Bearing Capacity of Soil MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

In a plate load test, the size of the square bearing plate is 300 mm to 750 mm.

Step-by-step solution

1. The plate load test uses a steel bearing plate at foundation level. 2. Standard square plates range from 300 mm to 750 mm in size. 3. The test pit width is kept at about 5 times the plate width. 4. So the answer is 300 to 750 mm.

Explanation

Steel plates of 300 mm to 750 mm size are used in the plate load test. A small plate is used for stiff soils and a larger plate for soft soils. The test gives bearing capacity and settlement.

Why the other options are wrong

A, B and C: These ranges are too small. A plate under 300 mm does not represent the foundation well.

Shortcut

Remember 300 to 750 mm, and pit width = 5B.

Common mistake

Mixing up plate size with the pit width or the plate thickness.