This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D1196/D1196M − 21

Standard Test Method for

Nonrepetitive Static Plate Tests of Soils and Flexible
Pavement Components for Use in Evaluation and Design of
Airport and Highway Pavements1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1196/D1196M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope 2.2 AASHTO Standard:3

T 222 Standard Method of Test for Nonrepetitive Static Plate
1.1 This test method covers the apparatus and procedure for
Load Tests of Soils and Flexible Pavement Components
making nonrepetitive static plate load tests on subgrade soils
for Use in Evaluation and Design of Airport and Highway
and compacted pavement components, in either the compacted
Pavements
condition or the natural state, and is to provide data for use in
2.3 German Standard:4
the evaluation and design of rigid and flexible-type airport and
DIN 18134 Soil—Testing Procedures and Testing
highway pavements.
Equipment—Plate Load Test
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The 3. Terminology
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; 3.1 Definitions:
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. 3.1.1 deflection, n—the amount of downward vertical move-
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon- ment of a surface due to the application of a load to the surface.
formance with the standard. 3.1.2 modulus of subgrade reaction (ks), n—the ratio of the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the normal stress σ0 under an area load to the associated settle-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the ments “s.”
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.3 plate load test, n—a test in which a load is repeatedly
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- applied and released in increments using a circular loading
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. plate aided by a loading device, with the settlement of the
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- loading plate being measured.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.1.4 rebound deflection, n—the amount of vertical rebound
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the of a surface that occurs when a load is removed from the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- surface.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.5 residual deflection, n—the difference between original
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
and final elevations of a surface resulting from the application
and removal of one or more loads to and from the surface.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.6 strain modulus (Ev), n—parameter expressing the
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 deformation characteristics of a soil, calculated from the
A572/A572M Specification for High-Strength Low-Alloy secants of the load settlement curves obtained from the first or
Columbium-Vanadium Structural Steel repeat loading cycle between points 0.3 – σ0max and 0.7 –
σ0max.

1
4. Summary of Test Method
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E17 on Vehicle
- Pavement Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E17.41 on 4.1 This test method covers the apparatus and procedure for
Pavement Testing and Evaluation. making nonrepetitive static plate load tests on subgrade soils
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2021. Published August 2021. Originally
approved in 1952. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D1196/D1196M – 12
3
(2016). DOI: 10.1520/D1196_D1196M-21. Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM http://www.transportation.org.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.(DIN), Am DIN-Platz,
the ASTM website. Burggrafenstrasse 6, 10787 Berlin, Germany, http://www.din.de.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D1196/D1196M − 21
and compacted pavement components, in either the compacted and having diameters ranging from 152 to 762 mm [6 to
condition or the natural state, and is to provide data for use in 30 in.]. The diameters of adjacent plates in the pyramid
the evaluation and design of rigid and flexible-type airport and arrangement shall not differ by more than 152 mm [6 in.].
highway pavements.
NOTE 1—A minimum of four different plate sizes is recommended for
5. Significance and Use pavement design or evaluation purposes. For evaluation purposes alone, a
single plate may be used, provided that its area is equal to the tire-contact
5.1 Field, in-place nonrepetitive static plate load tests are area corresponding to what may be considered as the most critical
used for the evaluation and design of pavement structures. combination of conditions of wheel load and tire pressure. For the purpose
Nonrepetitive static plate load tests are performed on soils and of providing data indicative of bearing index (for example, the determi-
nation of relative subgrade support throughout a period of a year), a single
unbound base and subbase materials to determine the modulus
plate of any selected size may be used.
of subgrade reaction or a measure of the shear strength of
pavement components. 6.2.4 Dial Gauges, three or more, graduated in units of
0.01 mm [0.001 in.] and capable of recording a maximum
6. Apparatus deflection of 25.4 mm [1 in.], or other equivalent deflection-
6.1 Presented below are analog and digital configurations measuring devices.
with manual and electronic data collection methods. It is 6.2.5 Deflection Beam—A beam upon which the dial gauges
intended that either apparatus configuration is suitable for shall be mounted. The beam shall be a 64-mm [21⁄2-in.]
performing all of the test methods presented in Section 11. standard black pipe or a 76 by 76 by 6-mm [3 by 3 by 1⁄4-in.]
6.2 The following apparatus describes the analog or dial steel angle, or equivalent. It shall be at least 5.5 m [18 ft] long
gauge system that requires the data to be collected manually. and shall rest on supports located at least 2.4 m [8 ft] from the
6.2.1 Loading Device—A truck or trailer or a combination circumference of the bearing plate or nearest wheel or support-
of both a tractor-trailer, an anchored frame, or other structure ing leg. The entire deflection-measuring system shall be
loaded with sufficient weight to produce the desired reaction on adequately shaded from direct rays of the sun.
the surface under test. The supporting points (wheels in the 6.2.6 Miscellaneous Tools, including a spirit level, for
case of a truck or trailer) shall be at least 2.4 m [8 ft] from the preparation of the surface to be tested and for operation of the
circumference of the largest diameter bearing plate being used. equipment.
The dead load shall be at least 5675 kg [25 000 lb]. 6.2.7 Fig. 1 shows a typical analog system configuration
6.2.2 Hydraulic Jack Assembly, with a spherical bearing with dial gauges and requires manual data collection.
attachment, capable of applying and releasing the load in
increments. The jack shall have sufficient capacity for applying 6.3 This subsection describes the digital system using a
the maximum load required, and shall be equipped with an displacement transducer and load cell to capture the data
accurately calibrated gauge or proving ring that will indicate during the test procedure. The description below is in compli-
the magnitude of the applied load. ance with DIN 18134.
6.2.3 Bearing Plates—A set of circular steel bearing plates 6.3.1 Plate Loading Apparatus, consisting of a loading
not less than 25.4 mm [1 in.] in thickness, machined so that plate, an adjustable spirit level, and a loading system with
they can be arranged in a pyramid fashion to ensure rigidity, hydraulic pump and jack assembly with high-pressure hose.

