Work Item
ASTM WK91344
New Test Method for Bearing Capacity of Soil for Static Load and Spread Footings
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers estimation of the bearing capacity of soil in place by means of field loading tests. This test
method can be used as part of a procedure for soil investigation for foundation design. It gives information on the soil only to a depth equal to about two diameters of the bearing plate, and takes into account only part of the effect of time.
Keywords
bearing capacity; bearing plate; deflection; settlement, ground improvement test, quality control
Rationale
D1194 was withdrawn in 2003. The standard is still referenced in industry. The origin of the test method is documented from the first half the 20th century, and it had a positive impact in applications related to geotechnical design of shallow foundations. The test method would have met economic competition from in-situ tests such as the SPT and CPT test. The would has been criticized for being misleading in attempting to use the result, obtained from a small diameter plate, as a prototype for a much larger foundation. The criticism here is that the result should not be scaled up to practical applications. Some other technical criticism, such as the role of capillary action, has also been cited to contest the results. The new standard will be adapted to use a larger diameter plate to address concerns about the application of scalability. The test standard will remain of use to geotechnical engineers. The test will have applications at projects where ground improvement has taken place, and where results from conventional in-situ tests are contested.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 06-22-2024
Technical Contact: John Touma