Plate Load Testing, also known as Plate Bearing Testing, is commonly used in geotechnical engineering to determine the physical properties of a ground surface, including its actual strength, ground bearing capacity, settlement and rebound.
What do the Results of Plate Load Testing Uncover?
Plate Load Testing results look at the total load required to induce settlement, the ultimate bearing capacity of the ground.
In practical applications, Plate Load Testing is essential for defining stable working platforms and assessing soil properties.
They ensure safety criteria are met during construction and are very useful when a crane lift is required on unknown ground properties.
How does Plate Load Testing Work
- A circular steel plate is placed on the ground at the desired location.
- An increasing load is applied to the plate usually underneath a heavy rigid machine until it starts to settle, and the settlement is recorded at different loads.
- The test measures the settlement caused by the load, providing valuable data to project managers and key decision makers within the construction process.
What are the benefits of Plate Load Testing?
- Quick and Easy: Plate Load Tests are relatively quick and straightforward to perform, and reporting can be done soon after the data is collected.
- On-Site Testing: The Plate Load Test is relatively quick and straight forward to perform, and can be performed on-site, minimising turnaround required to collect data and reports.
- Versatile: Suitable for testing various soil types.
- Cost and Time-Efficient: Easy to set up and transport, saves time and resources where the test is accepted, in comparison to other test methods that can be time consuming and costly.
Do you need Plate Load Testing for your next project?
Get in touch with the Coffey Testing team today for more information.
