Abstract:
During conventional plate load tests the stiffness of the ground is determined by measuring
the settlement of a plate placed on the ground surface. If the contact between the plate and
the ground is rough, bedding errors may occur during the test when plastic deformation
occurs at the contacts between the plate and the ground. This paper addresses the effect
of bedding errors on the accuracy of plate load tests. Three different surface preparation
methods were investigated. In addition, a modified plate load test was designed to eliminate
the effect of bedding errors that occur during these tests. Telescopic probes were used to
measure the relative displacement at two points below the centre of the plate. The stiffness
values, determined from the vertical displacement of the plate, were compared with the
internal stiffness values determined by means of the telescopic probes. All stiffness values
were compared with Continuous Surface Wave (CSW) measurements performed on the same
material. The test apparatus, methods and results are discussed in this paper.
