The allowable maximum settlement for warehouse type of structure is 50 mm.

The loading to the test plate may be applied with the help of a hydraulic jack. The reaction of the hydraulic jack may be borne by either any of gravity loading methodor reaction truss method.

The bearing plate is either circular or square, made of mild steel of not less than 25 mm in thickness.

The rate of settlement is defined as the slope or the relative settlement between two points divided by the horizontal distance.

According to National Building Code of India (SP: 7-1970) the differential settlement shall be kept within limits to which the super-structure can accommodate itself without the distortion, by suitably designing the foundation.

The settlement of the plate is measured with the help of sensitive dial gauges. For square plate, two dial gauges are used. The dial gauges are mounted on independently supported datum bar.

Plate load test is a field test to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil, and the probable settlement under a given loading.

For clayey and silty soils and for loose medium dense sandy soils with N < 15, a 450 mm square plate or concrete block shall be used.

The use of reaction truss is more popular now-a-days since this is simple, quick and less clumsy.

A minimum seating pressure of 70 g/cm2 (0.7 t/m2), shall be applied and removed before starting the load test.