Bearing Capacity of Shallow

Foundation using Field

tests
1

Course: Foundation Engineering

Engr. Sultan shah

Sultan.shah@cecos.edu.pk
Bearing capacity Calculation using Filed tests

Different field tests are available to explore and determine the strength of different soils
in field. Here, we will discuss the three field tests and their applications to calculate the
bearing capacity of foundation.

1. Standard Penetration test (SPT)

2. Plate load test

3. Cone Penetration test (CPT)

 2. Plate Load Test
• In some cases, conducting plate-load tests to determine the soil-bearing capacity of
foundations is desirable. The standard method for a plate-load test is given by the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) under Designation D-1195
(ASTM, 1997).
Procedure and Apparatus
• Circular steel bearing plates 162 to 760 mm (6 to 30 in.) in diameter and 305
mm 305 mm (1 ft x 1 ft) square plates are used for this type of test.
• To conduct the test, one must have
a pit of depth Df excavated.
• The width of the test pit should
be at least four times the width of
the bearing plate to be used for
the test.
1. Plate Load Test
Procedure and Apparatus
• The bearing plate is placed on the soil at
the bottom of the pit, and an
incremental load on the bearing plate is
applied.
• After the application of an incremental
load, enough time is allowed for settlement
to occur.
• When the settlement of the bearing plate
becomes negligible, another
incremental load is applied.
• In this manner, a load-settlement plot can
be obtained, as shown in Figure.

Determination of Pu or qult
from PLT graph

qult = Pu/Arae of plate

For sandy soils
 2. Cone Penetration test (CPT)
• Cone penetrometer testing (CPT) is a fast, effective but relatively expensive system
as compared to SPT for collecting important soils parameters during a
geotechnical site investigation.
• When used in conjunction with conventional drilling and sampling methods, it
provides a more complete description of the subsurface conditions, thereby reducing
uncertainty in design and construction.
Procedure and Apparatus
• Testing equipment consists of a cone on the end of a series of rods that are pushed
hydraulically into the ground.
• The typical rate of penetration is 2 centimeters per second (~1 in/s), or 91 meters per
hour (~300 ft/h).
• CPTs can be performed to depths exceeding 100 meters (~300 ft) with large-capacity
pushing equipment.
• CPT logging is fast and economical, particularly in soft soils.
• CPT with modern equipment provides continuous readings of:
1. point load or tip resistance (qc)
2. Sides or sleeve friction (fs)
3. porewater pressure (u)
1. tip resistance (qc)
2. Sides or sleeve friction
(fs)
3. Rf=Friction ratio= fs/
qc
4.porewater pressure (u)
Rf=1 for sand
Rf>1 for cohesive soils
Bearing Capacity using CPT
Meyerhof (1956)
Bearing Capacity using CPT
Schmertmann (1978)