Question

In a plate load test, the minimum ratio of widths of pit to plate to be maintained is .........

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 5
• D. 6

Hint:

Always refer to IS codes for standard testing procedures and recommended practices in geotechnical investigations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The plate load test is conducted to determine the bearing capacity and settlement characteristics of soil at a specific location.
For accurate results, it is essential that the stress distribution beneath the plate is not influenced by the boundaries of the pit.
To avoid such boundary effects, a minimum ratio of the width of the pit to the diameter of the plate must be maintained.
According to IS 1888:1982, this minimum ratio is specified as 5.
This ensures that the load applied through the plate does not affect the side walls of the pit and that the test simulates field conditions effectively.
If this ratio is smaller, it may lead to misleading results due to stress reflection from the pit boundaries.
Hence, the minimum ratio of pit width to plate width to be maintained is \( \boxed{5} \).