Plate Bearing Equipment
NL 5010 X / 002

Standard: BS 1377:9, ASTM D1194, D 1195, D1196

Product Description

Plate Bearing Equipment, also known as Plate Load Test Equipment, plays an important role in construction by assessing soil bearing capacity and settlement behaviour. It consists typically a heavy-duty steel plate, often circular, positioned on the ground surface at the construction site. By applying a known load to the plate, typically through hydraulic jacks or analogous methods, engineers can measure the resulting settlement of both plate and the adjacent soil, providing important insights into soil stability for designing structures such as building, bridges, and roads. 

Features of Plate Bearing Equipment

• Heavy-duty steel plate to withstand heavy loads without deforming, guarantees reliability and accurate measurements of soil behaviour. 
• Circular shape which influences uniform distribution of the applied loads across the soil surface, preventing localised stress concentration and ensuring representative soil,behaviour measurements. 
• Hydraulic jacks or similar mechanism are employed to gradually and accurately apply the load to the plate which leads to precise control over the testing process. 
• Load Measurement devices for accurate measurement, like measuring the magnitude of applied load, ensuring consistent results throughout the testing process. 

Standard: BS 1377:9, ASTM D1194, D1195, D1196

•  BS 1377:9

This standard is a British standard that offers comprehensive guidance for determining soil bearing capacity. This standard meticulously details the entire process of conducting plate load tests, from the initial preparation of the test site to the final measurement of settlements. This standard ensures accuracy by specifying equipment requirements and provides a direct reporting format. By following the procedure, engineers can reliably evaluate soil stability, guiding construction decision effectively. 

• ASTM D1194

ASTM D1194 is a standard developed by ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials. This standard is the benchmark in geotechnical engineering, assisting engineers on how to perform plate load test to ascertain soil bearing capacity. Its provides guidelines on various aspects of the test, including equipment setup, loading procedures, and settlement measurements. This standard ensures consistent and accuracy in soil testing by providing clear instructions and methodologies. This standard is reliable for the making sure the soil is suitable for supporting structures, aiding in the design and construction of foundations and infrastructure projects. 

• ASTM D1195

This standard is developed by ASTM International which provides procedures for conducting laboratory plate load test to ascertain soil bearing capacity.  It outlines the equipment, methods, and calculations needed for accurate assessment. By following these guidelines, engineers would be able to obtain reliable data on soil behaviour, aiding in foundation design globally. 

• ASTM D1195

This standard is established by ASTM International for determining soil bearing capacity using lightweight deflectometer testing, a method commonly used in field assessments. This standard specifies protocols for equipment calibration, test execution, and data interpretation, enabling engineers to make informed decisions about soil suitability for construction projects. 

Test Procedure 

1. Site Preparation: Make sure the test site is and cleared of any debris and leveled to provide a flat surface for the plate to be placed. 
2. Plate Installation: Heavy-duty steel plate should be positioned on a secure ground surface. The plate should also be centered and supported to prevent tilting or shifting during the test. 
3. Load Application: Use hydraulic jacks or other load application mechanisms to apply a known load gradually and steadily to the plate. The load should be increased incrementally until the desired maximum load is reached or until a specified settlement criterion is met.
4. Settlement Measurement: The use of suitable instruments is important to measure the settlement of both the plate and the surrounding soil under the applied load. This typically involves monitoring settlement over time as the load is applied and recording the final settlement readings once the load is removed. 
5. Data Analysis: The collected data to be analysed in order to determine the bearing capacity and settlement characteristics of the soil. This may involve calculating the ultimate bearing capacity, settlement modulus, and other relevant parameters based on the test results. 
6. Reporting: The test procedure must be documented, which consists of, equipment used, load applied, settlement measurements, and any relevant observations. Prepare a detailed report summarising the findings and conclusions drawn from the plate bearing test. 

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Technical Specifications:

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