METHODOLOGY OF PLATE LOAD TEST

PROJECT NAME:
PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF PEPSICO PROJECT AT NALBARI,
ASSAM

NAME OF CONSULTANT: L&T TECHNOLOGY SERVICE

NAME OF CONTRACTOR: SEMAC CONSULTANTS LTD

PREPARED BY
PROMAC ENGINEER’S
AN ISO 9001: 2015 Certified, JOPORIGOG NEAR ASEB OFFICE, HOUSE
NO-60,
Ph-98647-82010,
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Plate Load Test shall be Conducted as per IS 9214 -1979
Reading time: 1 minute
Modulus of subgrade reaction or coefficient of subgrade reaction is the reaction pressure
sustained by the soil sample under a rigid plate of standard diameter per unit settlement
measured at a specified pressure or settlement.
It is a stiffness parameter that is commonly used to define the support conditions of footings
and mat foundations. This parameter explains a linear elastic response. Hence during the
design, the pressure generated by the modulus of subgrade reaction is limited to the
allowable bearing pressure of the soil.
The coefficient of sub-grade reaction (k) is the primary parameter used in the design of
pavements, foundation, and soil-structure interaction studies. This article elaborates on the
basic concept and determination of the coefficient of sub-grade reaction.
Modulus of Subgrade Reaction
Modulus of subgrade reaction is defined as the pressure per unit deformation of the subgrade
at specific pressure or deformation. It is expressed as:
k = p/s
Here, 'k' is the modulus or coefficient of subgrade reaction, 'p' is the pressure, and 's' is the
deformation of soil settlement. The coefficient of subgrade reaction is measured and
expressed as load intensity per unit of displacement. In the SI unit system, it is expressed as
kN/m2/m.

Determination of Modulus of Sub-Grade Reaction

The modulus of subgrade reaction is determined by the field plate load test. In this test,
compressive stress is applied to the soil layer through rigid plates, and the deflections are
measured for different values of stress.
Figure-1: Modulus of Subgrade Reaction- Plate Bearing Test Apparatus
The test setup consists of a loading frame that has a hydraulic jack, a reaction beam, and a
proving ring. The settlement of the plate is measured using a dial gauge. The dial gauges are
attached to a separate datum frame as shown in Figure-1. The standard size of the plate is
750 mm in diameter.
The plate is properly placed on the test site. The test site must be levelled and prepared
before placing the plate. As shown in the figure, the stiffening plates are placed on the bottom
plate in the order of decreasing diameter.

The test procedure is commenced by applying a seating load of 7 kN/m2. This load is
released after a few seconds. The load is then applied to cause a settlement of s= 0.25 mm.
When the settlement does not increase, or it is less than 0.025 mm per minute, then the dial
gauge reading is taken, and the average settlement is determined. This procedure is
repeated till the settlement goes to 0.175 cm.
The soil, after construction, is likely to soften due to external vibrations, water penetration, and
other imposed loads . This effect is considered by providing certain corrections to the value of
'k'. Here, 'k' is corrected for full saturation. For this, two specimens from the site are subjected
to consolidation test in soaked and unsoaked condition. The consolidation test is conducted,
and the pressure corresponding to 0.125 cm is determined for both the specimens.
Then the corrected modulus of rupture is given by:
k' = k x [p/ps]

In practice, it is used by geotechnical and structural engineers for the analysis of structure.
The analysis provides insights into the settlement of the structure and settlement-induced
stresses within the structure.

Test Setup
Test plate is placed over a fine sand layer of approx. 25mm thickness, centre of the test plate
was made to coincide with the centre of reaction with the help of a plumb and bob and
horizontally leveled by spirit level to avoid eccentric loading. The hydraulic jack is placed
centrally over the plate between the test plate and reaction beam so as to transfer load to the
plate.

Test Procedure
Load is applied to the soil in cumulative equal increments. The load is applied without impact,
fluctuation or eccentricity and measured over the pressure gauge, attached to the pumping
unit kept over the pit, way from the testing plate through extended pressure pipe. Settlement
is observed for each increment of load after an interval of 1, 2.25, 4, 6.25, 9, 15 mins and
thereafter at hourly intervals to the nearest 0.025 mm.
Corrections to be done as per IS 9214 for plate dimension, Load-deflection curve, Bending of
plate and saturation.

K = p / 0.125 (MPa / cm)

Where, P = load intensity corresponding to settlement of plate of 1.25mm.
OR
K = 0.07 / d (MPa / cm)
Where, d = Deflection in cm.
Mention about corrections: Corrections to be done as per IS 9214 for plate dimension, Load-
deflection curve, Bending of plate and saturation.
Load application table as below

FAQs
What is modulus of subgrade reaction?
Modulus of subgrade reaction is defined as the pressure per unit deformation of the subgrade
at specific pressure or deformation. It is expressed as k=p/s. Here, k = modulus or coefficient
of subgrade reaction; p = applied pressure and s = deformation of soil settlement. The
coefficient of subgrade reaction is expressed in load intensity per unit of displacement.
How to determine modulus of subgrade reaction?
The field plate load test is used to determine the modulus of subgrade reaction. In this test,
compressive stress is applied to the soil layer through rigid plates, and the deflections are
measured for different values of stress