GROUND INSTRUMENTATION & ENGINEERING PTE LTD

METHOD OF STATEMENT FOR PLATE LOADING TEST

BS 1377: Part 9: Method 4.1: 1990
Location:
1.

Introduction
The purpose of this test is to determine the settlement of soil at any test
location under certain applied stress load 'to a plate. By rule of thumb, the
influence zone beneath the plate is approximately 3D. For this test to carry
out, it is assumed that the soil properties beneath the actual structure and
within the influence zone are similar to those underneath the test plate.

2.

Scope of Work
The test is conducted in accordance to BS 1377: Part 9: Method 4.1:1990.
The plate shall be 300mm diameter plate with 25mm thickness. From the
allowable bearing capacity and the factor of safety provided by the client, the
test will be conducted to a maximum load based on the mentioned
parameters.
The reaction load will be provided by the client.
Jack and pump system having a capacity sufficient to apply the required
load shall be used. The applied loading can be recorded by means of a
pressure gauge.
3 nos. of dial gauges having a length of travel of 50mm will be used to
measure the settlement of the plate with reference to the steel datum bar.
The steel datum bar is of lm length.

4.

Test Procedure
(1)

A trim surface is required before the commencement of the test. On

the trim surface, a layer of fine sand is poured and leveled. This is
followed by the placement of the 300mm diameter test plate.

(2)

Tfae excavator is then driven so that it is situated directly on top of the

test pit.

(3)

.This then is followed by the setting up of the jack and pump system
(including the pressure gauge unit), datum bar and dial gauges
system.

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(4)

Apply the first loading. Settlement of the plate is observed by three

dial gauges measured at three locations approximately 50mm inside
from the circumference of the plate. Settlement shall be observed for
each load increment and shall be maintained for. a minimum period of
10 minutes during the loading stages until any one of the following
conditions is achieved:
a)
b)
c)

(5)

Settlement has ceased.

The rate of settlement is 0.02mm/min for three consecutive
readings.
The maximum loading period of 30 minutes is achieved.

After the completion of the test, the test report shall be submitted.

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