Get the stability and success of your project with a professional CBR plate bearing test from Site Testing Services (National) Ltd.
A professional plate-bearing test gives you accurate, reliable data. You can use this data to inform your design, verify ground conditions, and ultimately reduce construction risk. At Site Testing Services (National) Ltd, we help you understand the ground’s load-bearing capacity to prevent costly failures and ensure project stability.
What is a plate bearing test?
A plate bearing test, also known as a plate load test, is an essential in-situ test, used primarily to determine the bearing capacity of ground. The plate bearing test results provide valuable information which can be used to make informed decisions about the direction and expenditure of your construction project.
From your plate bearing test, you can expect to learn information on how the ground will behave under a given load, and the likely settlement characteristics of the ground you’re looking to build upon.
For any civil engineering project, knowing the ground’s actual strength is key to success. Therefore, if you are setting up temporary structures, designing piling mats, or verifying ground conditions for crane outriggers, this test provides the reliable data you need. The engineers carry out the test by measuring the relationship between the maximum applied load and settlement. As a result, you can confirm design assumptions and ensure the ground can prevent excessive settlement.
How Does a Plate Load Test Work?
The test involves applying a controlled, increasing load to a circular steel plate on the ground surface. The engineers use a hydraulic jack to apply the load in steady load increments. As the total load increases, they measure the settlement of the loading plate at regular intervals using precise dial gauges. These are fixed to a reference beam outside the test location to ensure accuracy.
The load-settlement data is then analysed to determine the California bearing capacity of the ground and the modulus of subgrade reaction. We can provide a graph of the test results the same day, and can also analyse the data to determine an equivalent CBR value. This is a cost-effective way of getting the design parameters you need, linking the results to the California Bearing Ratio (CBR test).
A key part of the plate bearing test is using an appropriate reaction load (kentledge), such as a heavy vehicle, piling rig, or other suitable plant, to provide the counter-force for the hydraulic jack. A larger reaction load is often required, and its mass is critical, as it must be sufficient for the total load value and reaction load required to complete the test.
Our Plate Load Test Procedure
Our Test Procedure:
Test Location & Preparation:
The test is usually performed at ground level or at the proposed foundation level. The test area is prepared to be level and undisturbed to ensure even load transfer from the steel plate to the foundation beneath.
Plate Load Test Equipment:
We use:
- Bearing Plates: A selection of circular steel bearing plates (typically 300mm to 600mm plate diameter) of at least 25mm thickness. The plate sizes are selected based on specific site conditions, ground particle sizes, and project requirements, particularly when testing larger aggregate backfills.
- Hydraulic Jack & Load Cell: A hydraulic jack assembly with sufficient capacity and a calibrated electronic load cell to measure the load.
- Settlement Recording Devices: Precise dial gauges or digital systems to measure settlement as the test plate begins to settle quickly or slowly.
Loading Process:
We apply the load in controlled, equal increments. At each increment, we record the settlement until it stabilises. We repeat this until we reach a peak load or shear failure occurs. The reason for this test is to induce settlement and measure the maximum vertical pressure the ground can withstand.
Data & Reporting:
Throughout the test, we record all time, load, and settlement data. Our final report includes a summary of site conditions, test methods, a graph of the load-settlement relationship, and an expert evaluation of the safe bearing capacity and ultimate bearing capacity.
Applications
Our plate bearing test can be applied to a wide range of situations and needs in the construction and civil engineering field, such as, but not limited to:
Foundation Design: Verifying the bearing capacity for shallow foundations and crane bases.
Road Construction and Pavement Design: Assessing the strength of subbase materials and granular layers.
Working Platforms: Confirming the stability of piling mats and crane outrigger pads.
Quality Control: Verifying compaction of various soil types and construction materials.
Temporary Structures: Ensuring ground support for construction equipment and heavy machinery.
Why choose us for your plate testing?
We offer personal and professional plate load test services for materials testing across the UK. We know that accurate data from site investigations is key to the success and cost-effectiveness of your project. The test gives you the results you need to validate your design and reduce construction risk.
Plate Bearing Test Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical applications of the plate bearing test?
We use this test for foundation design, verifying piling mats, crane bases, working platforms, road construction, and temporary structures. It’s a key part of many civil engineering and construction projects.
What is the difference between the Plate Load Testing and CBR Test?
A plate bearing test is used to determine how the ground performs under a real load. It is also used to assess bearing capacity and settlement. A CBR test measures soil strength by penetration and is mainly used for road and pavement design.
Why is the CBR Plate Bearing Test important for my project?
Knowing your ground’s bearing capacity prevents over- or under-designing foundations and reduces the risk of settlement or structural issues. Accurate results mean cost-effective construction, safe equipment operation, and meeting project deadlines.
How long does a plate bearing test take?
At Site Testing Services (National) Ltd, we provide same-day graphs of the load-settlement data and a full report shortly after, so you can make decisions quickly.
Can a plate load test give an equivalent CBR value?
Yes, analysis of the load-settlement data can give an equivalent California Bearing Ratio CBR value, so you can compare with other common soil strength tests.
What standards do you follow?
We carry out all plate bearing tests to BS 1377 Part 9 or ASTM D1194 standard to ensure internationally recognized accuracy and reliability.
Call Site Testing Services (National) LTD. on 0330 6339 988 to talk about your project and get a free quote for Plate Bearing Test services anywhere in the UK.
