases enough, the plate will
suddenly sink faster; this indicates reaching the soil’s strength limit 3 . By plotting the load versus settlement, one can read
off the ultimate bearing pressure as the load at sharp increase in settlement 4 . The test also gives the modulus of subgrade
reaction, defined as the pressure per unit settlement (pressure ÷ deflection) at small strains . This essentially treats
the soil like a “spring”: more load more settlement. (For a simple schematic of the setup, imagine a rigid plate on soil, a jack
under it pushing up on beams, and dial gauges measuring the plate’s movement. Many textbooks and guides show such a
diagram.)
Aim of the Test
• Determine ultimate bearing capacity (q_ult) of the soil at foundation level 6 .
• Measure settlement under the applied loads (see how soil compresses) 6 .
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• Compute safe bearing capacity using a factor of safety (usually by dividing q_ult by ~2.5–3) .
• Find modulus of subgrade reaction (Ks), which is the soil stiffness (pressure per unit deflection)
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.
These objectives help engineers design foundations safely by using actual site data rather than assumptions.
Engineering Applications
Plate load test results are used in many practical ways:
• Shallow foundation8 design: Footings and rafts can be sized based on the actual bearing capacity measured, reducing
risk of settlement .
• Pavement and road design: The test can evaluate
8 subgrade strength for highways or airport runways, since it
measures soil stiffness under concentrated loads .
• Working platforms and embankments: Before supporting heavy9 equipment (cranes, rigs, etc.), a plate test checks
that the ground will hold the load without excessive settlement .
General site investigation: For critical
9 8 structures, engineers confirm that soils meet design requirements, using plate
load test data as a benchmark .
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Overall, it is a direct way to verify soil performance under loads similar to those of real foundations.
Relevant Standards
Plate load testing is covered by international standards, for example:
• ASTM D1194: “Standard Test Method for Bearing Capacity of Soil for Static Load and Spread Footings” (plate bearing
test) 10 .
• ASTM D1195: Similar ASTM standard for plate load tests.
• IS 1888:1982: Indian Standard “Method of load test on soils” (plate load test for bearing capacity and modulus of
subgrade reaction) 10 8 .
These standards specify plate sizes, loading procedures, and calculation methods to ensure consistency.
Equipment Required
Main equipment for a plate load test includes:
• Steel loading plate: A rigid plate (usually 0.3–0.75 m square or circular, ~25 mm thick) that sits on the soil 11 .
• Hydraulic jack and pump: To apply vertical load to the plate; jack capacity is often 1.5× the expected load 11 .
• Reaction frame or beam: A heavy frame or truss anchored outside the pit; the jack pushes against this so it can
apply load to the plate 12 13 .
• Load measuring device: A proving ring or calibrated pressure gauge to record the actual load applied.
• Dial gauges and stands: Usually 2–4 fine-resolution gauges (0–250 mm range) mounted to measure how much the
plate settles 14 .
• Loading platform or sandbags: For gravity loading methods (the jack pushes up on weights or stacked weights on
the frame).
• Leveling and support tools: Shims, spirit level, plumb bob, steel shims, etc., to ensure the plate starts flat and all
instruments are aligned 15 .
(Engineers may also use tripods, sand, and water pumps as needed on site.)
Key Components
• Load Plate: A thick steel slab that transfers the jack’s pressure to the soil 11 . Its surface rests on the soil, often on a
thin sand cushion to ensure even contact.
• Hydraulic Jack (or Equivalent): Provides the force on the plate. The jack is placed under the reaction frame and
pushes down on the plate through a central column. A proving ring or gauge attached to the jack records the applied
load 12 .
Reaction Frame/Truss: A strong structure above the plate that the jack can push against. It is anchored by its own
weight or guy-wires so that the jack’s force is transmitted to the plate instead of moving the entire setup 12 .
• Measurement System: Includes the proving ring/pressure gauge for load, and dial gauges for settlement. Dial
gauges (mounted on beams or tripods) record the tiny movements of the plate under load. Typically gauges are
placed around the plate edges to capture an average settlement 16 14 .
Together, these components allow controlled loading of the soil and precise readings of load and deflection.
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Test Procedure Overview
1. Excavation: Dig a test pit at the foundation level (usually ~5× the plate width in plan) 17 . The pit bottom should
match the future footing depth.
2. Plate Installation: Clear and level the base. Place a thin sand layer (~5 mm) for uniform contact, then set the steel
plate in a small recess or flat hole at center of pit 17 . Ensure the plate is level.
3. Setup Load System: Assemble the reaction frame or loading platform over the pit. Install the hydraulic jack so its
head bears on the plate column, and attach the proving ring/pressure gauge. Check that the plate is centered under
the jack.
4. Seating Load: Apply a small initial pressure (e.g. 0.7 t/m²) and release it. This seating load ensures full contact and
removes initial irregularities 12 .
