PLATE BEARING TEST AZA0929
The Azalab AZA0929 Plate Bearing Test Equipment is a complete, field-proven system designed to conduct Plate Bearing Tests (Plate Load Tests) for direct determination of soil bearing capacity and foundation settlement characteristics. This test is one of the most reliable in-situ methods for evaluating soil behavior under actual loading conditions and is essential for the design and validation of foundations, pavements, and heavy civil structures.
The AZA0929 system is widely used by geotechnical engineers, consultants, contractors, and infrastructure developers across India for critical construction projects where accurate soil performance data is mandatory
Description
Principle of Plate Bearing Test
The Plate Bearing Test involves applying a static load incrementally on a rigid steel plate placed at foundation level and measuring the corresponding settlement. The resulting load–settlement curve is used to determine:
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Ultimate bearing capacity of soil
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Safe bearing pressure
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Settlement behavior under working loads
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Modulus of subgrade reaction (k-value) for pavement design
The AZA0929 system enables accurate execution of this test in accordance with Indian and international standards.
System Components and Working Method
Loading System
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High-capacity hydraulic jack operated via a manual hand pump
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Load applied gradually in defined increments
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Load measurement via calibrated pressure gauge or optional digital load cell
Reaction System (arranged by user)
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Kentledge (concrete blocks / steel weights), or
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Reaction frame with anchors / piles
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Reaction load ≥ 1.5 × maximum test load (as per IS 1888)
Bearing Plates
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Rigid machined steel plates
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Circular plates ensure uniform stress distribution
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Multiple diameters available for different test requirements
Settlement Measurement
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3 or 4 high-precision dial gauges mounted symmetrically
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Readings taken against an independent rigid reference beam (datum bar)
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Optional LVDT sensors with digital data logger for advanced monitoring
Key Features of AZA0929
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High-capacity hydraulic jacks (up to 1000 Ton optional)
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Accurate load application and measurement
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High-resolution settlement measurement system
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Heavy-duty rigid steel bearing plates
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Stable datum bar for disturbance-free readings
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Modular, portable field-ready design
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Robust construction for harsh site conditions
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Supplied as a comprehensive testing kit
Applications
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Shallow foundation design (buildings, towers, tanks)
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Pavement and rigid road design (k-value determination)
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Validation of geotechnical investigation results
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Quality assurance for foundation construction
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Infrastructure projects: bridges, flyovers, industrial plants, dams
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Correlation with SPT, CPT, and other soil tests
Standards Compliance
Designed to perform tests in full compliance with:
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IS 1888:1982 (Reaffirmed 2021) – Method for Load Test on Soils
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ASTM D1194 – Static Plate Load Test for Bearing Capacity
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ASTM D1195 / ASTM D1196 – Repetitive & Non-repetitive Plate Load Tests
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | AZA0929 |
| Product Type | Plate Bearing Test Equipment |
| Test Method | Static Load Application with Settlement Measurement |
| Hydraulic Jack Capacity | 50T / 100T / 200T / 500T / 1000T (as specified) |
| Hand Pump | Manual, high-pressure, double-acting |
| Load Measurement | Pressure Gauge (standard) Digital Load Cell (optional) |
| Bearing Plate Material | Rigid machined steel |
| Bearing Plate Sizes | 300 mm, 450 mm, 600 mm, 750 mm (custom sizes available) |
| Settlement Gauges | 3 or 4 dial gauges |
| Dial Gauge Resolution | 0.01 mm |
| Dial Gauge Range | 25 mm or 50 mm |
| Reference Beam | Rigid datum bar, approx. 5–6 m length |
| Optional Sensors | LVDT with digital data logger |
| Reaction System | Not included (kentledge / anchors by user) |
| Accuracy | Load: ±1% FS Settlement: as per gauge resolution |
| Construction | Heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant |
| Portability | Modular, site-friendly |
| Country of Origin | Made in India |
| Standards | IS 1888, ASTM D1194 |
Included Components (Typical Supply)
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Hydraulic jack (selected capacity)
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Manual hydraulic hand pump
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Pressure gauge or digital load cell
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Bearing plates (selected diameters)
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Dial gauges with magnetic bases
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Rigid datum bar with supports
(Reaction load system not included)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What does the AZA0929 Plate Bearing Test determine?
It determines the ultimate bearing capacity of soil and estimates foundation settlement directly at site.
Q2. Is this test mandatory for all foundations?
It is especially recommended for heavy structures, pavements, and where soil conditions are variable or critical.
Q3. What plate sizes are commonly used?
Standard sizes include 300 mm, 450 mm, 600 mm, and 750 mm diameter plates.
Q4. Does AZA0929 comply with Indian Standards?
Yes, it is designed strictly as per IS 1888.
Q5. Can digital settlement and load measurement be provided?
Yes, optional LVDTs and digital load cells with data logging are available.
Product Summary
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Model: AZA0929
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Complete plate bearing test system for in-situ soil evaluation
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Accurate bearing capacity and settlement determination
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Complies with IS 1888 and ASTM D1194
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Multiple jack capacities and plate sizes available
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Robust, portable, and field-ready design
AZA0929 – Reliable foundation decisions start with accurate ground truth.
Additional information
| Model |
AZA 0929 |
|---|---|
| Product Type |
Plate Bearing Test Equipment (Plate Load Test Apparatus) |
| Test Principle |
Static Load Application with Settlement Measurement |
| Construction |
Robust, durable, and corrosion-resistant materials for field use. |
| Portability |
Components designed for modular assembly and transport. |
| Country of Origin |
Made in India. |
| Standards Compliance |
IS 1888:1982 (Reaffirmed 2021), ASTM D1194. |
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Principle of Operation
A soil paste prepared at known moisture content is placed in the sample cup. The standardized cone, attached to a calibrated weight, is released using the semi-automatic clutch mechanism, allowing free fall penetration into the soil. After the specified time (typically 5 seconds), the penetration depth is measured using a high-precision dial gauge. The moisture content corresponding to a penetration of 20 mm is considered the liquid limit of the soil, as defined in IS and BS standards.SOIL CONE PENETROMETER AZA0851
Principle of Operation
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- IS 2720 (Part 5) – Determination of liquid and plastic limits
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