Plate load test in projects
What does a plate load test mean?
Plate load tests are field tests to determine the soil bearing capacity and the settlement under a given load. Structural consultants refer to the IS 1888 provides guidelines for the plate load test.
The structural consultants use the report of plate load test to design shallow foundations. This test also helps determine soil's K-value while designing raft foundations and pavements.
There is a process to conduct the plate load test. The IS 1888 provides for the same.
Benefits of plate load test
- The plate load test helps collect reliable information for the shallow foundation design.
- It is cost-efficient and saves time.
Limitations of plate load test
The plate load test has the following limitations:
- In actual site conditions, the influence zone of the foundation is up to much greater depths. Therefore, the result could be misleading if the soil characteristics change at shallow depths.
- The plate load test is carried out for a shorter period. Hence it cannot predict the settlement and ultimate bearing capacity for a longer period, particularly in cohesive soils.
- The bearing capacity of clayey soil is similar to the bearing capacity obtained by the plate load test, but for soils like dense sandy soil, the actual capacity is usually more than that obtained by plate load test.
- The settlement of loose sandy soil is usually more than the settlement obtained by the plate load test.