The plate bearing test is carried out in accordance with BS1377:Part 9:1990. This service is used by construction companies, contractors and civil engineers.

How is a plate bearing test done?

The test consists of loading a steel plate of known diameter and recording the settlements obtained at set load increments. The size of the plate depends upon the particle size of the material being tested and the available plant on site to act as kentledge. Load is applied through the plate to the area being tested. By measuring the load/area and plotting the corresponding pressure against the ground deformation, the load bearing capacity and the settlement behaviour of the ground can be evaluated.

How long does it take to get the results?

On an average site we would aim to carry out around 6-8 plate bearing tests in a day. 

Our new system for Plate Load testing ‘Baseplate’ has been designed in-house by our expert software development team.  It allows results to be entered on site via laptops into a dedicated application that allows instant calculation and upload of results to our dedicated client portal for validation.   When testing is complete a site attendance form is immediately emailed to the client detailing preliminary results found.  Once validated the final UKAS accredited report is then able to be issued, usually on the same day as the testing was carried out. 

The client is then given their own user name and password to access their own area of the portal where they can retrieve all historical tests reports that have been carried out for them using the system.

  • We're based in Derby, in The Midlands, and operate all over the UK
  • We're known for our prompt, reliable and competitively priced service
  • Our plate bearing test reports are usually with the client the same day