Plate Load Test
Plate Load Test
(OP)
For one of the project we have planned to conduct plate load test. The bearing capacity has been checked for both shear failure criteria (of soil) and settlement criteria as well. Settlement of footing governs the design. The allowable bearing pressure has been estimated as 500kPa for settlement less than 1-inch, at 0.5m below ground (consist of very dense gravelly sand). We have planned to conduct confirmatory plate load test upto 500kPa just to confirm that our settlement is less than 1-inch at 500kPa. I have been questioned that usually plate load test shall be conducted upto 2.5 to 3 times the allowable bearing pressure. I feel conducting full scale load test upto 2.5 to 3 times the allowable bearing pressure may not be necessary here since our allowable bearing pressure is governed by limiting settlement of 1-inch. Am I correct? Thanks & regards





RE: Plate Load Test
RE: Plate Load Test
RE: Plate Load Test
I remember, when I first started out - I was doing a "bearing capacity" analysis and told the senior geotech that we could increase the bearing pressure from 1500psf to 1600psf. He looked me in the eye and said "Why? Keep it at 1500psf and sleep at night." Whilst this is against the "grain" there is some wisdom in his comment. He was a damn fine geotech.