Plate Bearing Testing
A plate bearing test measures how the ground behaves under load. A rigid steel plate is bedded onto the test surface and loaded in stages against a reaction, while the resulting settlement is recorded. From that data an engineer can assess bearing capacity, settlement behaviour and the modulus of subgrade reaction, all directly from the ground as built rather than from assumption.
Our in-situ plate load testing follows BS 1377 Part 9, the British Standard for in-situ tests on soils for civil engineering purposes. It is one of the most direct ways to verify that a formation, a piling platform or a granular sub-base will carry the loads placed on it. For temporary works and working platform sign-off, the results feed straight into design checks against BR 470, the good practice guide for ground-supported working platforms for tracked plant.
We test for groundworks contractors, piling companies, temporary works coordinators, civil engineers and main contractors across London and the wider region. We bring the plate, jack, reaction arrangement and instrumentation to site, carry out the test under controlled conditions, and return recorded load and settlement data you can act on.
- Standard referenced
- BS 1377 Part 9
- Method
- Loaded steel plate against a reaction, applied in stages
- Reaction
- Kentledge or a machine acting as the reaction
- Measures
- Bearing capacity, settlement and modulus of subgrade reaction
- Working platforms
- Data assessed against BR 470
- Deliverables
- Load and settlement report (PDF) with derived results
- Coverage
- London and UK-wide
What we test
Plate bearing testing is used to assess:
- Bearing capacity of a formation or foundation subgrade
- Settlement and deformation under a known applied load
- Modulus of subgrade reaction for slab and pavement design
- Granular working platforms and piling mats supporting tracked plant
- Compacted fill, sub-bases and capping layers
- Suitability of a formation before foundations, slabs or hardstanding are constructed
Reaction for the applied load is provided either by kentledge (a stacked dead weight such as a loaded lorry, excavator or concrete blocks) or by a machine acting as the reaction, depending on the load required and site access. We agree the arrangement in advance so the correct reaction is available when we arrive.
When you need it
Plate bearing tests are commonly required:
- To sign off a working platform or piling mat before a rig or crane tracks onto it
- At foundation formation level, to confirm the ground meets the assumed design bearing value
- Before casting a ground-bearing slab or laying external hardstanding
- To verify compacted fill or a granular sub-base after earthworks
- For temporary works checks where plant loads impose on made-up ground
- Where a design has to be validated against measured ground conditions rather than published values
Deliverables
Your report presents the recorded load stages against measured settlement, with the derived results relevant to the test, such as bearing capacity, settlement at the design load and, where required, the modulus of subgrade reaction. We include the test location, plate size, reaction method, ground description at the test position and the loading sequence used.
Where the test supports working platform sign-off, we present the data so it can be checked against the platform design and BR 470. We supply calibration evidence for the instrumentation, and results are set out clearly so a temporary works coordinator or checking engineer can accept or query the outcome without ambiguity.
What affects the price
Every job is priced to its scope. The main things that move the cost are:
- The number of test positions and the maximum load to be reached
- The reaction arrangement, whether kentledge or a machine is provided
- Site access to the test locations and the condition of the test surface
- Whether the test supports working platform sign-off against BR 470
- Site location and any out-of-hours or phased working
Send us the brief or call and we will confirm a fixed price for the work, free and with no obligation.
A survey you can plan around.
A clear, repeatable method on every job, so you know what is happening on site and what lands on your desk afterwards.
Scope
We confirm the test purpose, the design load or platform requirement, plate size, the number of test positions and the reaction to be provided on site.
Set-up on site
We prepare a level test surface, bed the plate, position the jack and reaction, and set up the settlement measurement.
Testing
We apply the load in increments, hold each stage and record settlement, working through the loading sequence for the test.
Report
We issue the load and settlement data with the derived results and, where relevant, the comparison against the working platform design.
Questions we are asked about this service.
What is a plate bearing test?
A plate bearing test, or plate load test, is an in-situ field test in which a steel plate is loaded against a reaction and the settlement is measured. It is used to assess the bearing capacity, settlement behaviour and modulus of subgrade reaction of the ground, giving a direct measurement of how the formation, sub-base or working platform performs under load. It is carried out to BS 1377 Part 9.
What standard is a plate bearing test carried out to?
In the UK, plate bearing testing on soils is carried out to BS 1377 Part 9, the code covering in-situ tests within the methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. Where the test is used to verify a working platform for tracked plant, the results are assessed against the design guidance in BR 470.
How is the load applied?
The load is applied by a hydraulic jack acting against a reaction. The reaction is provided either by kentledge, meaning a dead weight such as a loaded vehicle, excavator or stacked blocks, or by a machine acting as the reaction. The choice depends on the load required and the access on site, and it is agreed before the test.
What is BR 470 and how does it relate to plate testing?
BR 470 is the BRE good practice guide to the design, installation, maintenance and repair of ground-supported working platforms for tracked plant. Plate bearing testing is one way to verify on site that a completed working platform performs in line with its design before piling rigs or cranes are allowed to track onto it.
How much does a plate bearing test cost?
The cost depends on the number of test positions, the load to be reached, the reaction arrangement required and site access and location. Because these vary from job to job, we provide a fixed quotation once we understand the scope rather than a standard rate, so the price reflects your actual site conditions.
Is a plate bearing test the same as a CBR test?
No. A plate bearing test measures the ground’s response to a loaded plate to assess bearing capacity and settlement. A CBR (California Bearing Ratio) test measures the strength of a subgrade or sub-base and is more often used in pavement and road design. The two give related but different information, and the right test depends on what your design needs to confirm.
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Tell us the site, the deadline and what you need to know. We will confirm the right survey or test, the standard it meets and exactly what you will receive.
- 1Send the brief or call.
- 2We confirm scope, method and price, free and with no obligation.
- 3Booked, surveyed, reported.