103

until the total settlement reaches at least 10% of the

Procedure of Plate Bearing Test plate diameter, unless a well defined failure load is
observed. After completion of observations for the
ASTM D1194-94 specification
last load increments, release this applied load in
mentioned that the load is applied to the soil
equal decrements. Continue recording rebound
in cumulative equal increments of not more
deflections until deformation ceases or for a period
than 95 kPa, or of not more than one tenth
not smaller than time interval of loading [4].
of the estimated bearing capacity of the area
being tested. Accurately measure each load,
and apply it in such a manner that the entire Field Plate Loading Test
load reaches the soil as a static load, Plate loading test provide a direct measure of

without impact, fluctuation, or eccentricity. compressibility and occasionally of the bearing

After the application of each load capacity of soils which are not easily sampled. The

increment, maintain the cumulative load for technique adopted in this investigation for carrying

a selected time interval of not less than 15 out the plate loading test has been described by

minutes. Keep a continuous record of all ASTM D1194-94 [4] and BS 1377 part 9 [6].

settlement measurements as soon as The plate was placed on the soil to be tested. The

possible before and after the application of load was applied to the plate in successive

each load increment, and at such equal time increments and settlement was measured. Load

intervals, while load is being held constant. increments are applied until the load intensity on the

Continue each test until a peak load is plate reach to (410.6) kPa for all zones in Al-

reached or until the ratio of load increment Diwaniyah site as shown in the plates (1) to (4).

to settlement increment reaches a minimum The load was applied to the plate via a factory

[4]. calibrated hydraulic load cell and a hydraulic jack. A

plate of a diameter of 0.61m and thickness of 30mm

Load-Settlement Criteria was used.

Settlement is measured using 0.01mm dial
The load is applied to the plate in
gauges. In order to measure any tilt that may occur,
increments of the design load. The
two gauges on the perimeter of the plate were used.
increments are applied until shear failure,
These gauges supported on rigid uprights fixed
the loading is 2 to 3 times the design load
firmly into the ground at a distance of more than
[5], or until a total settlement of 25 mm is
twice the plate width from the plate center. At each
obtained [1]. In another criterion, if
pressure increment, a note was made of the load on
sufficient load is available, continue the test
the plate and dial gauge readings were made on a

Basrah Journal for Engineering Science /2013 2013/ ‫مجلة البصرة للعلوم الهندسية‬