Plate Load Test

The plate load test is a field test used to ascertain the soil's ultimate bearing capacity and the likelihood of settling under a certain load. The selection and design of the shallow foundation frequently use this test. The plate is positioned at the desired depth for this test, the load is applied gradually, and the settlement is measured after each load increment. The ultimate bearing capacity of soil at that depth is estimated as the entire load up to that point divided by the area of the plate, where a rapid rate of settlement occurs. The safe bearing capacity is then calculated by multiplying the final bearing capacity by a safety factor.