EV1 & EV2 Test (Static Plate Load)(DIN 18134 · RDSO Practice)
Static plate load testing for strain moduli EV1 and EV2 per DIN 18134 — the compaction acceptance criterion for railway formations, highway subgrades and heavy-duty pavements, with the EV2/EV1 ratio verdict.
What is the EV1 & EV2 Static Plate Load Test?
The EV1/EV2 test (DIN 18134 static plate load method) loads a rigid circular plate on the compacted layer through two loading cycles: EV1 — the strain modulus from the first loading — reflects the layer as compacted, while EV2 — from the second loading — reflects its re-compacted stiffness. The EV2 value and the EV2/EV1 ratio together verify both stiffness and compaction quality; a high ratio exposes an under-compacted layer that first-cycle seating masked. The method is the standard acceptance test for Indian Railways formations (RDSO guidelines specify EV2 criteria), metro depots, container yards and German-influenced industrial specifications.
Global Lab performs the test with a calibrated hydraulic jack against a loaded reaction (truck/excavator), precision dial or LVDT settlement measurement on an independent datum, and computes the moduli per the DIN 18134 evaluation with the specified stress increments.
How the EV1 & EV2 Test (Static Plate Load) is Conducted
- 1
Test Point Preparation
The layer surface is levelled with a thin sand bed; the plate is seated and the reaction load positioned clear of the influence zone. - 2
Instrumentation Setup
Settlement gauges on an independent reference beam and the calibrated jack-gauge system are installed. - 3
First Loading Cycle (EV1)
Load is applied in the DIN 18134 stress increments with settlement recorded at each step to the maximum stress, then unloaded. - 4
Second Loading Cycle (EV2)
The plate is reloaded through the same increments; the stiffer second-cycle curve yields EV2. - 5
Evaluation
EV1 and EV2 are computed from the second-degree polynomial fit per DIN 18134; the EV2/EV1 ratio is checked against the specification. - 6
Reporting
Load-settlement curves, moduli and acceptance verdicts are issued via Autovity QLMS.
Applicable Test Standards
| Standard | Title | Scope | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIN 18134:2012 | Soil — Testing Procedures and Testing Equipment — Plate Load Test | Test Method (EV1/EV2) | DIN Standard |
| RDSO GE:G-1 | RDSO Guidelines for Earthwork in Railway Projects | EV2 Acceptance Criteria | Railway Guideline |
| IS 1888:1982 | Method of Load Test on Soils (Reaffirmed) | Indian Plate Load Reference | Indian Standard |