Investigation of the natural soils and artificial fills using plate load test [Doǧal zeminlerin ve yapay dolgulari{dotless}n plaka yükleme deneyi ile İncelenmesi]

A plate load test apparatus,which can be used for direct measurement of bearing capacity and settlement of natural soils,improved soils and man-made fills,consists of rigid plates located on the ground,a dead load to apply pressure on the soil,a jack to transfer load and dial gauges to measure deflection. nowadays,this test is preferred for artificial fill compaction control of motorways and airfields more than the natural soils. the plate load test can also be used on rocks. besides having simple components and giving results quickly,the test has some limitations. shallow depth of influence is the most important limitation. test results are affected by humidity and density of the natural soil. in this study; details of the plate load test procedure are given which have advantages especially in determination of bearing capacity and settlement of fill grounds,important aspects which should be attended to interpret test results are emphasized and some sample cases are presented.