Plate Bearing Test Services

The plate bearing test, or plate loading test, is an in-situ method used to evaluate the strength and deformation characteristics of subbase soils and construction materials. This is crucial for determining a foundation’s load-bearing capacity for temporary loads such as crane bases and piling pads, as well as semi-permanent structures like mezzanines and working platforms.

At ACS, we offer trusted on-site plate load test services, providing clients with valuable insights into the likelihood of any movement or settlement of the ground. Our experienced technicians ensure your requirements are clearly understood, efficiently conducted, and meticulously reported, delivering accurate and reliable data to drive your project’s success.

How Does a Plate Bearing Test Work?

When carrying out a plate loading test to measure the strength and bearing capacity of a material, a thick metal bearing plate (Typically 300mm , 450mm  or 600mm Diameter) is placed on the ground and using a hydraulic jack is loaded with weight. The load is applied in increments, and the material is closely examined. Any movement or deformation at each stage will be recorded.

The plate bearing test will continue in this way until there is no longer any discernible movement. The recorded data can then be compiled and used to produce a graphic establishing the necessary material characteristics. This test is conducted in compliance with the British Standard (BS) 1377 9:1990 and IAN73/06 standards.

Understanding the properties of a material means that load weight and distribution parameters can be established before planned construction commences. With this information, you can ensure that structures and loads will remain within the capacity of the foundation, minimising the risk of instability or collapse.

Why Plate Bearing Testing?

Conducting a plate load test shows you the bearing capacity of the ground, foundation, or material. These tests are mainly used to determine CBR value in granular materials that are not suitable for in-situ CBR tests, as well as to assist in crane and piling mat design.

There are many advantages of our plate loading test services, including:

  • Short operation time – efficient testing method providing immediate results and allowing on-site decisions to be made straight away
  • Cost-effective – simple, one-person operation
  • Accurate and repeatable – results directly reflect in-situ site conditions
  • Visually presented results – a graphical representation of the data can be analysed electronically on the spot
  • Safe operations – no need for an operator to be near the counterweight

Most importantly, measuring the performance capacity of a foundation allows you to minimise construction risk, confirm design assumptions, and establish weight load and distribution parameters for temporary structures.

Get in touch

Contact us for Plate Testing Services

Frequently Asked Questions

ACS Services

Please see below for a list of the services provided by ACS:

Geo Environmental Consultancy Icon

Geo-Environmental Consultancy

The ACS Geo-Environmental Consultancy Department has been operating as part of ACS for over 10 years.

Onsite Testing Icon

On-Site Testing Services

ACS offers a comprehensive range of professional on-site testing, all carried out by our fully trained site technicians.

Aggregates And Soil Testing Icon

Aggregates and Soils Testing

From our main laboratory in Poole, Dorset, ACS provide quality testing and material consultancy for the construction and civil engineering industry.

Bituminous Testing Icon

Bituminous Testing

ACS carries out testing on new bituminous binder material and testing on hardened material for physical and chemical properties. Circa pre 1980’s Tar (Carcinogenic effects) was also used as a binder, ACS staff can sample and test materials to assess if Tar was used.

Concrete Testing Icon

Concrete Testing

Concrete was the first service to be offered by ACS back in 1987. Since then, we have increased our scope to cover a wide range of UKAS Accredited testing methods on fresh and hardened concrete.

Mortar And Screed Testing Icon

Mortar and Screed Testing

ACS can sample and test new and hardened mortar. Hardened mortar for mix proportions and constituents, new mortar for compressive and flexural strength.

Contamination Icon

Contamination and WAC Testing

At ACS we offer an efficient and reliable chemical analysis service for waste soils and construction materials using various test solids and leaching procedures specified by the Environment Agency.

Chemical Testing Icon

Chemical Testing

The ACS chemical laboratory was established in 2007. It complements the physical materials testing service provided by ACS by offering a range of chemical analytical services.

Water Analysis Icon

Leachate and Water Analysis

Our purpose-built analytical laboratory enables ACS to provide a comprehensive sampling, monitoring and analysis service on a wide range of leachate and water samples.

Natural Stone Testing Icon

Natural Stone Testing

Our newly refurbished stone testing laboratory has given us the opportunity to expand our testing scope. In addition, we have increased production and improved on our turnaround of samples.

Site Lab Services Icon

Site Laboratory Services

Over the last 35 years, ACS have supplied custom fitted site laboratories with technicians to many construction sites and projects worldwide.

Persistent Organic Pollutants

Our experienced lab technicians can provide detailed and accurate analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in almost any sample matrix in line with the Stockholm Convention.

Energy From Waste

Experts in Energy from Waste residues, ACS offers a full range of services, including gasification, pyrolysis, syngas and tar sampling, and analysis and interpretation of analytical results for IBA and APCr.

RoHS Compliance Testing

At ACS, we undertake rigorous RoHS compliance testing to identify and quantify any contaminants in your shredded waste, ensuring your product meets strict RoHS requirements.

Energy Supply, Generation & Regulation

Our highly skilled team provide industry-leading waste fuel testing services for RDF, SRF, MSW, and Solid Biomass, helping you save costs and meet compliance standards for total peace of mind.