The Plate Load Bearing Test is a field method used to assess the load-bearing capacity and deformation behaviour of subgrade soils, pavement layers, and prepared fill. It applies incremental loads to a steel plate placed on the ground surface and measures the resulting settlement at each load increment. This provides engineers with a direct measure of subgrade stiffness and bearing capacity for foundation design, pavement assessment, and earthworks acceptance. Western Geotechnical Laboratory Services (WGLS) provides Plate Load Bearing testing to ASTM D1196, reported as deformation over load. Our experienced field team operates across metropolitan Perth and regional Western Australia, delivering reliable results to support project quality assurance and engineering design.
