Plate Load Test Apparatus

A plate load test (also known as a plate bearing test) determines the ground's bearing capacity and actual strength by applying an increasing load from a circular steel plate to induce settlement. It is used in cases where the ground particle sizes are large or the soil has a firmer texture. The plate load test, which is used to determine bearing capacity and settlement, may be carried out by either using a gravity loading or truss loading method. A test pit of the same depth as the foundation and width equal to five times the size of bearing plate is dug in the ground.