Plate Load Test How it Works Measuring Ev2 and Ev1

The Plate Load Test AX01 is the simple solution to

determine the strain moduli Ev2 and Ev1 (a figure for the bearing capacity) and the ratio Ev2/Ev1 (a
figure for the compaction level). The modulus is an indicator for the bearing capacity of the soil or
flexible pavement under the loading plate. For the test, the soil is loaded and unloaded in fixed steps
using a circular loading plate and a hydraulic loading device.

The load plate is loaded by a hydraulic jack and its settlement is measured at
increasing load increments. During two loading cycles, different loads will be applied in steps to the
loading plate using a hydraulic hand pump. For each loading step, the corresponding settlement
(deflection) of the plate is recorded. The device is equipped with an electrical force sensor to record
the load and an inductive displacement gauge to determine the deflection.

A graph is then plotted of settlement against bearing pressure and will show settlement at any given
load. This information is used to calculate the Modulus of Subgrade Reaction, a measure of the
stiffness of the subgrade known as the K value. It is expressed as load per unit area per unit of
settlement e.g. KN/m2/mm or KPa/mm.

The results of the test are evaluated immediately, shown at the

display, and printed with the built-in thermo printer at the road-works. The test results can also be
stored on a memory chipcard. Using a chipcard reader, the results can be transferred into an MS
Excel sheet on a Windows-PC for further analysis.
The AX01 is usable even under bad environmental conditions, like rain, because of the rain proofed
control box, the illuminated display and buttons on the outside.
In order to perform this test, it is important to have sufficient kentledge to jack against, which could be
equipment you have on site such as an excavator or a truck loaded with material. The choice of plate
size depends upon the required bearing pressure and the available kentledge.