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

The plate load test essentially consists in loading a rigid plate at the foundation level, and determining the corresponding to each load increment.

For simple spread footing on clayey soils, the allowable pressure should be such that the differential settlement does not exceed 1/300.

The bearing plate used varies in size from 300 to 750 mm with a chequered or grooved bottom.

The effect of settlement upon the structure depends on its magnitude, the length of the time over which it takes place, its magnitude and the nature of the structure itself.

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

The recommendation of American code are based upon that if the maximum total settlement is kept within a reasonable limit, the differential settlement will only be a fraction depending upon the type of structure and pattern of loading.

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

The analytical methods for the determination of bearing capacity of footings are based essentially on shear failure.

It is suggested that allowable pressure should be selected such that maximum settlement of any individual foundation is 25 mm.