HMP PDGpro - Static Plate Load Test - operation manual

The Static Plate Load Test applies in earthworks and foundation engineering as well as road construction in order to determine load settlement lines and by this to evaluate the deformability and the load capacity of the soil. The static plate load test is indicated in DIN 18 134, ASTM D1195/1196, BS 1377 Part 9:1990-08, NF P 94 - 117-1 and more. With the static plate load test the examining soil layer is repeatedly in steps loaded and relieved by a circular load plate by means of a load device. Via the load equipment (hydraulic pump with pneumatic cylinder) the load applies to the plate in 6-8 equal load steps. The settlement measuring instrument consists of the carrier frame with sensing arm and dial gauge. As a counterbalance of the load device a heavy-weight vehicle is used. The indentation of the load plate into the soil, generated with every load step, is indicated via the dial gauge. The settlements of every load step and the corresponding mean normal stress below the load plate appear as test values. Subsequent to the last load step the relief and a second loading similar to the first loading takes place. For the test evaluation these values are shown in a corresponding diagramme as load settlement lines. The modulus of deformation Ev is determined from the load settlement line of the first load (Ev1) and the second load (Ev2). Through the first loading a certain remaining deformation always obtains and therefore the proportion of the accordingly higher Ev2 value to the Ev1 value provides an indication to the attained compaction. The test results and the load settlement lines can be read with the HMP PDGpro directly on the display and can be printed out immediately at the site via thermal printer or be revised later in the office on PC.