The purpose of this test is to determine the load vs.

settlement of the sub-soil under specified maximum loads, at a specified elevation and location and estimate bearing capacity. Design Engineers need to know the bearing capacity of soil underneath. Results from the test can be used as design parameter or used to confirm the design assumption.

Apparatus
Circular loading plate (size 300mm in diameter) and extension plates. Hydraulic jack for applying the load with a 10 tonne pressure gauge. Reference beams provided with anchors and clamps. Dial gauges (indication 30x100x0.01mm of displacement) with adjustable holders -2 numbers. Reaction load or counterweight (by an excavator). Total counterweight should be at least 105 greater than the anticipated maximum test load.

Testing Procedure

Select test location and excavate to a depth, the point where the real foundation will be constructed, if possible . If the test is performed in a test pit, width of the pit should be at least 4 to 5 times of plate diameter . Apparatus Setting out : - Level the test point and ensure that any material loosened or softened be removed so that the area for the plate is generally level. - Place the loading plate with its center at the test point, ensuring that is level. - An excavators provides the required reaction for the test pressures. - Anchor the reference beams at distances and heights suitable for holding the dial gauges into the ground not affected by the loading system of the test.

- Install the two dial gauges with their plungers vertically sitting at two points on the peripheral area of a boarder extension plate. The two gauges are at both sides with reference to the center of plate. - Adjust the centers of the loading plate, jack base and the reaction load-system all in vertical alignment. Apply the load to plate in step by means of hydraulic jack pushing against the counter weight until reaching the maximum test load. At each increment (step) the pressure shall be maintained as near as possible constant. Read and record the load of every step from pressure gauges. Read settlement from the dial gauges. Unloading should also be done in the backward steps.

 Cycle

of Loading and Unloading

Step LOAD (Ton) Time (min)

I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X

0.0 0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 3.5 1.5 0.0

0 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

Note: 1.Dial gauge readings will be taken for every maintain load at 0,1,2,3,5,10,15 mins. of elapsed time of loading 2. and 0,1,2,3,5,10,15, 60 mins. of elapsed time at maximum load.

ILLUSTRATION OF PBT SET UP Pressure Gauge

Counter Weight
Hydraulic Jack

Dial Gauge

Reference Beam
Bearing Plate