FIG. 1 Analog System Configuration

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6.3.2 Devices for measuring the load applied and the the hydraulic jack to be increased to at least 1.000 mm.
settlement of the loading plate at right angles to the loaded Suitable means shall be provided to prevent buckling of these
surface; means of calculating the strain modulus. elements.
6.3.3 The reaction loading system shall produce a reaction 6.3.8 Force-Measuring Apparatus:
load which is at least 10 kN greater than the maximum test load 6.3.8.1 A mechanical or electrical force transducer shall be
required. It may be a loaded truck or roller or any other object fitted between the loading plate and the hydraulic jack. It shall
of sufficient mass. measure the load on the plate with a maximum permissible
6.3.4 Loading plates shall be made of Specification A572/ error of 1 % of the maximum test load.
A572M Gr. 50 (EN10025 grade S355J0) steel or equivalent 6.3.8.2 The stress shall be indicated at a resolution of at
material with the same stiffness and hardness. They shall be least 0.001 MPa for a 300-mm loading plate and at least
machined so as to have the flatness and roughness tolerances in 0.0001 MPa for 600-mm and 762-mm loading plates.
accordance with Figs. 2 and 3. The loading plate shall have two 6.3.8.3 The resolution of the force-measuring system shall
handles (see Fig. 2). be equivalent to that of the force transducer. The above
6.3.5 Loading plates with a diameter of 300 mm shall have requirements apply for temperatures from 0 °C to 40 °C.
a minimum thickness of 25 mm.
6.3.9 Settlement-Measuring Device:
6.3.6 Loading plates with a diameter of 600 mm or 762 mm
shall have a minimum thickness of 20 mm and be provided 6.3.9.1 The arrangement in Fig. 4 shows a settlement-
with equally spaced stiffeners with even upper faces parallel to measuring device with a rotatable contact arm (see Fig. 4(a))
the plate bottom face to allow the 300-mm plate to be placed and one with a contact arm capable of being moved horizon-
on top of it. Centering pins, and also clamps, if necessary, shall tally in axial direction (that is, with a slide bearing, see Fig.
be provided to hold the upper plate in position (see Fig. 3). 4(b)) or direct measurement with gauge (Fig. 4(1b)) in the
6.3.7 Loading System: middle of the plate.
6.3.7.1 The loading system consists of a hydraulic pump 6.3.9.2 The measuring device with a rotatable contact arm is
connected to a hydraulic jack via a high-pressure hose with a only suitable for tests in excavations up to 0.3 m deep. The
minimum length of 2 m. The system shall be capable of measuring device with a contact arm capable of being moved
applying and releasing the load in stages. horizontally in axial direction—or direct measuring—can also
6.3.7.2 For the pressure to be properly applied, the hydrau- be used in deeper excavations.
lic jack shall be hinged on both sides and secured against 6.3.10 The settlement-measuring device consists of:
tilting. The pressure piston shall act through at least 150 mm. 6.3.10.1 A frame supported at three points (see “2” in Fig.
6.3.7.3 The height of the plate loading apparatus during 4).
operation should not exceed 600 mm. In order to compensate 6.3.10.2 A vertically adjustable, torsion-proof, rigid contact
for differences in the heights of the vehicles used as reaction arm (see “4” in Fig. 4), a displacement transducer, or dial
loads, elements shall be provided that allow the initial length of gauge (see “1,” “1a,” or “1b” in Fig. 4).