5. Load Increments: Apply additional load in steps – commonly 1/5 of expected safe load or 1/10 of the projected
ultimate load 18 . This can be done via adding weights (gravity method) or pumping the jack (reaction method).
6. Measure Settlement: At each load increment, record the plate settlement with the dial gauges. Readings are
typically taken at 1, 4, 10, 20, 40, and 60 minutes (and then hourly for clayey soils) after loading, to account for any
creep 19 . Keep the load on for at least one hour once it is applied and stable.
7. Continue Loading: Repeat load and measure cycles until a failure criterion is met (plate sinks rapidly or reaches a
predetermined settlement, such as 25 mm). Note the load at which the settlement rate sharply increases 18 .
8. Plot Results: With load-settlement data, plot the curve. The total load at “failure” divided by plate area gives the
ultimate bearing capacity.
This simplified outline covers the main steps; actual procedures follow the chosen standard (ASTM, IS, etc.).
Sample Calculation
From the test data, we calculate:
• Ultimate bearing capacity (q_ult): = (Total applied load at failure) / (Plate area). For example, if a
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0.09 m² plate (0.3 m × 0.3 m) carries 100 kN at failure: q_ult = 100 kN / 0.09 m² 1111 kPa .
• Safe bearing capacity (q_safe): = q_ult / Factor of Safety. If we use FS = 3, then q_safe 1111 kPa /
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3 370 kPa .
Modulus of subgrade reaction (Ks): = (Pressure
5 per unit area) / (settlement). In practice, Ks = (p in kN/m²) ÷
(deflection in mm). For example, if a load of 50 kN over 0.09 m² (556 kPa) causes 2 mm settlement, then Ks 556
kPa / 2 mm 278 kN/m³ (or 278 kPa/mm) .
These formulas (from standards and guides) let engineers translate raw test loads/settlements into design values.
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Figure: A field plate load test setup. The white steel plate at the bottom bears on the soil (with sand around it). A hydraulic
jack (under the large beam) applies load to the plate, while dial gauges on the plate measure settlement.
Conclusion
The Plate Load Test provides direct, site-specific data on soil strength and stiffness, making foundation design more reliable.
By measuring how soil actually behaves under load, engineers can choose safer dimensions for footings and avoid
unexpected settlement 2 . Although it is relatively simple and quick, the test adds confidence: it helps confirm or adjust
design assumptions and often leads to more efficient (and safer) construction. In short, the plate load test is a valuable tool
for translating soil mechanics into practical foundation design.
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Sources: Standard geotechnical references and practical guides were used to compile this summary
6 10 (see citations).
1 Advantages & Limitations of Plate Load Test - Civil Engineering
[Link]
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2 6 11 13 15 17 18 19 Plate Load Test - Equipment, Procedure, Calculation - Civil Engineering
[Link]
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3 4 7 9 Plate Load Tests - Uses, Plate Size and Interpretation
[Link]
5 Modulus of Subgrade Reaction - Geo Hydro Engineers
[Link]
8 IS 1888 (1982): Method of load test on soils [Link]
10 Plate Load Test Apparatus Or Plate Bearing Test Apparatus Manufacturer, Supplier, Price In India
[Link]
12 16 The Plate Load Test – Elementary Engineering
[Link]
14 Plate load test | PPTX httpQuestion 1 — The Depth Dilemma
“If we perform the Plate Load Test (PLT) at the ground surface, why might the results give an incorrect bearing capacity
compared to performing it at the actual foundation depth?”
Hint for audience:
Think about overburden pressure, confining stress, and stress bulb depth.
s://[Link]/slideshow/plate-load-test-79286037/79286037
Question 1 — The Depth Dilemma
“If we perform the Plate Load Test (PLT) at the ground surface, why might the results give an
incorrect bearing capacity compared to performing it at the actual foundation depth?”
Hint for audience:
Think about overburden pressure, confining stress, and stress bulb depth
Question 2 — The Chicken-and-Egg Problem
“We perform the PLT at foundation depth — but how do we decide that depth if we don’t yet know
the bearing capacity of the soil?”
Hint:
Relate this to SPT (ASTM D1586), borehole data, and trial design depth selection.
Question 3 — SPT vs PLT
“If the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) already gives us N-values and correlations for bearing
capacity, then why do we still need to perform a Plate Load Test (PLT)?”
“Exactly — soil at depth behaves differently due to confining stress.”
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“Right — we first estimate depth from SPT, then confirm by PLT.”
“Correct — SPT gives indirect data, PLT gives real load–settlement behavior.”
Hint:
Consider what each test measures — index vs actual load–settlement behavior.
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Unit load for plate radius of 15 cm is given as P_{1} = 1490/(pi * 15 ^ 2) * kg / c * m ^ 2