Dr. Celso Gontijo
Chairman of the Board
Former president of ABMS (Brazilian Association for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering)
70 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1404864105
Foundation testing
Plate Load Testing
The Plate Bearing Test, also known as a static load test on plate, is a geotechnical test used to evaluate the bearing capacity and deformability of surface soils and pavement base layers.
Widely applied in shallow foundation sizing and compaction control for embankments and pavements, the method provides high-reliability data, ensuring greater safety, technical compliance, and cost optimization in project execution.
Request a Quote- +35,000
- tests performed
- +60
- years of expertise
- Worldwide
- mobilization
- Standards
- ASTM, ABNT, and NBR
What it is
Plate Load Testing
Versatility is one of the main advantages of the plate bearing test, widely used in sizing shallow foundations such as footings and blocks, providing reliable data on soil load capacity.
In highway engineering, the method also determines the modulus of subgrade reaction (k), an essential parameter for pavement design and quality control of embankments and pavement layers.
Plate load testing is also widely used for industrial floors and concrete slabs subject to high operational loads.
The main result is the stress versus settlement curve (load versus displacement), providing essential geotechnical parameters for design verification and dimensioning.
How we perform
Test steps
- 1
Area preparation
Excavation to design level and surface leveling to ensure full contact between the rigid plate and the soil.
- 2
Reaction system assembly
Assembly of the reaction beam (with ballast box or tiebacks) and the hydraulic jack over the metal plate.
- 3
Load stage application
Incremental load application on the plate in controlled stages, according to NBR 6489 / ASTM D1194.
- 4
Settlement monitoring
Reading of vertical plate displacements by dial gauges/LVDTs at each load stage.
- 5
Results analysis
Interpretation of the stress x settlement curve to determine allowable stress and soil behavior.
Sectors we serve
Main applications
Real estate
Mining
Energy
Industrial
Infrastructure
Sanitation
Logistics
Oil and gas
Agribusiness
Delivered results
Your report includes
Surface soil bearing capacity
Vertical soil reaction coefficient (Modulus of subgrade reaction k)
Settlement estimation for shallow foundations
Excellence built by the largest technical team in the sector
A team of highly qualified engineers and specialists, prepared to develop safe and efficient solutions for the most diverse geotechnical challenges.
José Hermes
Geotechnical civil engineer
Board member of CREA-MG (regional engineering regulatory body in Brazil)
40 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1405047593
Alexandre Gontijo
Technical Director
Geotechnical civil engineer
30 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1404815503
Rodrigo Gontijo
Executive Director
Geotechnical civil engineer
26 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1416959840
Maria T. Mota
Geotechnical civil engineer
11 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1417059923
Diogo Bechler
Geotechnical civil engineer
10 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1416378065
Filipe Almeida
Business and Operations Manager
Geotechnical civil engineer
3 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA - 1423584910
Tatiana Baptista
Commercial Manager
Geotechnical civil engineer
9 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
Marlon Nocci
Geotechnical civil engineer
5 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1420099566
Samuel Werner
Geotechnical civil engineer
6 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1423765745
Aline Nonato
Geotechnical civil engineer
6 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1421107996
Paulo Ricardo Parreiras
Geotechnical civil engineer
7 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1418234362
Tiago Fernandes
Geotechnical civil engineer
2 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1422269183
Amanda Bastos
Geotechnical civil engineer
1 year of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1423530080
Danilo Milard
Geotechnical civil engineer
6 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1422452557
Amanda Nava
Geotechnical civil engineer
3 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1421602407
Ana Flávia Castro
Geotechnical civil engineer
2 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
CREA/CONFEA 1422908925
Victória Corcini
Geotechnical civil engineer
2 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
Pedro Neves
Geotechnical civil engineer
2 years of experience in geotechnical engineering
Sabrina Mendes
Geotechnical civil engineer
1 year of experience in geotechnical engineering
Why choose Geoteste
Differentiators that generate trust
We are the largest structure dedicated to foundation quality control: the sector's largest technical team and over 60 years of Grupo Gontijo's tradition in each test.
Worldwide Coverage
Mobilization of our teams and equipment for projects worldwide.
In-house equipment
Cutting-edge technology and rigorous maintenance.
Largest technical team in the sector
Dedicated geotechnical civil engineers, from planning to report.
+60 years of tradition
The experience of Grupo Gontijo (since 1965) applied to each test.
Consulting engineering
Customized technical solutions.
Reports with professional accountability
ART and compliance with technical standards.
Your foundation cannot
depend on assumptions.
Rely on those who understand the subject.
Talk to a specialist now and request a customized technical proposal for your project.
Talk to an engineer- (11) 93739-0005
- comercial@geoteste.com
- Worldwide Coverage