FIG. 2 300-mm Loading Plate with Measuring Tunnel

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 D1196/D1196M − 21

FIG. 3 Loading Plate 600 mm or 762 mm in Diameter with Equally Distributed Stiffeners

6.3.10.3 The distance from the center of the loading plate to 8. Preparation of Apparatus
the centerline of the support shall be at least 1.5 m and shall not 8.1 The following procedure shall be used to set up the
be greater than 1.6 m (see Fig. 4). apparatus for manually collecting data while performing the
6.3.10.4 The hp:hM ratio (see Fig. 4(a)) shall not exceed 2.0. nonrepetitive static plate load test to determine bearing
The setting of the assembly shall be capable of being locked so strength.
that the hp:hM ratio does not change during measurement.
8.1.1 Carefully center a bearing plate of the selected diam-
6.3.10.5 The settlement-measuring device shall be capable
eter under the jack assembly. Set the remaining plates of
of measuring the settlement of the loading plate with a
smaller diameter concentric with, and on top of, the bearing
maximum permissible error of 0.04 mm in the measuring range
plate.
up to 10 mm when using a 300-mm or 600-mm loading plate,
and in the measuring range up to 15 mm when using a 762-mm 8.1.2 The loading plate shall lie on, and be in full contact
loading plate. with, the test surface. If necessary, make a thin bed (that is,
6.3.10.6 The indication shall have a resolution of at least only a few millimeters in thickness) of a mixture of sand and
0.01 mm. gypsum plaster, of gypsum plaster alone, or of fine sand, using
6.3.10.7 The above requirements apply for temperatures the least quantity of materials required for uniform bearing.
from 0 °C to 40 °C. The plate shall be bedded on this surface by turning and
slightly tapping on its upper face. When using gypsum plaster
7. Hazards as bedding material, the plate shall be greased on its underside.
Any excess gypsum plaster shall be removed with the spatula
7.1 The loading device should be secured to avoid move- before it sets. Testing shall not begin until the gypsum plaster
ment during the test. has set.
7.2 Operators should wear head protection when working 8.1.3 To prevent loss of moisture from the subgrade during
under and around the loading device during the assembly/ the load test, cover the exposed subgrade to a distance of 1.8 m
disassembly of the apparatus and performing the test. [6 ft] from the circumference of the bearing plate with a
7.3 The operator should avoid placing their hands between tarpaulin or waterproof paper.
the loading device and the hydraulic jack assembly. 8.1.4 Where unconfined load tests are to be made at a depth
below the surface, remove the surrounding material to provide
7.4 Use proper lifting techniques when moving base plates a clearance equal to one and one half bearing plate diameters
and transport cases to avoid back injury. from the edge of the bearing plate. For confined tests, the
7.5 De-energize the hydraulic jack and piston prior to diameter of the excavated circular area shall be just sufficient to
disassembling the testing apparatus. accommodate the selected bearing plate.

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FIG. 4 Examples of Settlement-Measuring Devices (dimensions in meters)

8.1.5 Use a sufficient number of dial gauges, so located and the nonrepetitive static plate load test with digital instrumen-
fixed in position as to indicate the average deflection of the tation to determine bearing strength.
bearing plate. The three gauges shall be set at an angle of 120° 8.2.1 An area sufficiently large to receive the loading plate
from each other, and equidistant from the circumference of the shall be levelled using suitable tools (for example, steel
bearing plate, and near each extremity of a diameter of the straightedge or trowel) or by turning or working the loading
bearing plate, 25.4 mm [1 in.] from the circumference. plate back and forth. Any loose material shall be removed.
8.2 The following procedure shall be used to set up the 8.2.2 The loading plate shall lie on, and be in full contact
apparatus for automatically collecting data while performing with, the test surface. If necessary, make a thin bed (that is,

