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Soil Bearing Capacity Report

The document outlines procedures for two soil bearing capacity tests: the Plate Load Test and the Standard Penetration Test (SPT). The Plate Load Test determines the ultimate bearing capacity and settlement of soil beneath a foundation, while the SPT estimates bearing capacity based on N-values, particularly in cohesionless soils. It concludes that both tests have their specific applications, with the Plate Load Test preferred for shallow foundations and SPT useful for preliminary investigations.

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86 views3 pages

Soil Bearing Capacity Report

The document outlines procedures for two soil bearing capacity tests: the Plate Load Test and the Standard Penetration Test (SPT). The Plate Load Test determines the ultimate bearing capacity and settlement of soil beneath a foundation, while the SPT estimates bearing capacity based on N-values, particularly in cohesionless soils. It concludes that both tests have their specific applications, with the Plate Load Test preferred for shallow foundations and SPT useful for preliminary investigations.

Uploaded by

asshubhai007
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Soil Bearing Capacity Test Procedures

with Values, Calculations & Tabulation


1. Plate Load Test (As per IS 1888:1982)

Purpose:
To determine the ultimate bearing capacity and settlement of soil beneath a foundation.

Apparatus:
- Mild steel plate (300 mm to 750 mm dia)
- Hydraulic jack with pressure gauge
- Dial gauges (0.01 mm least count)
- Kentledge or reaction beam system

Test Procedure:
1. Excavation:
- Size: 5 times the size of plate
- Depth: same as proposed foundation
2. Plate Placement:
- A steel plate is placed over a 5 mm thick layer of sand for levelling.
- Hydraulic jack is mounted centrally on the plate.
3. Loading:
- Load applied in increments of 1/5th of the estimated safe bearing capacity.
- Each load is held till the settlement rate is < 0.02 mm/min or for 1 hour.
4. Observation:
- Settlements are recorded using dial gauges.

Sample Data Tabulation:


Load (kN/m²) Settlement (mm)
0 0.0
50 1.1
100 2.5
150 4.8
200 9.5
250 15.2
300 22.0

Calculations:
Ultimate Bearing Capacity (qu) = Load at which sudden increase in settlement occurs
From data: qu ≈ 250 kN/m²
Safe Bearing Capacity (q_safe):
q_safe = qu / FOS = 250 / 2.5 = 100 kN/m²

2. Standard Penetration Test (SPT) (As per IS 2131:1981)

Purpose:
To estimate the bearing capacity of soil based on N-values, especially in cohesionless soils.

Apparatus:
- Split-spoon sampler
- Drop hammer (63.5 kg)
- Drilling rig

Procedure:
1. Drill a borehole to the desired depth.
2. Lower the split-spoon sampler.
3. Drive the sampler 450 mm into the soil using the drop hammer.
4. Count blows for every 150 mm penetration.
5. N-value = Sum of blows for last 300 mm.

Sample Data:
Depth (m) Blow count (1st 150 Blow count (2nd N-value
mm) 150 mm)
1.5 5 8 13
3.0 7 11 18

Calculation:
Using Terzaghi & Peck Formula:
q_ult = 20 × N (for sandy soil)
At 3.0 m depth, N = 18
q_ult = 20 × 18 = 360 kN/m²
q_safe = 360 / 2.5 = 144 kN/m²

Comparison Table:
Test Type Ultimate Bearing Capacity Safe Bearing Capacity
(kN/m²) (kN/m²)
Plate Load Test 250 100
SPT (at 3m depth) 360 144
Conclusion:
• Plate Load Test is preferred for shallow foundations.
• SPT is useful for preliminary investigation and cohesionless soils.
• Use a combination of field and lab tests for best results.

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