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.
ACS offers a comprehensive range of professional on-site testing services, carried out by our highly skilled and qualified team of site technicians. Please get in touch for more information about our plate bearing test services and how we can support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a plate bearing test?
A plate bearing test, also known as a plate loading test, is an in-situ test used to determine the bearing capacity and settlement characteristics of soil and other ground materials. The plate load test is crucial for designing suitable foundations for substructures, significantly minimising the risk of instability or collapse.
How is a plate load test performed?
A plate load test is performed to determine the bearing capacity of subbase materials and the potential settlement under a given load. This requires placing a bearing plate on or within the ground, which is then subjected to increasing loads. During the test, the material is closely examined for movement and deformation.
To ensure that the foundation is appropriate for the project, standards require that the pressure applied during the test is equivalent to three times the working pressure of the planned structure. During testing, the weight of the excavator will depend on the design load required and the size of the bearing plate in use.
What is a bearing plate used for?
The bearing plate is designed to provide a greater bearing surface for concentrated loads from structural elements, such as columns, beams, or trusses. Typically, it is a heavy metal plate that distributes weight over a large area, helping to prevent excessive stress on the supporting material to ensure stability and safety.
What does a plate bearing test measure?
The plate bearing test measures the movement and settlement of a material under the pressure of incremental loads to determine whether the ground has sufficient bearing capacity to support a given temporary or semi-permanent structure.
Is a CBR test the same as a plate load test?
The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test and the plate loading test are both types of load-bearing tests, examining materials at or just underneath the surface.
The CBR test assesses small surface areas and relies on a plunging, penetrative motion of machinery into the ground for the designing design of pavements / roads, or concrete slab foundations.
The plate loading test, on the other hand, revolves around the application of incremental loads to determine if the ground can support a temporary structure, such as crane outriggers or piling rigs.
How do you carry out a plate load test?
One of our trained technicians will arrive on-site to test the area. The plate bearing test will take approximately 30 minutes, depending on the ground conditions and type of information required. You will be provided with a visual representation of the results immediately while we are on site.
How to calculate CBR from a plate bearing test?
The result of the plate loading test provides an equivalent CBR value. This can be calculated by dividing the load applied to the bearing plate by the area of the bearing plate and multiplying the result by the thickness of the material sample. The CBR value can be supplied on the same day that the test is conducted.
Please see below for a list of the services provided by ACS:
Geo-Environmental Consultancy
The ACS Geo-Environmental Consultancy Department has been operating as part of ACS for over 10 years.
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 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
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
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
ACS can sample and test new and hardened mortar. Hardened mortar for mix proportions and constituents, new mortar for compressive and flexural strength.
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
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.
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
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 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.