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 D1196/D1196M − 21
only a few millimeters in thickness) of a mixture of sand and plate load test is carried out. The density of the soil under test
gypsum plaster, of gypsum plaster alone, or of fine sand, using shall remain as unchanged as possible.
the least quantity of materials required for uniform bearing. 10.3 For fine-grained soil (for example, silt, clay), the plate
The plate shall be bedded on this surface by turning and load test can only be carried out and evaluated satisfactorily if
slightly tapping on its upper face. When using gypsum plaster the soil is relatively stiff or firm in consistency. In case of
as bedding material, the plate shall be greased on its underside. doubt, the consistency of the soil under the test can be checked
Any excess gypsum plaster shall be removed with the spatula with a small adjacent test pit at various depths up to a depth, d,
before it sets. Testing shall not begin until the gypsum plaster below ground level (d = diameter of loading plate).
has set.
8.2.3 To prevent loss of moisture from the subgrade during 11. Procedure
the load test, cover the exposed subgrade to a distance of 1.8 m
11.1 The following procedure is presented for performing
[6 ft] from the circumference of the bearing plate with a
the nonrepetitive static plate load test to determine bearing
tarpaulin or waterproof paper.
strength.
8.2.4 The hydraulic jack shall be placed onto the middle of, 11.1.1 Each individual set of displacement readings shall be
and at right angles to, the loading plate beneath the reaction averaged, and this value is recorded as the average settlement
loading system and secured against tilting. The minimum reading if dial gauges are being used.
clearance between the loading plate and contact area of the 11.1.2 After the equipment has been properly arranged, with
reaction load shall be 0.75 m for a 300-mm plate, 1.10 m for a all of the dead load (jack, plates, and so forth) acting, seat the
600-mm plate, and 1.30 m for a 762-mm plate (see Fig. 4(a)). bearing plate and assembly by the quick application and release
8.2.5 The reaction load shall be secured against displace- of a load sufficient to produce a deflection of not less than
ment at right angles to the direction of loading. Care shall be 0.25 mm [0.01 in.] nor more than 0.51 mm [0.02 in.], as
taken to ensure that the loading system remains stable through- indicated by the dials. When the dial needles come to rest
out the test. These requirements also apply to inclined test following release of this load, reseat the plate by applying one
surfaces. half of the recorded load producing the 0.25 to 0.51-mm [0.01
8.2.6 Measurement of settlement shall be carried out using to 0.02-in.] deflection. When the dial needles have then again
a displacement transducer. come to rest, set each dial accurately at its zero mark.
8.2.7 In order to measure settlement, the stylus or displace- 11.1.3 Apply loads at a moderately rapid rate in uniform
ment transducer (see Fig. 4) shall be placed in the center of the increments. The magnitude of each load increment shall be
loading plate. The distance between the support for the small enough to permit the recording of a sufficient number of
supporting frame and the area taken up by the reaction load load-deflection points to produce an accurate load-deflection
shall be at least 1.25 m. The transducer shall be set up so as to curve (not less than six). After each increment of load has been
be vertical (see Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b)). applied, maintain the load until a rate of deflection of not more
8.2.8 When placing the loading plate, care shall be taken to than 0.03 mm [0.001 in.]/min occurs for 3 min consecutively.
ensure that the stylus of the contact arm can be passed without Record load and deflection readings for each load increment.
hindrance into the measuring tunnel in the plinth of the loading Continue this procedure until the selected total deflection has
plate and positioned centrally on the plate. been obtained or until the load capacity of the apparatus has
8.2.9 The settlement-measuring device shall be protected been reached, whichever occurs first. At this point, maintain
from sunlight and wind. Care shall be taken to ensure that the the load until an increased deflection of not more than 0.03 mm
device and the reaction loading system are not subjected to [0.001 in.]/min for 3 min consecutively occurs. Record the
vibration during the test. total deflection, after which release the load to the load at
which the dial gauges were set at zero, and maintain this
9. Calibration and Standardization zero-setting load until the rate of recovery does not exceed
9.1 Load cells, displacement transducers, analog or digital 0.03 mm [0.001 in.]/min for 3 min consecutively. Record the
gauges, and pressure gauges that make up the plate loading deflection at the zero-setting load.
apparatus shall be calibrated before delivery or after repairs. 11.1.4 From a thermometer suspended near the bearing
plate, read and record the air temperature at half-hour intervals.
9.2 Calibration of the components should be performed
once a year. 11.2 The procedure presented below shall be used when
determining modulus of subgrade reaction in accordance with
10. Conditioning DIN 18134.
11.2.1 Preloading must be done prior to starting the test. The
10.1 The plate load test may be carried out on coarse- force transducer and displacement transducer shall be set to
grained and composite soils as well as on stiff to firm zero, after which a load shall be applied corresponding to a
fine-grained soils. Care shall be taken to ensure that the loading stress of 0.005 MPa when using a 762-mm plate. The reading
plate is not placed directly on particles larger than one quarter of the transducer shall not be reset to zero until at least 30 s
of its diameter. after the preload has been applied.
10.2 In the case of rapidly drying, granular sand, or soil 11.2.2 If a test proceeds in an unexpected manner (for
which has formed a surface crust that has been disturbed in its example, if the loading plate tips or sinks rapidly), the soil at
upper zone, the disturbed layer shall be removed before the the test site shall be dug up to a depth equal to the plate

