Test Setup: A steel plate (usually circular or square) is placed at the foundation level on the soil surface. The size of the plate can vary, but its typically between 300mm to 750mm in diameter.
Load Application: A hydraulic jack is used to apply load incrementally to the plate. The load is increased gradually, and the corresponding settlements are recorded at each increment.
Measurement: Dial gauges are placed to measure the settlement of the plate under each load increment. The load is increased until the plate experiences a rapid settlement rate, indicating the soils bearing capacity.
Data Analysis: The data collected is used to plot a load-settlement curve. The ultimate bearing capacity is determined by dividing the total load at the point of rapid settlement by the area of the plate2. The safe bearing capacity is then calculated by dividing the ultimate bearing capacity by a factor of safety (usually between 2 to 3)