The Plate Bearing Test is essentially a model test of foundations. It gives the load deformation characteristics for determining the ultimate bearing capacity of foundations. This test is a standard technique for determining bearing capacity of soils and the results of other methods are compared and calibrated with the values obtained with plate bearing test. In this method, a steel plate is subjected to a gradual increment of load and the corresponding settlement is noted. The Ultimate Bearing Capacity is taken as the load at which the settlement increases at a rapid rate.

This test is a standard technique for determining the bearing capacity of soils and the results of other methods are compared and calibrated with the values obtained with the plate bearing test. In this method, a steel plate is subjected to a gradual increment of load, and the corresponding settlement is noted. The Ultimate Bearing Capacity is taken as the load at which the settlement increases at a rapid rate.

• IS: 1888

This is for estimating the bearing capacity of shallow foundations in situ and for the design of flexible pavement. In the test procedure a steel plate is subjected to gradually increasing load and settlements of the plates recorded :-

• 50 tonne hydraulic jack with separate pumping unit fixed to it a 0 - 500KN x 0.5KN. : 1No.
• Pressure gauge and flexible metal pipe 5 mtr. long : 1No.
• Special ball and socket arrangement between the jack and the bearing plate : 1 No.
• Extension rod 12mm dia x 25 cm long for taking dial gauge readings : 16 Nos.
• Magnetic base with female thread on top for holding extension rod : 4 Nos.
• Top end plate, 50mm, dia with male thread for fitting onto the extension rods and positioning the dial gauge plunger : 4 Nos.
• Column 15cm dia x 25cm long with flanges complete with four bolts and nuts : 2 Nos.
• Column 15cm dia x 50cm long with flanges complete with four bolts and nuts : 1 No.
• Bridge support of welded steel angle construction, 5 mtr. Span and stands approximately 30 cm. High. Fitted with two quick release clamps a for positioning and holding the dial bracket : 2  Nos.
• Plane M.S. plate 60cms x 60cm .
• Square x 60 cms. Square x 25mm thick.
• Plane M.S. plate 45cm x 45cm x square x 25mm thick.
• Plane M.S. plate 30 cms x 30 cms x 25mm thick
• Dial Gauge 0.01mm x 25mm - 4 Nos.

• Plane M.S. 75mm x 25mm thick
• Plane M.S. 50cm x 25mm thick
• Grooved M.S. plate 60cms x 60cms x 25mm thick
• Grooved M.S. plate 45cms x 45cms x 25mm thick
• Grooved M.S. plate 30cms x 30cms x 25mm thick
• Grooved M.S. plate 75cms x 75cms x 25mm thick