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 D1196/D1196M − 21
diameter. If any local inhomogeneity is encountered (for where:
example, stones or soil of varying consistency), this shall be ks = modulus of subgrade reaction, MN/m3,
recorded. σ0 = average normal stress, MN/m2, and
11.2.3 For soils of low particle strength (for example, s* = settlement of the loading plate, m.
volcanic scoria), or where rapid deformation of the soil as the NOTE 2—In road and airfield construction, the normal stress, σ0,
loading increases indicates imminent failure, the plate load test corresponding to a settlement* of the loading plate of 1.25 mm (see Fig.
5), shall be measured using a 762-mm loading plate.
shall be terminated at lower normal stress values.
11.2.4 If, during the loading cycle, a higher load than 12.3.1 When the shape of the load-settlement curve requires
intended is inadvertently applied, this load shall be maintained a correction of the origin, a tangent shall be drawn at the point
and a note made in the test report. of inflexion so as to intersect the axis of settlement s* at O*.
11.2.5 In order to determine the modulus of subgrade 13. Report
reaction, ks, for use in the design of road and airfield
13.1 In addition to the continuous listing of all load,
pavements, a 762-mm loading plate shall be used. A preload of
deflection, and temperature data, a record shall also be made of
0.005 MN/m2 shall be maintained until the rate of settlement of
all associated conditions and observations pertaining to the test
the plate is less than 0.02 mm/min.
including the following:
11.2.6 The load shall then be applied in increments produc- 13.1.1 Date.
ing normal stresses of 0.04 MPa, 0.08 MPa, 0.14 MPa, and 13.1.2 Time of beginning and completion of test.
0.20 MPa. At each stage the load shall be maintained until the 13.1.3 List of personnel.
rate of settlement of the plate becomes less than 0.02 mm/min. 13.1.4 Weather conditions.
The load may be released with one intermediate stage at a 13.1.5 Any irregularity in routine procedure.
normal stress of 0.08 MPa. 13.1.6 Any unusual conditions observed at the test site.
13.1.7 Any unusual observations made during the test.
12. Calculation or Interpretation of Results 13.1.8 Location of test site.
12.1 From the data obtained by the procedure, plot the total 13.1.9 Diameter of the loading plates.
or unit load in Newtons [pounds-force] for each increment 13.1.10 Type of settlement-measuring device used, includ-
against the corresponding settlement in millimeters [inches]. ing lever ratio, if relevant.
Also plot the recovery after full release of load. Correction 13.1.11 Type of soil.
should be made for the zero-deflection point, taking into 13.1.12 Type of bedding material below the plate.
account the dead weight of the equipment and the seating load. 13.1.13 Settlement readings and corresponding normal
From this graph, the relation of load and total deflection for stresses; load-settlement curves.
that load, and the relation of rebound and residual deflection 13.1.14 Description of the soil conditions below the plate
for the maximum load used, may be obtained. after testing.
12.2 Develop a load-settlement curve following the steps 14. Precision and Bias
below: 14.1 The precision and bias of this test method for making
12.2.1 For each load increment, the average normal stress, nonrepetitive static plate load tests on subgrade soils and
σ0, and the associated settlement reading, M, shall be recorded flexible pavement components has not been determined. Soils
on the dial gauge or displacement transducer. For the assembly and flexible pavement components at the same location may
shown in Fig. 4(b), the settlement, s, shall be equal to the exhibit significantly different load deflection relationships. No
reading, M. For the assembly shown in Fig. 4(a), s is to be method presently exists to evaluate the precision of a group of
obtained by multiplying the settlement reading, M, by the lever nonrepetitive plate load tests on soils and flexible pavement
ratio hp:hM, in accordance with Eq 1: components because of the variability of these materials. The
hp subcommittee is seeking pertinent data from users of this test
s 5 s M· (1) method that may be used to develop meaningful statements of
hM
precision and bias.
12.3 The modulus of subgrade reaction, ks, in MN/m3, shall
be calculated using Eq 2: 15. Keywords
σ0 σ0 15.1 bearing capacity; bearing plate; deflection; pavements;
ks 5 5 (2)
s* 0.00125 plate load tests

