Plate Bearing Test
Product Code : LSK-SM-10658
Plate Bearing Test (SKU LSK-SM-10658) equipment loads a steel plate on the ground with a hydraulic jack and records settlement, to estimate the bearing capacity of shallow foundations and to design flexible pavements. Highway and geotechnical departments, polytechnics and TVET road construction courses use it for site practicals. From its base in Ambala, India, Science Lab Supplies delivers the set to institutes and colleges and prepares quotations for tender contractors and distributors.
Specifications
A 0–500 kN hydraulic jack with fixed pumping unit, graduated in 0.5 kN, pushes on 25 mm thick mild steel plates through a ball and socket seat and flanged columns. Settlement is read by four dial gauges on a 5 m bridge support, bearing on extension rods that stand on magnetic bases.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | LSK-SM-10658 |
| Hydraulic jack | 0–500 kN x 0.5 kN, fixed pumping unit, pressure gauge, 5 m flexible metal pipe |
| Bearing plates | Plain M.S. 60 x 60, 45 x 45 and 30 x 30 cm, 25 mm thick |
| Columns | 2 x 15 cm dia x 25 cm, 1 x 15 cm x 50 cm, flanged, with bolts and nuts |
| Bridge support | Welded steel angle, 5 m span, about 30 cm high, two quick-release clamps, dial bracket |
| Settlement measurement | 4 dial gauges 0.01 x 25 mm; 16 extension rods 12 mm x 25 cm; 4 magnetic bases; 4 top end plates 50 mm |
| Supplied by | Science Lab Supplies, Ambala, India |
Applications and Experiments for the Plate Bearing Test
The set is used for plate load tests: the plate is loaded in increments and settlement is recorded until the bearing capacity or modulus of subgrade reaction can be worked out. It supports foundation engineering and pavement design practicals in degree, diploma and TVET civil engineering courses.
- B.E./B.Tech civil engineering: plate load test for bearing capacity of shallow foundations.
- Highway engineering practicals: modulus of subgrade reaction for pavement design.
- Diploma and TVET civil engineering: field load testing of soil and pavement layers.
Standard Scope of Supply
The set includes the jack with pumping unit, pressure gauge and 5 m pipe, three plain plates, three flanged columns, the ball and socket seat, the bridge support, four dial gauges, 16 extension rods, four magnetic bases and four top end plates. Plain 50 and 75 cm plates, grooved plates and a 1 m rubber pipe are listed as accessories.
Packing, MOQ and Lead Time
Quotations can cover one complete set or several for field teams and state the packing, delivery time and price for that quantity. Accessory plates and field CBR or density equipment can be added to it.
Holding an Importer-Exporter Code, Science Lab Supplies is a registered exporter that can ship to buyers in Nepal, Bangladesh, Zambia, Rwanda, South Africa and Qatar. Start your enquiry on the contact page, gather items in the enquiry cart, or check the lab tender page for tendered purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plate sizes come with the Plate Bearing Test?
Plain mild steel plates of 30 x 30, 45 x 45 and 60 x 60 cm, each 25 mm thick. Plain 50 and 75 cm plates and grooved plates from 30 to 75 cm are available as accessories.
What reaction load is needed?
The jack pushes against a heavy reaction, such as a loaded vehicle or kentledge, arranged at the test site and not part of the set. Keep people clear of the loading column while it is under pressure.
Who supplies the Plate Bearing Test?
Science Lab Supplies, a TVET lab equipment supplier in Ambala, India, supplies the set and itemises each plate, column and gauge on the quotation.
Related Field Testing Equipment
A plate load test is usually run alongside density and CBR checks on the same ground. These four items from the Soil Mechanics range complete a field testing kit for foundation and pavement work and can be quoted with the plate bearing set.
- Field CBR Equipment — in-situ CBR of subgrade.
- Sand Replacement Equipment — field density of compacted layers.
- Core Cutter — field density of cohesive soils.
- Cone Apparatus — density of gravels and coarse soils.
Browse the full Soil Mechanics range or all TVET lab equipment.
Last updated: 25 September 2026
