This Plate Bearing Test determines the Soil bearing capacity by the application of an increasing pressure on a foundation formed by a circular plate loaded against a reaction frame and measuring the associated vertical displacement (settlement).
Results are typically used for calculating the Soil stiffness in term of Deformation Modulus and Subgrade Reaction Modulus.
 
CONTROLS propose many types of Plate Bearing Test Apparatus depending on reference Standards, hydraulic cylinder capacities, plate dimensions, measuring bridges shape, analogue, digital or electronic readings.
This document specifically refers to the DIN models.
Four different DIN models are available:

Hydraulic assembly
All models use a dual flow hand pump connected to the cylinder with flexible hydraulic hose 3-meter long.
The assembly comprises two spherical seats: the lower transfers the reaction load to the plate; the upper, mounted at the top end of the loading column, is magnetic for simplifying the test execution.
Extension rods are included to close the gap between upper spherical seat and reaction frame.
The entire hydraulic assembly is housed in a plastic wheeled carrying case standard included.

Plate and measuring tunnel
The loading plate is made in high strength structural steel 300 mm diameter. The measuring tunnel, being the reference point for the measuring bridge, is mounted on this plate.
A protection jig is fitted on the steel plate to prevent any buckling of the hydraulic cylinder.
Additional 600 and 762 m dia. plates are available as accessories.

Measuring bridge
Made in aluminium alloy, lightweight, transportable, quick to assembly on site, features 3 adjustable supports and an in-built spirit level. The measuring arm adopts a zero friction - linear bearing solution. The displacement (settlement) measuring device (dial gauge or electronic transducer) is tightly fixed on the arm.
The telescopic arm, with 120 mm stroke, allows precise adjustment of the reference point at the centre of the plate.
The entire measuring bridge assembly can be housed inside a wooden carrying case available as accessory (35-T1100/BC)
 
Load and displacement (settlement) measurement
Two alternatives measuring options are available: