Plate Bearing Test Set
STANDART: ASTM D1195, D1196; BS 1377:9
LT-S0189 Plate Bearing Test Set | 1000 kN
LT-S0190 Plate Bearing Test Set | 300 kN
LT-S0191 Plate Bearing Test Set | 500 kN
LT-S0192 Plate Bearing Test Set | 300 kN
LT-S0193 Plate Bearing Test Set | 500 kN
The Plate Bearing Test Set is designed to determine the in-situ bearing capacity and load-settlement behaviour of soils, road subgrades, base and sub-base materials. Different 300 kN, 500 kN and 1000 kN configurations are available, together with analog and digital measurement options.
- In-situ bearing capacity testing: Evaluates soil response directly at the test location.
- Multiple load capacities: 300 kN, 500 kN and 1000 kN configurations are available.
- Hydraulic loading: High-capacity piston assembly applies controlled vertical loading.
- 700 bar hydraulic pump: LT-G9000 hand pump operates the hydraulic loading system.
- Analog pressure measurement: LT-G9005 pressure gauge allows applied load to be monitored.
- Three-point settlement measurement: Three dial indicators can monitor vertical displacement at separate locations.
- Dial indicator capacity: LT-G8001 provides 30 mm travel with 0.01 mm graduation.
- 2.4 m datum bar: Creates an independent reference for settlement measurements.
- Different loading plates: Ø305, Ø457, Ø610 and Ø762 mm plate options are available.
- Analog and digital models: Different configurations support conventional or digital load measurement.
- Field applications: Suitable for subgrade, base, sub-base, foundation and pavement evaluation.
- LT-S0190 dimensions: 86.5 × 33 × 60 cm.
- LT-S0190 weight: Approximately 120 kg.
| Product Code | Product Name | Capacity (kN) | Dimensions / Specification | Weight (kg) |
| LT-S0190 | Plate Bearing Test Set | 300 | 86.5 × 33 × 60 cm | 120 |
| LT-S0191 | Plate Bearing Test Set | 500 | — | — |
| LT-S0189 | Plate Bearing Test Set | 1000 | — | — |
| LT-S0192 | Digital Plate Bearing Test Set | 300 | — | — |
| LT-S0193 | Digital Plate Bearing Test Set | 500 | — | — |
| LT-S0190/1 | Piston Assembly | 300 | — | — |
| LT-S0191/1 | Piston Assembly | 500 | — | — |
| LT-S0189/1 | Piston Assembly | 1000 | — | — |
| LT-G9000 | Hydraulic Hand Pump | — | 700 bar | — |
| LT-G9005 | Analog Pressure Gauge | — | — | — |
| LT-S0194 | Datum Bar | — | 2.4 m | — |
| LT-G8001 | Analog Dial Indicator | — | 30 × 0.01 mm | — |
| LT-G8001/1 | Adjustable Dial Gauge Holder | — | Magnetic Base | — |
| LT-S0195 | Loading Plate | — | Ø12" (305 mm) | — |
| LT-S0196 | Loading Plate | — | Ø18" (457 mm) | — |
| LT-S0197 | Loading Plate | — | Ø24" (610 mm) | — |
| LT-S0198 | Loading Plate | — | Ø30" (762 mm) | — |
What Is a Plate Bearing Test Set?
The Plate Bearing Test Set is used to determine the in-situ bearing behaviour and deformation characteristics of soils and pavement materials under controlled vertical loading.
The test is performed directly on the prepared ground surface. A rigid loading plate is positioned on the soil, and a hydraulic loading system applies force to the plate. Settlement is measured simultaneously at defined load stages.
The resulting load-settlement relationship provides valuable information about the behaviour of subgrade soils, base and sub-base materials, foundations and pavement layers.
Liya Test offers analog and digital configurations with nominal capacities from 300 kN to 1000 kN.
300, 500 and 1000 kN Loading Options
The product family includes several loading capacities for different field requirements.
The LT-S0190 provides a nominal capacity of 300 kN, while the LT-S0191 provides 500 kN. For higher-load applications, the LT-S0189 configuration offers 1000 kN capacity.
Digital alternatives are also available. The LT-S0192 provides a 300 kN digital configuration, while the LT-S0193 covers the higher-capacity digital configuration.
This range allows laboratories and field-testing teams to select a suitable system according to the expected soil resistance and test programme.
Hydraulic Loading System
The loading force is generated by a hydraulic piston assembly.
For the 300 kN configuration, the LT-S0190/1 piston assembly is operated by the LT-G9000 hydraulic hand pump, which provides pressure up to 700 bar.
The operator gradually increases hydraulic pressure during the test. An analog pressure gauge allows the loading level to be monitored while settlement readings are recorded.
Higher-capacity piston assemblies are available for the 500 kN and 1000 kN configurations.
Three-Point Settlement Measurement
Settlement measurement is a critical part of the plate bearing test.
The system can use three analog dial indicators positioned around the loading plate. The LT-G8001 dial indicator provides 30 mm measuring travel with 0.01 mm graduation.
Using several measurement points helps the operator monitor vertical plate movement and identify irregular displacement during loading.
The dial indicators are mounted on adjustable holders with magnetic bases.
2.4 m Datum Bar
The LT-S0194 Datum Bar is 2.4 metres long and provides an independent reference for displacement measurements.
The reference system is positioned away from the direct loading zone. Dial indicators are then referenced against the datum bar so that plate settlement can be measured independently of movements in the hydraulic loading equipment.
This arrangement improves the consistency of field settlement measurements.
Different Loading Plate Diameters
Different loading plate diameters are available according to the required test configuration:
- LT-S0195: Ø12″ / 305 mm
- LT-S0196: Ø18″ / 457 mm
- LT-S0197: Ø24″ / 610 mm
- LT-S0198: Ø30″ / 762 mm
The selected plate diameter influences the loaded area and therefore needs to match the applicable test method and field conditions.
Liya’s current product configuration lists the 305 and 457 mm plates with the 300 kN set, while the 610 and 762 mm plates are associated with the higher-capacity configuration.
ASTM D1195/D1195M-21
The current ASTM D1195/D1195M-21 covers repetitive static plate load testing of soils and flexible pavement components.
The method is intended for in-place evaluation of subgrade soils and compacted pavement components. ASTM describes its use for determining strain modulus or evaluating the mechanical behaviour of pavement materials. The standard remains active.
ASTM D1196/D1196M-24
The current ASTM D1196/D1196M-24 covers nonrepetitive static plate load testing.
The method applies to subgrade soils and compacted pavement components in either their natural or compacted condition. Test results can be used for pavement evaluation and design, including determination of the modulus of subgrade reaction or related bearing behaviour. ASTM lists the 2024 edition as active.
BS 1377-9:2025
The current British reference is BS 1377-9:2025 — Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes — In-situ tests.
BSI published the current edition on 20 November 2025. The standard specifically includes the plate load test among its methods for determining in-situ vertical deformation and strength characteristics.
Therefore, the old generic BS 1377:9 reference on the Liya product page can now be updated to BS 1377-9:2025.
Field Evaluation of Soil Bearing Behaviour
The plate bearing test provides direct information about how a soil or pavement layer behaves under an applied static load.
Load is increased in controlled stages while settlement is monitored. The recorded values are used to develop a load-settlement curve and evaluate the deformation or bearing behaviour of the tested layer.
This makes the system suitable for road construction, airport pavements, subgrades, foundations, base courses and sub-base materials.
Overall, the Plate Bearing Test Set combines high-capacity hydraulic loading, several loading plate sizes and multi-point settlement measurement to provide a comprehensive field-testing solution for soil and pavement evaluation.
