4.

PLATE LOAD TEST EXECUTION

4.1 Equipment

4.1.1 Loading device

A truck or trailer, an anchored frame, or other structure loaded with a weight not less than 10
t in order to produce the desired reaction on the surface under test in correspondence of the point of
the applied load.

4.1.2 Hydraulic Jack Assembly

A jack with a spherical bearing attachment, capable of applying and releasing the load in
increments.
The jack shall have sufficient capacity for applying the maximum load of 450 kPa, and shall
be equipped with an accurately calibrated gage that will indicate the magnitude of the applied load.

4.1.3 Bearing Plates

A set of circular steel bearing plates not less than 25.0 mm in thickness, machined so that
they can be arranged in pyramid fashion to ensure rigidity, and having diameters ranging from 300
to 450 mm.
The diameters of adjacent plates in the pyramid arrangement shall not differ by more than
150 mm.

4.1.4 Dial Gages

Three dial gages graduated in units of 0.01 mm and capable of recording a maximum
deflection of 25 mm or other equivalent deflection-measuring devices.

DATA DOCUMENTO COMMESSA PROTOCOLLO REVISIONE PAG. PAG. TOT.

DATE DOCUMENT JOB DOC. No. REVISION PAGE TOT. PAGES
20.11.12 Structural backfilling – Tech. Specs 2249 88 01 12 16
Azienda con Sistema Gestione Qualità ISO 9001:2008 certificato da ICMQ
Company with Quality Management System ISO 9001:2008 certified by ICMQ

File: S.2249-88.01.docx
4.1.5 Reference System

At least two steel reference beams upon which the three dial gages shall be anchored.
The beam shall be a 5.0 cm in diameter standard pipe or 7.6 by 7.6 by 0.6 cm steel angle or
equivalent.
It shall be at least so long to permit to locate the own supports at least 2.4 m from the
circumference of the bearing plate.
The entire reference system shall be adequately shaded from direct rays of the sun.

4.1.6 Diameter of the Bearing Plates

The diameter of the utilized bearing plate shall be equal to 450 mm. Greater diameter shall
be accepted, according to the on-site geotechnical Engineer.

4.2 Procedure

Carefully centre a bearing plate, with a diameter of 450 mm, under the jack assembly. Set
the remaining plates of smaller diameter concentric with, and on top of, the bearing plate.
Set the bearing plate level in a thin bed of a mixture of sand using the least quantity of
materials required for uniform bearing.

The three gages employed shall be settled at an angle of 120° from each other, and
equidistant from the circumference of the bearing plate.
Each individual set of readings shall be averaged, and this value will be recorded as the
average settlement reading.
After the equipment has been properly arranged, and with all of the dead load (jack, plates,
etc.) acting, a preloading increment of 20 kPa shall be applied in order to obtain an uniform loading
of the tested area.
At this phase the reading dial gages shall be settled to zero reading. Once obtained the
stabilization of the zero readings the test shall be executed following the hereinafter-specified steps:

DATA DOCUMENTO COMMESSA PROTOCOLLO REVISIONE PAG. PAG. TOT.

DATE DOCUMENT JOB DOC. No. REVISION PAGE TOT. PAGES
20.11.12 Structural backfilling – Tech. Specs 2249 88 01 13 16
Azienda con Sistema Gestione Qualità ISO 9001:2008 certificato da ICMQ
Company with Quality Management System ISO 9001:2008 certified by ICMQ

File: S.2249-88.01.docx
 • increase the vertical load until the jack gage shall indicate the value of the stated stage of
loading at a moderately rapid rate in uniform increments;
• after each increment of load has been applied, allow its action to continue until a rate of
deflection of not more than 0.03 mm/min has been maintained for three consecutive
minutes. In any case each load step shall be kept for minimum 15 minutes since the
application of the load;
• record load and deflection readings for each load increment until the maximum pressure of
450 kPa;
• the loading stages will be for increasing steps of 50 kPa, starting from 50 kPa first step, up
to 450 kPa;
• rebound stage from 450 kPa down to 0 kPa will be performed for each test with
minimum 3 steps (i.e. 300, 150, 0 kPa).

4.3 Report

For each performed PLT the following indication shall be recorded:

• name and location of the test;

• date of execution;
• location coordinates;
• elevation or reference to a datum point;
• date, time of beginning and completion of PLT;
• diameter of the bearing plate;
• set of readings corresponding at each loading step;
• loads versus settlements diagram;
• any irregularity in routine procedure;
• any unusual conditions observed at the test site.

GARASSINO S.r.l.

DATA DOCUMENTO COMMESSA PROTOCOLLO REVISIONE PAG. PAG. TOT.

DATE DOCUMENT JOB DOC. No. REVISION PAGE TOT. PAGES
20.11.12 Structural backfilling – Tech. Specs 2249 88 01 14 16
Azienda con Sistema Gestione Qualità ISO 9001:2008 certificato da ICMQ
Company with Quality Management System ISO 9001:2008 certified by ICMQ

File: S.2249-88.01.docx