Plate Load Test (PLT) :

The plate load test is a semi-direct method to estimate the allowable bearing pressure of soil to induce a given amount of settlement. Round plates varying in size, from 25 to76 cm and thickness of about 2.5 cm are employed for the test. The load on the plate is applied by making use of a hydraulic jack. The reaction of the jack load is taken by a loaded truck. The settlement of the plate is measured by a set of two dial gauges placed 180° apart. The dial gauges are fixed to independent supports which remain undisturbed during the test. This test is executed according to ASTM D1194 & ASTM D1195.

In situ California Bearing Ratio (CBR) :

This test method (according to ASTM D4429) covers the determination of the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of soil tested in place by comparing the penetration load of the soil to that of a standard material. This test method is used for evaluation and design of flexible pavement components such as base and subbase course and subgrades and for other applications (such as unsurfaced roads) for which CBR is the desired strength parameter.