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 D1196/D1196M − 21

FIG. 5 Load-Settlement Curve for Determining the Modulus of Subgrade Reaction, ks

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. CALIBRATION OF PLATE LOADING APPARATUS

A1.1 General A1.1.4 Prior to each calibration, the apparatus shall be

A1.1.1 The plate loading apparatus is calibrated to verify its checked for mechanical damage and proper functioning of all
proper functioning and to ensure compliance of the loading and components. The results shall be stated in the calibration
settlement-measuring devices with requirements. report.
A1.1.2 Calibration shall be carried out by a body that uses A1.1.5 Calibrated loading and settlement-measuring de-
instruments with certified traceability. vices shall be durably marked with labels giving the name and
A1.1.3 Calibration of the plate loading apparatus shall be address of the calibration body and the validity of calibration.
repeated at regular intervals to ensure performance of the
loading test in accordance with this standard.

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A1.2 Check of Plate Loading Apparatus for Compliance stage to stage shall be completed within 1 min. The load shall
with Requirements be released in four stages (Nos. 6, 4, 2, and 1 according to
A1.2.1 It shall be checked whether the plate loading appa- Table A1.1). Whether loading or unloading, the interval be-
ratus fulfills the requirements regarding: tween the end of one stage and the start of the next shall be
A1.2.1.1 Dimensions of loading plate (see 6.3.4 – 6.3.6). 2 min, during which time the load shall be maintained. Each
A1.2.1.2 Indication (limit of error) and resolution of the load shall be set on the force-measuring system, read on the
force-measuring system (see 6.3.8). reference compressive force transducer, and recorded in the
A1.2.1.3 Indication (limit of error) and resolution of the calibration report.
settlement-measuring device (see 6.3.10.5 and 6.3.10.6). A1.4.1.3 Calibration shall be carried out at an ambient
A1.2.1.4 Distance between center of loading plate and temperature between 10 °C and 35 °C. The error of measure-
centerline of support of contact arm assembly (see 6.3.10.3). ment in the indication, q, in %, is calculated as in Eq A1.1 in
A1.2.1.5 Lever ratio of settlement-measuring device (see relation to Fmax:
6.3.10.4).
Fi 2 F
q5 ·100 (A1.1)
A1.3 Apparatus and Equipment Used for Calibration and F max
Functional Testing where:
A1.3.1 Force-Measuring System—The following is required Fi = force indicated on the force-measuring system, kN,
for calibration of the force-measuring system: F = force indicated on the reference compressive force
A1.3.1.1 Frame for mounting the force-measuring system of transducer, kN, and
the plate loading apparatus. Fmax = maximum load required for the plate-loading test, kN
A1.3.1.2 Class 2 reference compressive force transducer (Loading Stage No. 8 according to Table A1.1).
including a measurement amplifier.
A1.3.1.3 Apparatus as in 6.3.1, 6.3.7, and 6.3.8. A1.4.1.4 The limit of error of the force-measuring system
(that is, 1 % of the maximum load in the plate load test in
A1.3.2 Settlement-Measuring Device—The following is re- accordance with 6.3.8.1) shall not be exceeded.
quired for calibration of the settlement-measuring device as in
A1.4.1.5 If the difference between the reading on the
6.3.9:
force-measuring system, Fi, and the reading on the reference
A1.3.2.1 Micrometer or gauge blocks with nominal lengths
from 1 mm to 15 mm. gauge, F, exceeds Fmax by more than 1 % for the loading
A1.3.2.2 Surface suitable to receive calibration equipment. cycles and by more than 2 % for the unloading cycle in the
A1.3.2.3 The complete settlement-measuring device. plate loading test, the force-measuring system of the plate
loading apparatus shall be adjusted in accordance with the
A1.4 Calibration and Functional Test manufacturer’s instructions and the calibration repeated.
A1.4.1 Force-Measuring System: A1.4.1.6 The zero error shall not exceed 0.2 % of Fmax
A1.4.1.1 The force-measuring system of the plate loading 1 min after the load has been completely removed.
apparatus and reference compressive force transducer for A1.4.2 Settlement-Measuring Device:
calibration purposes shall be mounted centrally in the frame
and subjected to a preload corresponding to a normal stress A1.4.2.1 The contact arm assembly of the plate loading
below the plate of 0.01 MPa or 0.001 MPa (first loading stage, device shall be placed on a firm, even, horizontal surface and
Table A1.1). The load shall be applied using the loading system the dial gauge or displacement transducer mounted into the
of the plate loading apparatus requiring calibration. contact arm.
A1.4.1.2 For calibrating the force-measuring system and A1.4.2.2 For calibration, three different zero settings of the
checking the correct functioning of the loading system, two settlement-measuring device shall be carried out, and one
loading cycles and one unloading cycle shall be carried out. series of measurements shall be taken for each zero setting.
The load increments shall be selected as a function of the plate Each series shall comprise at least five measurements (begin-
diameter (see Table A1.1). Each increase/decrease in load from ning at the maximum calibration range). They shall be taken at

