Footing Load Test
(Shallow Foundation Load Test)

Static load test on shallow footings to determine the actual load-settlement behaviour and safe bearing capacity of the founding strata — essential for validating shallow foundation designs.

Overview

What is the Footing Load Test?

The Footing Load Test applies a static vertical load to a test footing constructed at the proposed foundation level to determine the actual load-settlement response of the soil. The results provide the safe bearing capacity, settlement at design load and the stiffness of the founding stratum.

Conducted as per IS 1888, this test is particularly important where geotechnical data is limited, soil conditions are variable or the foundation design is critical. Global Lab conducts footing load tests using kentledge reaction systems with calibrated load cells and precision settlement gauges.

Actual Bearing Capacity

Directly measures soil bearing capacity — not estimated from SPT or lab tests alone.

Load-Settlement Data

Provides complete load-settlement curve for settlement prediction at design loads.

Design Validation

Confirms geotechnical design assumptions before construction of actual footings.

Variable Depth Testing

Tests can be conducted at any depth — from shallow strip footings to deep pad foundations.

NABL Certified Reports

All results issued on NABL-accredited letterhead per IS 1888.

Flexible Footing Sizes

Test footing sizes from 300mm × 300mm to 600mm × 600mm per IS 1888.

Test in Action

Footing Load Test — Site Images

Footing Load Test

Load test Setup

Instrument setup

Test Procedure

How the Footing Load Test is Conducted

1

Test Pit Excavation

A test pit is excavated to the proposed foundation level. The pit is sized to accommodate the test footing and reaction system.
2

Test Footing Construction

A concrete test footing of specified size (IS 1888: 300×300mm to 600×600mm) is cast at the base of the pit.
3

Reaction System & Instrumentation

Kentledge reaction system is set up. Load cell, hydraulic jack and settlement gauges (dial gauges/LVDTs) are installed.
4

Incremental Load Application

Load is applied in increments (IS 1888: 1/5th of estimated failure load). Settlement recorded after stabilisation.
5

Bearing Capacity & Settlement Analysis

Load-settlement curve is plotted. Net safe bearing capacity and settlement at design load are determined. NABL report within 7 days.

Standards & Specifications

Applicable Test Standards

Standard	Title	Scope	Type
IS 1888	Method of Load Test on Soils	Footing Load Test	Indian Standard
IS 6403	Code of Practice for Determination of Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations	Bearing Capacity	Indian Standard
ASTM D1194	Standard Test Method for Bearing Capacity of Soil for Static Load on Spread Footings	Load Test	ASTM
IS 8009	Code of Practice for Calculation of Settlements of Foundations	Settlement	Indian Standard

Applications

Where is the CAPO Test Used?

Validation of shallow footing designs for industrial structures and warehouses

Bearing capacity verification for residential and commercial building foundations

Ground improvement effectiveness assessment after compaction or grouting

Verification of fill compaction quality for embankments and reclaimed land

Pre-construction geotechnical investigation for critical structures

Settlement prediction for large mat foundations on compressible soils

Why Choose Global Lab

Our Advantages

NABL Accredited ReportsLegally valid certificates for all statutory and contractual requirements.

Complete Geotechnical PackageFooting load test combined with soil lab tests for comprehensive design data.

Autovity Digital ReportsLoad-settlement curves and bearing capacity data accessible digitally.

Experienced Geotechnical TeamSpecialists in shallow foundation testing for industrial and infrastructure projects.

Pan-India CoverageTeams across 7 lab locations for rapid mobilisation.

Modulus of Subgrade TestingFooting load test combined with plate load test for pavement design.

Footing Load Test(Shallow Foundation Load Test)