Evaluation of Load-Settlement Probe Mechanisms: A Review

Abstract

Review of studies on mechanisms of load-settlement study was carried out along the line of laboratory, semilaboratory and field in-situ bearing capacity probes. It was observed that the loading mechanisms differ from direct load to indirect load application through lever arm to jack/reaction frames. Application of loading through jack was observed to be the most common, but and can only apply and sustain constant loading for short period of time, which do not allowed enough time for consolidation settlement in cases of soil bases of clayey nature. Although, field load bearing tests still stand as the most reliable method of estimating bearing capacity and settlement for shallow foundations, but the current mechanisms use heavy duty jack/reaction frames to apply load, which only sustains the loadings for short period of time. This will not allow pore pressure dissipation in saturated clay soils and can therefore, not be used in saturated clay deposits.