Wheal Jane Consultancy offers Plate bearing tests (PBT) which are a relatively quick and easy method of establishing and understanding bearing strength and settlement characteristics of the ground under specific loads.
The tests are carried out in situ, at foundation level and are useful for a variety of applications but particularly, bearing pads, platforms, piling mats and crane outrigger pads.
All such tests are carried out to the BS1377 Part 9 : 1990 standard for ‘Soils for Civil Engineering Purposes’.
The test is carried out using steel plates of various sizes from 300mm to 600mm and a tracked excavator (or similar heavy reaction weight) and hydraulic jack to apply pressure to the plates at regular time intervals. Gauges are used to measure the extent and rate of settlement.