TABLE A1.1 Loading Stages as a Function of the Loading Plate Diameter

Diameters of Loading Plates
Loading Stage 300 mm 600 mm 762 mm
Number Load, F Normal Stress, a0 Load, F Normal Stress, a0 Load, F Normal Stress, a0
kN MPa kN MPa kN MPa
1 0.71 0.010 0.28 0.001 0.46 0.001
2 5.65 0.080 5.65 0.020 4.56 0.010
3 11.31 0.160 11.31 0.040 9.12 0.020
4 16.96 0.240 22.62 0.080 18.24 0.040
5 22.62 0.320 33.93 0.120 36.48 0.080
6 28.27 0.400 45.24 0.160 54.72 0.120
7 31.81 0.450 56.55 0.200 72.96 0.160
8 35.34 0.500 70.69 0.250 91.21 0.200

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 D1196/D1196M − 21
approximately equal intervals along the measuring range of the A1.5.1.1 Applicant.
settlement-measuring device and cover the ranges up to 10 mm A1.5.1.2 Manufacturer of apparatus.
and up to 15 mm. A1.5.1.3 Type of apparatus.
A1.4.2.3 The travelling distance for the calibration of the A1.5.1.4 Apparatus identification number.
sensing device shall be 0.5 mm.
A1.4.2.4 The readings of the settlement-measuring device A1.5.1.5 Year of manufacture.
for each of the three-measurement series shall be recorded in A1.5.1.6 Ambient temperature during calibration.
the calibration report. A1.5.1.7 Date of calibration.
A1.4.2.5 Calibration shall be carried out at an ambient A1.5.1.8 Name of calibration body and person(s) respon-
temperature between 10 °C and 35 °C. The ambient tempera- sible for calibration.
ture at which the calibration is carried out shall be recorded. A1.5.1.9 Reference instruments used, with traceability cer-
A1.4.2.6 If one of the values indicated by the settlement- tificates.
measuring device differs from the micrometer reading or the A1.5.1.10 General condition of plate loading apparatus on
nominal value of the gauge block by more than 0.04 mm, the delivery.
settlement-measuring device of the plate loading apparatus
A1.5.1.11 Deviations of loading plate and contact arm
shall be adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer’s in-
dimensions from specified dimensions.
structions and the calibration repeated.
A1.4.2.7 When using plate loading apparatus with a A1.5.1.12 Information on the lever ratio of the settlement-
settlement-measuring device based on the “weigh beam measuring device.
principle,” the lever ratio hp:hM shall be taken into account. A1.5.1.13 Deviations of the actual readings on the force-
measuring device from the target values, in %.
A1.5 Calibration Report Contents A1.5.1.14 Deviations of the actual readings on the
A1.5.1 The calibration report shall include the following settlement-measuring device from the target values, in mm.
information: A1.5.1.15 Calibration results (test result).

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