Plate Load Test
(Bearing Capacity of Soil)

In-situ static load test using a rigid plate to determine the bearing capacity and load-settlement behaviour of soil or rock at foundation level — essential for shallow foundation and pavement design.

Overview

What is the Plate Load Test?

The Plate Load Test (PLT) applies an incremental static load to a rigid steel plate placed on the test surface at the proposed foundation level. The resulting settlement is measured at each load increment to produce a load-settlement curve from which the ultimate bearing capacity, safe bearing capacity and modulus of subgrade reaction are determined.

Conducted as per IS 1888, the plate load test is one of the most reliable in-situ tests for bearing capacity determination. It is widely used for shallow foundation design, pavement sub-base assessment and ground improvement verification. Global Lab conducts PLT with 300mm, 450mm and 600mm diameter plates per IS 1888.

Direct Bearing Capacity

In-situ measurement — not estimated from lab index tests or SPT values alone.

Modulus of Subgrade Reaction

K-value (MN/m³) determined directly for pavement and raft foundation design.

Multiple Plate Sizes

Tests conducted with 300, 450 and 600mm plates per IS 1888.

Load-Settlement Curve

Complete load-settlement relationship for settlement prediction at design loads.

NABL Certified Reports

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

Foundation & Pavement Design

Results used directly in IS 456, IRC 37 and IS 6403 foundation design.

Test in Action

Plate Load Test — Site Images

Plate Load test Setup

System Assembled

Reading During Test

Test Procedure

How the Plate Load Test is Conducted

1

Test Pit Excavation

Test pit is excavated to proposed foundation or sub-grade level. Base is trimmed level and cleared of loose material.
2

Plate & Reaction Setup

Steel plate (300mm dia.) is placed on prepared surface. Kentledge or anchor reaction system is set up above.
3

Instrumentation

Dial gauges or LVDTs are installed at minimum 3 points on the plate to measure average settlement.
4

Incremental Loading

Load applied in increments of approximately 1/5th of estimated failure load per IS 1888. Settlement recorded after stabilisation.
5

Bearing Capacity & K-Value Calculation

Load-settlement curve plotted. Ultimate and safe bearing capacity determined. K-value calculated. NABL report within 3 days.

Standards & Specifications

Applicable Test Standards

Standard	Title	Scope	Type
IS 1888	Method of Load Test on Soils	Plate Load Test	Indian Standard
IS 6403	Code of Practice for Determination of Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations	Bearing Capacity	Indian Standard
IRC 37	Guidelines for the Design of Flexible Pavements	Pavement Design	IRC
ASTM D1196	Standard Test Method for Nonrepetitive Static Plate Load Tests of Soils	Load Test	ASTM

Applications

Where is the CAPO Test Used?

Shallow foundation design verification for industrial structures and warehouses

Pavement sub-base bearing capacity and K-value determination for roads

Ground improvement effectiveness assessment after compaction or grouting

Airport runway and apron pavement design verification

Industrial floor slab foundation assessment before construction

Embankment foundation bearing capacity verification

Why Choose Global Lab

Our Advantages

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

Multiple Plate Sizes300mm, 450mm and 600mm plates available per IS 1888 requirements.

K-Value for Pavement DesignModulus of subgrade reaction directly usable in IRC 37 pavement design.

Pan-India CoverageGeotechnical teams across 7 lab locations for rapid site deployment.

Combined Ground TestingPLT + Field Density + CBR offered as a complete pavement QA package.

Fast 3-Day ReportComplete NABL test report with load-settlement curves within 3 days.

Plate Load Test(Bearing Capacity of Soil)