Plate load test

Plate Load Testing involves using a hydraulic jack to apply a load to plates of various diameters. The jack is pushed against any heavy machinery (e.g. excavators, CPT rigs or other plant).

The deflection of the plates is logged automatically with three digital gauges, and a load cell records the applied force.

The results can be used to obtain stiffness parameter (Young's Modulus) for the near-surface soil, and used to estimate footing and pavement performance under in-service loads.

Various plate diameters available and are typically in the range of 300 mm to 750 mm.

Loads to be applied are typically only limited by the reaction weight (heavy machinery) available on site.